Beginner Needing Advice on First Board

[FloridaNewGirl]

I read the stickied post - Thank you to those that contributed! It helped a lot.

I've been taking lessons in Florida two times per week for the past ten weeks. My instructor said it's time I buy my own board.
During our lessons, I used a 7' soft top, but I can't get that exact board because it is out of my price range at USD $799. He said I'm doing really well and suggests I get a 7' soft top or a 6'6 soft top, making sure whichever one I choose has lots of volume. He mentioned that an epoxy board around 7'2-7'6 could be a solid choice too.

I'm leaning toward the Softech Flash Eric Geiselman in 6'6 or 7'.
https://www.softechsoftboards.com/produ ... 6183764065
I'm afraid it'll be harder than it needs to be on a 6'6. But, the chart on this website and the post in this forum suggest a 6'6 might be a better choice for me. That said, it looks to me like the board I'm interested in is a short board and not a fun board, and that the sizing parameters differ slightly. What are your opinions? Which size should I get? Or should I look at another board altogether?

For reference: I'm 5'4, 63kg/140lbs, and I live in Florida where the waves average 3-6 ft. I'm a pretty fit female who exercises often. I can consistently pop up, catch green waves, and have some bottom turn and top turn basics down (although I can't actually turn consistently yet).

Please help me pick a board
Thanks in advance!

-Ami

[FloridaNewGirl]

PS: One of the other boards I'm considering is the Softech Bomber in 6'10.
https://www.softechsoftboards.com/produ ... 7700097121

Sort of sits between the other two's sizes and is super buoyant at 60L. It also comes in a 6'4 variation at 56L, but I'm sure that'll be too short, even though it shares the same volume as the 7'0 Flash.

Also, I'm primarily considering Softech and Torq boards because I can get a discount on those brands through a friend.

[waikikikichan]

I've been taking lessons in Florida two times per week for the past ten weeks. My instructor said it's time I buy my own board.

During the lesson, where is that instructor situated to you ? Is he right next to you, pushing you into waves, on the beach ?

I used a 7' soft top, but I can't get that exact board because it is out of my price range at USD $799.
I'm leaning toward the Softech Flash Eric Geiselman in 6'6 or 7'. ( PS: One of the other boards I'm considering is the Softech Bomber in 6'10.)

Both the Eric Geiselman and Bomber have a PIN tails. What tail design is the 7'0" you ride during the lessons ? Can you control a pin tail ?

I live in Florida where the waves average 3-6 ft.

Where in Florida is it consistently 3-6 ft. ? Is that shoulder to head high ? Not sure when you started lessons, but if it was before peak season, you have to plan for the down season when waves will be smaller. But if you say it's averages 3-6 ft. throughout the year, then no worries.

I can consistently pop up, catch green waves, and have some bottom turn and top turn basics down (although I can't actually turn consistently yet).

If you can't turn or cut back on your 7'0", you shouldn't go smaller just yet. And remember your 7'0" soft board probably has more float than a 8'0" hard board.

[FloridaNewGirl]

Thanks for your response!


First, to answer your questions:

The instructor is on his board next to me during lessons.

The board I use in lessons has a diamond tail.

It’s been 3-6 feet whenever I went out. When I asked the instructor, he said that’s about average. Based on your response, I’m guessing he meant for this time of year.

And I can’t turn or cut back consistently yet. Probably about 75% of the time I attempt it.




Do you have any recommendations for me?
I’m contemplating driving out to Island Water Sports in Deerfield and letting them help pick out a board for me. Maybe even get a private lesson so they can see how I surf before making recommendations. Plus, they take payment plan options, so even if they pick the exact board I’ve been taking lessons on, it makes it easier on the wallet. What do you think? The instructor I have now, I found on lessons.com. I think he’s just a guy who likes to surf and decided to teach to earn a few bucks.

[waikikikichan]

"The instructor is on his board next to me during lessons." Thus he is positioning you in the line up or setting you up not too deep or not too inside to take off. In some ways, he is protecting you from others and looking out for you so you don't get hit by other or from you hitting them. By yourself, you will be amazed how far you move / drift out of position.

"The board I use in lessons has a diamond tail." Then I guess that won't matter getting a pin tail like those on the boards you mentioned.

"It’s been 3-6 feet whenever I went out. When I asked the instructor, he said that’s about average. Based on your response, I’m guessing he meant for this time of year." You been surfing for only 10 weeks. what about the other 42 weeks in the year ? Now it is Winter, do the waves get bigger at your locale in the Summer ? If it does get smaller, will you need a longer or shorter board ?

"And I can’t turn or cut back consistently yet. Probably about 75% of the time I attempt it." Until you can maximize the turns ( overturn or blow out the fins ) on your current board, you shouldn't go down in size. A bigger board will teach you proper stance, body positioning and weight distribution.

"Do you have any recommendations for me?
I’m contemplating driving out to Island Water Sports in Deerfield and letting them help pick out a board for me. Maybe even get a private lesson so they can see how I surf before making recommendations. What do you think? The instructor I have now, I found on lessons.com. I think he’s just a guy who likes to surf and decided to teach to earn a few bucks."

My recommendation is to STOP ASKING FOR RECOMMENDATIONS. You are asking too many people for too many opinions. Your instructor, us here on the forum, shop staff, etc. Ever heard the phrase "too many cooks spoil the broth" ? If you ask 10 different instructors what board they recommend, you probably get 5 or 6 different answers. You don't know WHAT you want to ride (yet ) . You don't know HOW to ride (yet ) and without an instructor you won't know WHERE to be and WHEN to start paddling (currently ). So my advice is just relax and ENJOY your time as a beginner. Don't be so concerned and in a rush to get the "Perfect" board, since there is not one at your stage.

BUT if you need a recommendation......... I would get a 8'0" Costco Wavestorm or similar softboard and go have fun. It's going to take a good full 2 years ( winter - summer - winter - summer ) before you get to know what board works for you and for you to know your own abilities and get the basics down before you can go to something less than 7'0".

[IB_Surfer]

Any used options in your area?

Also, bigger means easier, so If you can’t turn yet go with a 7 or 8 foot option, the added stability will help you progress