Need a new board ASAP

[SarahOCsurfer]

Hi there all,

Started surfing about 5 months ago with the help of an instructor - worked myself up to a low/middle intermediate (surfing 2-3 days per week 1-3 hr sessions with mostly1-3 ft).

I’m 36, very athletic, 5’ 3, 115lbs.

I started on a 7ft soft top (with 25” width), have been traveling recently and renting boards.

Those of which I tried were:

7 ft soft top, 22 in width
And 6’ 6” 23 in width

Both boards I felt comfortable on instantly

I really want to buy a board instead of continuing to rent, but unsure what to go with- as my goal is to improve, ease of paddling, have more Maneuverability.

I was thinking of options of the 7ft odysea log vs 6’6 fish ?

Im open to any suggestions. This will be a one of many future purchases- just looking for something to have fun on ASAP!

Thanks

Sarah

[oldmansurfer]

I don’t know why you wouldn’t get a board exactly like what you feel comfortable on? Easier o paddle and more maneuverable may be somewhat mutually exclusive. Basically you want a longer board for ease of wave catching and a shorter board for maneuverability. But you could get a longer board with lots of tail rocker. My opinion is it’s difficult to learn to surf and some people keep looking for the board that is going to make it easier. Generally speaking recommendations for a beginner is to get a board 3 feet longer than your height. I’m not the board person so hopefully someone can recommend something for you

[waikikikichan]

1) can you bottom turn and trim across the face of the wave ?

2) are you starting to do simple turn ups / turn downs or are already doing light cutbacks ?

3) how are you “traveling” ? If by your own car, what is the longest length that will fit comfortably ?

[SarahOCsurfer]

Thanks, I’m able to do bottom turns, light cutbacks. I have a car, 7 and 6”6’ both fit nicely in the car- nothing bigger.

Issue is my things are in storage (6-7 hrs away) including my previous board (which is 100 % have outgrown) largely as it more a “paddleboard with a large amount of width, difficult to maneuver”

More so curious of 7ft (fun size soft top)- such as odysea log verses 7, 6’6, 6 fish such as odysea. skipper). Pros and cons of log vs fish.

I wouldn’t mind both at some point, but ultimately which would be a better go to board to keep advancing without much setback.

Thanks again.

Sarah

[SarahOCsurfer]

1) can you bottom turn and trim across the face of the wave ?

2) are you starting to do simple turn ups / turn downs or are already doing light cutbacks ?

3) how are you “traveling” ? If by your own car, what is the longest length that will fit comfortably ?

Thanks, I’m able to do bottom turns, light cutbacks. I have a car, 7 and 6”6’ both fit nicely in the car- nothing bigger.

Issue is my things are in storage (6-7 hrs away) including my previous board (which is 100 % have outgrown) largely as it more a “paddleboard with a large amount of width, difficult to maneuver”

More so curious of 7ft (fun size soft top)- such as odysea log verses 7, 6’6, 6 fish such as odysea. skipper). Pros and cons of log vs fish.

I wouldn’t mind both at some point, but ultimately which would be a better go to board to keep advancing without much setback.

Thanks again.

Sarah