First board and Booties for Seattle/Oregon

[Lato]

Hey,

I've been surfing since this summer at Westport with two friends also starting out. We've gone out about 6 times total in Fall along with this current Spring. Anyway i just bought my first Medium Tall wetsuit online today from Oregon the Excel hooded 3/4 i've asked around and this seems to be the best choice for my local area surfing.

Anyway i'm hooked and want to buy two things now:

Firstly Booties, i spoke with an instructor and he recomended i get smaller booties rather than bigger.... what should i do ? my foot is really wide but is about a 9.5 in length obviously my only chocie in sufer booties is a size 9 or 10 which should i get ? My shoes size is a 10 with a bit of finger in space in the toe.

Secondly a surf board, i've heard i should get a funboard i've looked on this site for them. I currently stand at 6'0 foot even without shoes on and 155 LBS. What length board should i get to progress steadly ? Since i shelled out so much for a good wetsuit i want to be a bit cheaper on a board until i get better.

https://surfing-waves.com/Item/BS442 ... _shape.htm

or

https://surfing-waves.com/Item/BS435 ... hybrid.htm

any imput on either deck ? who rates these by the way ?

Thanks for your help in advance !

[Lato]

anyone ? any recomendations for where to buy a good second hand beginner board ?

[dougirwin13]

Get a boot that fits and a board that suits you.

Jokes aside - do yourself a favor and find your friendly neighborhood surf shop (not a surf themed fashion shop but a shop that sells boards where the staff surf). They'll help you work all of this stuff out and more on top.

Yeah the funboard is a safe choice for a beginner and you don't need an expensive on, just one in decent condition. Probably 7'6". You'll want a new board as you improve.

I have long narrow feet and a bad right big-toe so I need well fitting boots. You should be able to get a slightly tight wide boot in your size. Here is where I really do encourage you to shop around at whatever passes for a local surf shop and try to find something that suits your foot. If it's loose in width or length it'll retain a lot of water and be heavy. And you don't want heavy feet when learning to pop up and orient yourself on a wave!

[billie_morini]

In NorCAL, we have the similar water temps and conditions that you do in OR.

I use a 2mm bootie like this:
http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/PROD/MWBOCA26
Don't like thick booties. Billibong says, “If you wear a half size then choose smaller, not larger. (ie) 9 1/2 should purchase size 9”

Go with a 9ft longboard instead of a funboard or hybrid. If you want to see why I say that, look my posts up in these threads.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=10773&p=99888#p99888
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=12522&p=120079&hilit=floatation#p120079
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=12144&p=114228&hilit=floatation#p114228