Circle One & Natural Rhythm boards

[Cove]

Afternoon,

I'm new here but looking at buying my first board. I'm 36, reasonably fit, 11 stone (so approx 70kg) surfing Scarborough every few weeks (2-3 foot, often messy). So far I've hired an 8ft foamy (probably for too long) & feel ready to progress.

From looking at the great advice already on this board, I'm looking for 7'6 (maybe up to 7'10), 21.75+ & 2.75+. I thought a squash tail might be a good idea too.

I'm wanting to get something better than Bic or Cortez & preferably epoxy. For a long time I assumed I would get an Nsp but currently looking at boards by Circle One & Natural Rhythm & wondered what experience surfers on here have had of those makes?

Basically I'm after good wavecount but starting to properly turn & for it to be good to chest/head high if possible (& more about getting better than looking good).

[kitesurfer]

Hi Cove and congratulations on making some sensible first board decisions. Far too often we get people on here saying "I'm great at skateboarding/snowboarding, will a 6ft x 2 1/8th x 17 1/2 al merrick be good for my first board as I don't want to waste money on getting a longer board first that i'll sell once I can rip after two more weeks.
Back to point though. All I can say is I have a 6ft1 circle one directional kite waveboard. In other words a 6ft1 surfboard. I have given it soooo much abuse in the 3 years that ive had it and its still going strong. Its a good all round board for both kiting and surfing and its well built but not heavy. Looking a bit tired now and ive had to do one fin repair but that is not unusual on surfboard that are used for kiting due to the extra side loading they tend to get.
Your choice of board size is about right. No experience of natural rhythm boards though.

KS

[Cove]

Thanks KS.

[waikikikichan]

since you said you look at NSP boards, you probably saw the 7'6" and 7'10" Fun boards. I had the 7'10 and the shop I worked at rented the 7'6" a lot. My 6'4" NSP has been going strong for over 8 years. That said, take a look at the 7'4" Fish. Normally I don't recommend fish/swallow tails to beginners because they get damaged so easily, but not on these boards. I think the extra width of the Fish will help you in the 2 foot slop versus the thicker Funshape with the rounded pin tail.

what is the final landed price of Circle One compared to NSP where you live ?

[Cove]

Thanks for the message Waikikikichan,

Circle one online £250. Nsp £375ish. Wouldnt rule out nsp 2ndhand but 7'6 nsps tend to keep their value so no real bargains to be had.
If getting a new board, would prefer to buy through a proper surf shop though to support shops in my spots even at a slight premium. I was worried as a circle one = Cortez in price & some people on this board have slated the Cortez build quality. As I understand it, nsp have multiple layers of epoxy hence are solid, cheaper boards will have fewer layers of epoxy therefore strong but not as strong as nsp. I'll take a look at the fish but the nsp funboard tail just looks a little narrow at first glance.

Thing is, I like the look of the Natural Rhythm Bomber but can't find anything about the brand anywhere online.

A friend of mine has a Magic Carpet too so that's on my radar as well.

[waikikikichan]

Cortez 7'6" minimal looks nice and wide up front. tails okay. The natural rhythm bomber 7'6 looks like most other pop-outs. Can you confirm where those are made ? Maybe in China for the low price.

You said you think the tail on the 7'4" Fish might be too narrow. Maybe at the very tips. But measure up 12 inches ( or look ) and you'll see the double step down stingers. It has a very wide hip for stability and float but it's more flickable with the swallow versus a round pin. Something you said you wanted to start doing.

[Cove]

Afternoon,

It was the nsp funboard/mini mal that I thought had the thinnish tail. I think I need to rent a few different types of boards including a fish before buying as that'll help me get the right option for me first time.

I think the Cortez looks the part but on another part of this message board someone had the fins falling out of a new one so sounds like the build quality might not be very good.

Also since my first post I have since found that Natural Rhythm is a Newquay-based brand. I expect they are Chinese-made but will try & find out a bit more.