About to buy a transition board from my minimal , advice plz

[lachyd333]

Hi there,

I have made a few posts over the last few weeks about trying to find a good transition board from my 8 ft minimal (22 1/4, 2 7/8, 59L) to something smaller. I can pop up on this board fine and it's very forgiving and stable. I'm looking to get a shorter board for a number of reasons such as practicality of transport, etc. However, I want this board to be as stable and as easy as possible to pop-up on as possible.

I had my heart set on a 6,10 Firewire Addvance as this is exactly what the board was described as (i.e. a great transition board). However, they are nearly 1,000 AUD and no one sells them in the state that I live (QLD).

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for any other boards in the 6,10ish range that are well known for being good transition boards from Minimals. I'm nearly 80 kg, 6ft 3ish and only get to surf about once a fortnight (though I've been surfing for twoish years). The problem when I look on Gumtree or second hand board store is that there are a lot of 6,10 boards with good volume and width, etc., except the rocker and foil obviously plays a big part and I just never know if these boards will really be good transition boards.

[dtc]

I made some suggestions on your other thread; also should add in MORE surfboards (fat beaver or mp1); webber double diamond

you can buy an Addvance from natural necessity online, they will deliver. But will be that $1000 mark.

Or this one looks good if its still available (ad is dated August) - they are $995 new, if you can knock $100 or even $50 off the advertised price then brilliant - I would buy it (assuming its actually in good condition). In fact, i would prefer this over the Addvance (I think the Addvance is just a bit too big)

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/peregian ... 1120408635

(its 48L so only slightly less than the Addvance at 56)

(no links to the seller!)

[waikikikichan]

I ride a 6'4" NSP Fish that has 43 L. ( got 4th place in Senior Mens shortboard division on it this past weekend ). I just search other sizes/models and found a Hybrid model that has 51.9L volume and only 6'6". The Element range should be well within budget.

[lachyd333]

Again, massive thank you to you guys for taking hte time to post such useful information

[dtc]

( got 4th place in Senior Mens shortboard division on it this past weekend ).[/attachment]

[lachyd333]

Just quitely, is trying to go to one of these wider, thicker, transition boards in the 6,10 range too crazy of a step for someone coming from an 8 ft (22 1/4 2 7/8 59L). I am very comfortable on the 8 footer but only surf about once a fortnight, or every 3rd week. I really want to keep the board no longer than the 6,10 range but am a bit worried it'd be too small still?

[waikikikichan]

is trying to go to one of these wider, thicker, transition boards in the 6,10 range too crazy of a step for someone coming from an 8 ft ?

In my book, YES. Timing ( when to start/stop paddle ) Positioning ( where to be ) becomes more critical. You will not be able to have the luxury of getting in early and catching the wave before it breaks. Think of it as having fun on a 80cc MX bike and moving to a 250cc MX and getting scared out of your pants. 6'10" also maybe too much volume to duck dive, so no merit there.

Crazy, No, but if you're the type that won't give up, then go for it. If it's too hard, keep it for later as your skills improve. Anyways, better to be on a 6'10" than on no board sitting on the beach. ( just make sure you go out on a beach that has life guards or other people to help you if you get in trouble. )