Surfing Waves

Just wondering if the photo shows major damage on the firewire board or just a simple marks? The guy thats selling the board says these are marks from tie down straps.

gary_mendigorin wrote:Just wondering if the photo shows major damage on the firewire board or just a simple marks? The guy thats selling the board says these are marks from tie down straps.

Gary,
these are actual cracks. Whether caused by tie down straps or actual use, they are still cracks. Are they a major concern? Most likely not. What would I do? Ask for $20 to $50 bucks off. Use the board and watch the cracks. If they open up a little bit, then I'd apply a coat of mixed resin and hardener on them. If they open up more more than a tiny bit, then I'd apply 2 ounce or 4 ounce glass over them. None of this is a big deal, except for the guy telling you these are simply marks. They are very fine (e.g., hairline) cracks. Would it stop me from buying? Probably not. One thing to check: look closely along the stringer on the deck. Do you see similar fine cracks? If so, then pass on purchase unless: 1) you possess okay or all right glass skills, and 2) get a larger price reduction.

Chandler: "Whoa, what happened to you?"
Rick: "Oh, nothing. I just got punched by the reef. That's all."
Chandler: "Reefs don't punch like that."

Firewire Buyer: "Whoa, what's these marks ?"
Firewire Seller: "Oh, nothing. It's just from tie down straps."

How much is he selling the board for ? If the price reflects the condition of the board, then so be it.

46% off the original price to be exact.

Sounds like a deal, just ask which resins ( Solar Rez) for the board repair, wrong resin will dissolve your board if it gets into the foam.
You need to ask is the board PU or EPS and get the resin suited.
Check the cracks to see if there is yellowing on the foam= water damage, but if you are confident about the price and it suits your needs and ability level. What size is this board, I read through your earlier posts, I hope you are not looking at something too short for your level of experience.
Just checking

6'6" potatonator (firewire), with more volume than my current 7-6 NSP board.

at the moment, i im looking for a potatonator demo board (in sydney) that i can try just to see how it goes.

If you can't position correctly and waves pass under you a lot, that 6'6" potatonator isn't going to make things any easier.
If you're already confidently doing turns backside, then maybe you can try something different. But the tail on the 7'6" NSP funboard compared to the monster width of the potatonator is a HUGE difference. ( Plus a more pulled in nose and a diamond tail isn't for beginners ) I hope you have the girth to keep the board from flipping or the power in your legs to keep the rail engaged, if not your going to flap jacked over the falls backwards.
Wrong board for you. But try see if you can find a demo to try anyways.

Sadly I think it is the wrong board for your stage in surfing.
i would still be looking interesting 7ft 6 inch range or slightly bigger! Volume isn’t your answer nor going down in length.
Ease of catching waves is your key at the moment, getting up skills and being able to ride well,across the waves.
Then you will have understood positioning for waves, reading the beach and the wave face. When you can respond the the wave then a shorter more skill responsive board will be the one

Have a look at a Grant Miller board - a 7ft or so waterskate will suit you perfectly. Maybe a tad shorter