Surfing Waves

Is this a good beginner board?
It's on Craigslist for $200

No, for all the reasons posted to your other post. Too short,not enough volume for beginner. Go back and reread our replies and read all the other advise on boards for beginners.

ed090280 wrote:Is this a good beginner board?
It's on Craigslist for $200

No, it's for more advanced surfers that can already catch waves and turn.
No, it's too short. Beginners should learn on a board 2+ feet over their head. ( are you 4'3" ? well in that case YES )
No, it has too much rocker ( curvature from nose to tail on the bottom ). Will be harder for you to paddle and balance.
No, the nose is too pointy. You'll want a fuller nose to again help with floatation and stability.
YES, if you don't mind listing it on Craigslist like the seller you bought it from who ALSO thought he could learn on a shorter board. Make sure you don't ding it on the rocks or have to get rescued, then you might be able to recoup the $200.

ed090280 wrote: a little out of my price range but I don't want to get frustrated too soon. this new board is modern blackfish 9.1 f.

So have you "mastered" the 9'1" in such a short time ? You're already "frustrated" with longer boards and want to get a board in the 6 foot range ? If so maybe you're ready for it, but then you're not a beginner.

Damnn! I feel I just got scolded, but thank you for your honest response. I think I'm getting ahead of my self, I'm riding a bic 7.9 surfboard i bought, i wasn't able to get the 9.1 I was thinking the guy sold it quickly. I'm able to catch some blue waves sometimes but still don't know to turn well, it just the board is heavy and not easy to carry.

Before you go to a board like the 6.3 you need to be able to catch unbroken waves that you are reasonably in position for 95% of the time you paddle for them, and you need to learn what "reasonably in position" means and be able to find that location on your own in a reasonable amount of time (missing one set at most). The reason I say this is because a longer board is more forgiving in many ways.....one of them is in how early you can catch the wave....your margin of error for positioning to catch a wave gets smaller as the board gets smaller; a bigger board you can be less precise and still catch the wave, this is true without factoring in the increased paddling ability of the longer board as well which will additionally allow you to expand your range and ability. If you admittedly can't turn, that 6.3 is definitely not for you since a board like that will catch rails and bog out unless you can turn in balance and stay with the power of the wave.....a bigger board will be easier to learn how to turn while maintaining balance and drive and will float you through spots where you zigged when you should have zagged and you'll be able to continue on the wave rather than bogging out and having to start again.

ed090280 wrote:I'm able to catch some blue waves sometimes but still don't know to turn well, it just the board is heavy and not easy to carry.

Well then get that light and portable 6'3". It'll be way easier to carry under your arm. But now ask yourself, how long and how hard will it be to paddle out ? Ask yourself, if you can't even consistently catch "green" waves and not even turn yet, will that lost of another 1 1/2 feet be the problem why you're not catching anything ? But hey, it'll now easier to carry back up the sand to the car. What's more important ? The RIDE or the CARRY ?
Motorcycle Helmets are heavy and hot ( compared to a bare head ), but when you are in a crash, you're thankful you were wearing one.

ed090280 wrote: Ooh I'm 5' 6" 168 lbs, above average fitness level,

I'm 5'2" 125 lbs. average fitness and carry a 9'1"x 22" x 2 5/8" longboard.
My wife is 5'1" 118 lbs. average fitness and SHE carries a 9'1"x 22" x 2 3/4" longboard.

If need be, there are board carrying devices and straps that can aid in your predicament. Search for "Board Buddy" or surfboard carry strap.