Surfing Waves

Hi Guys,

Very new to surfing but massively got the bug, firstly apologies as I imagine this question is quite frequently asked.

I’m extremely lucky as I live in West Devon, UK so plenty of surf spots locally, my plan is to get out at least once a week throughout the winter to really get to grips with it.

I have been borrowing a friends 8ft BIC but am really struggling and feel potentially I might need something bigger. I’m just shy of 6ft and weigh about 92kg. I don’t overly have any issues with catching waves it’s more a case of my pop up and balance (which I know will come with time) I really would just like to improve my confidence.

My question is do I look into getting a 9ft foamie, or would I benefit from a second hand 9ft epoxy? Looked in to the catch surfs which I love the look off just wondered what you guys thought?

Thanks in advance,

Either is fine. A hard board will last longer - you may use it for many years. However a soft board can offer you a bit of a leg up when starting- they are a bit easier to surf and don’t hurt as much. You will likely ‘outgrow’ a soft board in about 150-200 hours of surfing, but if you are only surfing once per week then that is at least a year and more likely 2 years

So - whichever you want, both are good choices

Thanks mate,

Yeah that’s what my thoughts were, I was gonna plug away at the 8ft but I just feel that something is missing, plus it’s not my board so ideally need to buy something,

Thanks for your help.

danny0646 wrote:Thanks mate,

Yeah that’s what my thoughts were, I was gonna plug away at the 8ft but I just feel that something is missing, plus it’s not my board so ideally need to buy something,

Thanks for your help.

It is the development of your skills many on the forum started on BICs but a good 8ft epoxy will be better still, look at Torq or NSP epoxies.

Have a try of the Torq before you buy, I found them quite tippy side to side because of the V contours on the underside. Woolacombe surf centre on Barton road have them for hire.

danny0646 wrote:Thanks mate,

Yeah that’s what my thoughts were, I was gonna plug away at the 8ft but I just feel that something is missing, plus it’s not my board so ideally need to buy something,

Thanks for your help.

If you've already gave it a good go, then sizing up should not only improve your progress but be a lot more fun as well. After you've surfed a bigger board for awhile and have good familiarity with the waves in your area, the 8 ft. BIC may be a good next board (but only when you are super comfortable on a 9.)

I started on a 8’ board and went to a 9’2. Best thing I did. Heaps more waves, heaps of fun. Now, 3 yrs later, I’m back to the 8’er and looking for something smaller.
Point is, the 9’2 board progressed my surfing, increased my confidence and still is a fun board! You won’t regret grabbing something similar.

I started on a 9 ft foam board but did not keep it for long so was a waste of money. Would say same as above. Get a nice 9ft plus epoxy and atleast even if you move back down a size. You have a small wave board for the future. Not a waste of hard earn £s then.

essex sucks wrote:I started on a 9 ft foam board but did not keep it for long so was a waste of money. Would say same as above. Get a nice 9ft plus epoxy and atleast even if you move back down a size. You have a small wave board for the future. Not a waste of hard earn £s then.

Wow, a reincarnation, welcome back!

Wow, a reincarnation, welcome back![/quote]

Been a while. You know how life is got married had a kid and been ill so not been surfing much but back now

Thanks guys for all the advice, I went with a 9ft foamy and am loving it!