Looking to buy my FIRST shortboard

[tilem]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy my first shortboard but I need some suggestions. I don't really mind buying a used board. I've been longboarding for a while now, but I'd like to change to a shortboard. Was thinking something like 6'0-6'6.

I live in Quebec, Canada, so when I surf it's either in Maine or Costa/Nicaragua...

I'm about 5'9 and 160lbs.

Hope you can help me!
Thanks

[peazz]

Why dont you look at getting yourself high volume shortboard?

this is coming from someone who learned on a 6"3 superfish 2 (shorty/fish hybrid) Its got plenty of volume (35l) is not to wide so you get used to having a more narrow board and catchs anything u throw at it.

I have just bought a 5"9 JS Evolution (im 5"5) and its taken me over 3 weeks of intense paddling ( in aussie waves ) to even get into shape to ride it and im still struggling with my pop up. What you need to realise is its 100% different to a longboard, You dont have any leverage for your feet to pop up and they are alot less stable, Unless you are in tip top shape and can surf 4 times a week, I suspect you will struggle for a long time.

EDIT: Try to do a pop up on land, without using your feet or toes

Look at a fish type step up board, or even just renting a short board to see how you get on, I'll leave the recommendations down to the more experienced surfers on the forum, but thats just my experience.

[dtc]

I agree with peazz. Unless you are able to surf frequently - which in Quebec I'm assuming you can't - jumping from a longboard to a 6ft6 shortboard is just going to be frustrating for a long time. You are much better off making the jump in two steps (or, indeed, you may discover that the first step is all you need). So first moving down to something like a 6ft10 - 7ft4 fish/funboard (or even mini mal) then moving onto a shorter board if you still want to. At 160lb probably something at the lower end of that length range. There are heaps of options available - just to get you started have a look at the Firewire range (Dominator, Addvance) and then look for similar style/shapes; or the XL Superfish

What is the length of your current board?

[peazz]

Im not doing bad for only 6 months surfing!

EDIT: Try and get your hands on a 6"6 - 6"8 7s superfish, Give it a go and see how you get on, they are really boyant board and will get you in shape..

The other option you have is renting a really wide retro fish!, while not long the extra width makes up for it and produces a really loose shorty feel

[tilem]

Thanks for the advices guys! I also tried a few times a 6'10 and a 5'4 or around and I could get up a few times. I'm not in perfect shape but still real good.

The Firewire Dominator maybe 6'6-6'8 looks like a good choice but it's made of epoxy right? I was more looking for a polyester board, but I don't know.. Is there something similar with the same kind of volume but in polyester? Or should I really go with an epoxy board?

[dtc]

Pu = polyurethane (not polyester! thats what old people wear).

You will find that most major manufacturers make epoxy boards because they can be machine made much more easily and hence can be made in bulk and quickly; on the other hand most small shapers make PU boards because they can be made by hand without the need for any major machinery.

So if you want a PU board, look for a smaller shaper. Doesnt have to be a custom build 'one on one' individually designed purchase (although I recommend it); just a smaller factory. Many shapers will have an online presence and detail what boards they make; you just need to find one that makes a 'funboard' or 'hybrid' board and who will deliver. There will be plenty of choices available to you.

Or maybe one in Maine or wherever you are next travelling and pick it up there- for example, keeping in mind this was just the first link that popped up when I googled 'surfboard Maine' and I know absolutely nothing about the maker or the pricing

http://www.mcdermottshapes.com/blizzard

Dont be worried about buying from a shaper because you arent an expert or whatever. They are there to make boards and to help you; its no different to going to a hardware shop and chatting about what drill to buy or a bike shop and asking what bike to buy. Plus you get to pick your own paint job, which is fun.

There is nothing wrong with an epoxy board; Firewire (for example) is far removed from the old cheap pop out boards that originally gave epoxy such a bad name. Those cheap ones are still around and meet a particular market; but there are better quality ones around that should be fine for most surfers (like the 7S fish paezz suggested)

[peazz]

Only thing i will say about my 7s DTC, is the glass is terrible, its thin and already after just 4 months there is so many pressure dings in the top.

None the less, they are really amazing boards, super fun and SUPER SUPER SUPER FAST as a quad

[tilem]

Sorry, my mistake haha. I would prefer buying a used board, so I guess it's gonna be harder to find a used board from a small shaper. But if we look a Lost surfboard or Rusty, I guess I could find something for my range in their line ? And it's gonna be easier to find a used one.

I looked fast for a used Dominator, but didn't find one. And I think they're kind of expensive, new.

Do you have something to suggest me in Pu and that would be easier to find used ?

Thanks

[dtc]

I think its going to be hard to suggest something specific in PU because there arent many boards that are mass made. I couldnt seen anything very suitable in the the Rusty or Lost board ranges, they were all too small.

I think you perhaps need to identify the style of board you want - hybrid, funboard, fish - the length (say 6ft10 or so) and then spend time checking out the second hand ads and surf shops. There are plenty of boards made that suit the category, you just have to track one down (which might take a while). It might be from a shaper you have never heard of but you just have to take the chance.

Apart from Firewire, who have several suitable models, Al Merrick make a few that might suit - perhaps

http://www.cisurfboards.com/surfboards/the-waterhog/

http://www.cisurfboards.com/surfboards/the-flyer-i/ (if you get a large one)

But, as said, watch the second hand market and just keep looking for something the right shape and size, rather than a specific model.

[IB_Surfer]

I live in Quebec, Canada, so when I surf it's either in Maine or Costa/Nicaragua...

What a predicament LOL.

At 160 lbs it depends more on your ability. Kelly weighs 160lbs and surf a 5'8 shortboard. Since you are not up to his ability I would stick to something much bigger. That said, since you are on a budget and want PU and don't know what to buy, I am going to go with an beg/intermediate suggestion: 6'4 x 19 1/4 x 2 3/8. I am, of course guessing, but based on your weight and the fact that you are not sure I am going with that.

Suggestion: go rent one, for $20 you can try one. If it seems too big it is, too small same thing, it will at least lead you in the right direction. If you lived in San Diego I would let you try one of mine.

[pico_train]

Awailles-don Tilem. 'T'sais qu'un p'etit board va te frustrer en calice. Prends -toi un funboard. T''auras plus de bonnes vagues. Ben voyons donc!!! Pis au Nicaragua tu poigneras plus de vagues pis t'auras plus de stoke pour moins d'effort. Pis un plus gros board c'est pas quetaine, pas en toutes!

[Lebowski]

Pu = polyurethane (not polyester! thats what old people wear).

Technically, when you refer to an 'epoxy' board, you're talking about the epoxy resin that it's made with. The foam type on these boards is generally EPS.

Polyester is the type of resin commonly used with PU core boards. So the OP was correct really to refer to them as polyester boards (although most people say PU vs epoxy, but that's not like for like)

[Lebowski]

Didn't mean that in a t**tish way incidentally!

[anafvoliveira]

Hey guys I have a McTravish Fireball 9"1 and I was looking for a shorter board now, any suggestions?

[g_hardy34]

Everyone has a different learning curve so it's hard to say but I'd stick with something longer. I jumped from longboarding straight to a 6'6" Al Merrick and was able to stand up (not consistently) after only 3 trips out. It all depends on how often you are going to be able to get out there. I still am not very good but can stand up and ride pretty well after only a month and a half out there. Dont go any shorter than 6'4" to 6'6". My buddy has a 7'2" Becker hybrid that does wonders for learning and is a great board since you can catch almost anything even if its mushy or chopped out

[dtc]

Time for the inquisition- As g hardy says, there is no single answer, so if you let us know the following we can help perhaps - but probably will end up recommending something like a 7ft2 - 7ft4 like suggested.

1. age, height and weight
2. skill level, where you surf and frequency of surfing
3. what do you want from your new board.

No 3 is the key question but its not as simple as it might appear. Lots of people say 'easier to turn', but then you ask 'well, do you surf much? Are you paddle fit? Do you still need some stability in your board? Do you have any chronic injuries that need to be considered? Do you surf beach or point breaks? Do you want your new board to 'work' for you from day 1 or are you willing to flail about again like a beginner for 20 or 30 sessions? Is catching more waves in a session more important do you than catching 2 or 3 but doing a lot of manouveres on them?

[peazz]

Point number 3 is essential to be answered correctly. I bought a shortboard only 3 inches taller then myself after 6 months of surfing and only just enough volume (25l).

It took me roughly 3-4 weeks to consistently catch waves, I bet the life guards at bondi had a cracking laugh watching me flail xD

[Big_mac321]

If your looking for a first time shortboard I would definitely recommend a firewire dominator, size wise you'd be looking at something around a 6'8 wouldn't recommend getting anything below a 6'6. The Dominator's are very generous with volume for ease of paddling and stability but are also incredibly maneuverable I myself had a 6'8 dominator as my first time shortboard coming off a mal, and it was the perfect step down board.
The FST tech they come in is really light and strong aswell, they can take a fair amount of punishment...allot more than your ding magnet PU'S that's for sure!

found these guys on the web for you. They give allot more details about the board than I can!, they even have a youtube review on it at the bottom for you to indulge in.

http://www.secretspot.co.uk/surfboards/ ... 18537.aspx

[surf patrol]

found these guys on the web for you. They give allot more details about the board than I can!, they even have a youtube review on it at the bottom for you to indulge in.

Aren't you posting on their behalf?

[Big_mac321]

Just helping someone out,
I Can't really explain it as well as they do! alternatively Nev from firewire gives a clearer review on the board

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFw73mPHwOI

dominator was my first shortboard after my mini mal and I personally wish I still had it!,
at the end of the day its just advice,
choice of the board is up to the buyer, Just thought he might want a second opinion on the Dominator

ps I'd also recommend getting a first shortboard second hand, as you probably won't be using it for much longer than a year before you want to move onto a more performance based shortboard. If your struggling to find a Dom second hand then maybe try for a sevens superfish like peazz said, there good step down boards as well, I personally haven't had one but i've heard some great things about them. I think you can get them in different tech's as well so it might be worth having a look for an Epoxy on second hand

good luck with you choice!