Having Trouble Picking Board

[toxic]

Hello guys,

I have been looking to buy a new surfboard, to start surfing again on the holidays coming up.
There is a store close to me that has 2 second hand boards both for $200.
Boards:
1. Shortboard - 6.1 with removable fins was a few inches smaller then the second board
2. Shorboard - 6.2 with attached fins (unremovable) width was 18 inch
I am male at 5'9 and around 60kg with a fairly high fitness level with beginner surfing experience (knowing how to get up and riding the wave)
Waves are around 2ft-3ft.
Just wondering if these boards are any good for me and i should try look somewhere else for a board or which of the boards would better suit me.

Would appreciate any help as soon as possible.

[Big H]

Neither is good for you.
Both are too small; the glass on fin board probably is an older board and would have even less foam distribution than an 18" wide current model toothpick.

[toxic]

What board would you recommend? (like the size and width etc)

[Big H]

You haven't said enough....age, frequency of surfing, how long you have surfed, how much you will surf, where you will surf....If you have a beginners competency level you should have an idea, however small, about a board....in your surfing experience past, what kind of board did you have and how easy / hard was it for you to paddle around, catch waves, handle in the water? How will you transport your board? I can say with confidence that an 18" wide board isn't for you, but a lot of factors will help to better determine what IS best for you.....generally speaking bigger is easier. 18" wide board at your size would be for good surf around here, powerful waves where narrow outlines will help to control the power of the wave and are quicker rail to rail.... 6ft+ faces minimum and hollow...you aren't there yet. Wider, fatter and longer than what you suggested for a start....throw up some additional info and I'm sure the boyz will have some suggestions.

[toxic]

17 surfed a year ago did 5 lessons and surfed for a couple of week then stopped. Haven't surfed yet but wanting to get back into it. As soon as i get a board i will surf everyday, in areas around Perth. For the lessons i used a long board 7'4 i am pretty sure but then got a foam short board. both were relatively easy to paddle and get a waves. For transport i used to catch the bus down to the beach, but will be getting my P's soon so i will drive myself. I would be willing to practice and surf everyday but just looking to find the best board possible for my experience.

[oldgrom22]

If you got on ok with the 7'4 during your lessons I'd stick to something at least that big, you didn't mention your size, so i'm assuming you're small enough so that a board that size floats you like a longboard. Have a read through the forum from other beginners and look up some youtube vids on beginning surfing as well so you can build on your surf knowledge. With a bit of research you can find out what type/size of board could suit your needs(at this stage a HP shortboard will not be one of them). Not sure if it's a surf shop where you saw the 2 boards, but if it is, have a talk with them there and they'll be able to point you in the right direction(be honest when telling them about your skill level).

[toxic]

I am 5'9 watched a few videos and read forums it seems most people begin with mini mals, long boards or hybrids. Most store dont have these in 2nd hand which is my max budget. i asked the people at the store which board would suit me cause i am a beginner who knows how to paddle and get on the board, but they said i should be fine with it. I dont know if they are just trying to get rid of the board or dont have a clue what they are talking about. (both boards were from this same surf shop)

[Big H]

...it seems most people begin with mini mals, long boards or hybrids. Most store dont have these in 2nd hand which is my max budget. i asked the people at the store which board would suit me cause i am a beginner who knows how to paddle and get on the board, but they said i should be fine with it. I dont know if they are just trying to get rid of the board or dont have a clue what they are talking about. (both boards were from this same surf shop)

You're on the right track...bigger boards will make learning more fun and speed the process as compared to trying to learn on something too small.

You are probably also right about the store on both points; regardless, those boards aren't for you. Start to prowl Craig'slist and used racks at surf shops and any other secondhand market resource; i'm sure something suitable will turn up and just be patient until it does; pulling the trigger on a board too small will end in frustration; surfing is hard enough. Good luck!

[toxic]

thanks for responding guys i really appreciate them. If u have any more advice or tips for me feel free to comment.

[Blackvans1234]

As someone who made the mistake of buying the ''cheaper'' board to learn on, I can say bigger is better. I weigh more than you (and am older), but Ive seen a younger, skinnier guy at my local place having a hard time on a smaller board.