Surfing Waves

I'm about four weeks into surfing and doing well. I'm addicted to it like nothing else. We are using 10 foot long boards that are completely styrofoam (I know I didn't spell that right). I wanted to go smaller and try some different style of boards but a friend who has been doing it a little longer said you don't want fyberglass boards for the small waves we're on. Is there a type of board (make and size) that is specific to the waves you're on? Or is it just a board that is measured to your specifications and less to do with the wave?

When you're a beginner, on small mushy waves, its more about the board. The better you get, the more it becomes a board/wave combination

(That thought was really clear in my head, but doesnt seem to be when I wrote it down...)

If you've been on a foam board (yuck. It only gets better after that, trust me) and you're on small waves, the board best suited to you will be a mini-mal. They're good for learning, good for small waves, but can be ridden like a real board too.
As for the fibreglass question - that'll be fine, but as you're just learning you'd probably want a pop-out plastic/epoxy board to start with (unless you're drowning in cash). BIC or NSP or something like that. Not great boards, but perfect for the first steps after a foamie.

Then after that...

Longboard - mellow waves.
Shortboard - fast waves.
Fish - gutless waves.
Gun - big fast waves...
... etc etc etc etc. There's about a million combinations

All part of the fun

Thanks. That's the best info on it I've had yet. Cheers

but can be ridden like a real board too

Did you put that in for my benefit D?

I ummed and ahhed about whether it should be 'like a real board' or 'as a real board' - I wasnt sure which one implied that mini-mals are not 'real' boards the least!

youve been surfing very little , you need to give yourself much more time , Ive been surfing 4 days a week for the past year and only just have a dropped down to a short board , you need to build up your strength and confidence slowly ! and more than anything its about having FUN !!

R