First Outings

[Penumbra]

Was finally able to get some good surfing time in. I originally had a 2 hour session (lessons) which was pretty brutal for me. Waves were about 5 feet on the first day according to a surf report, it was amazing! Made it extremely easy to catch the waves (not that I'm an expert, ha!) just seemed like a great day for learning. Although, it was pretty hard for me to get back out there... it was exhausting.

Later throughout the week it varied from 3-4 feet to 2-3 feet which was still great for learning and made it easier to get out there.

Unfortunately, I don't know what board I was renting precisely but it was a 9 foot foam board. I imagine it was the same as every other foam board out there, just branded differently

All in all, had a great time. I imagine I will try and get back out there next weekend.

At what skill level should someone upgrade from a foam board? And when I do, would a 7'6 Addvance board be a good option to move to? I have the option of purchasing one at a great price ($375) from someone I met. I'd also just like to confirm that it is a good price haha. It doesn't look to be damaged whatsoever... I also imagine I will test run it before I purchase. However, they say the board acts a lot like a long board, as does what little research I can find on the board. Fireware's site says that it can be used by beginner's... but I'd really just like opinions. I've heard length matters by so many people, and perhaps I will pass on the deal.

I did notice that fireware's site has two different options for the board... two different materials. Are they both sufficiently good for a beginner?

I probably won't use it right away, and will continue renting a foam board for some time... but just curious about opinions. I may purchase it if you guys think it's a good next step, even though I won't use it for quite some time.

Edit:
I should note, I know I'm probably not ready for this board at the moment. But I want to know if it's a good "next logical step" after a 9 foot foam board. I can catch waves pretty easily, turn... take advantage of the upper part of the wave for speed... I'm sure there's a lot more to learn but that's where I'm at. I also figured you may need my height/weight. I'm 6'1-6'2 and about 165 pounds.

Appreciate the help!

[Tudeo]

The Addvance is a good board, but more aimed at paddle power (volume) for older surfers who know how to surf. Still the 7'6" has about 70l volume and over 23' width, so a beginner can surf it. If it's a good deal then you should jump to it, bacause they are expensive boards.
The materials are Timbertec or LFT, Timbertec is better for beginners because stronger, more ding resistant. I own a 606 LFT, if I look at it hard, it dings

[Big H]

Traditional steps from a foam longboard are a non-foam (PU or epoxy) longboard, then a mini mal after that, usually around 7'6". As with everything in this life there are lots of other options, firewire being one (a good one if somewhat pricey), but for me, first and second boards it's hard to beat an all arounder longboard (tuflite or similar epoxy even better as they are pretty tough and resistant to dings from doorways, etc) then a mid 7' mini mal, plus they are both relatively common and available in the second hand market.

[Oldie]

The Addvance will give you significantly less stabilitiy than a longboard of the same volume. I tried that last summer, and a 8.4 mini longboard of the same volume was worlds easier to paddle and ride than the Addvance.

[oldgrom22]

Go for it, that's a good price for an Addvance in good condition.

Riding 5 foot waves as a beginner is impressive

[oldmansurfer]

Foam boards are forgiving for a beginner. It doesn't hurt as much if you get hit by them or fall on them so if you are falling and getting hit by your board then it's not time to change otherwise they aren't really needed although they tend to be easier to catch waves with. Before foam boards everyone learned on regular fiberglass and resin boards.

[Penumbra]

Go for it, that's a good price for an Addvance in good condition.

Riding 5 foot waves as a beginner is impressive

I had a really good teacher, actually didn't take me long to get up at all. Missed the first few and fell quite a few times, and obviously later on I got tired and started missing a good chunk of the waves. But it was good practice all the same. You are right though, I found it much easier later on in the week. Didn't think it was the size of the waves at the time, but you're probably right

They were also far more unforgiving when you mess up though, which honestly makes me think it helped me progress faster than I would have otherwise. Not really sure why it would be seen as impressive though, it was a lot easier to catch on to the bigger waves than later in the week. It was just a lot harder to get back out. I would have thought bigger waves = better for beginners.

Appreciate the help though! Will definitely stick with renting a foam board for a little while longer, but I agree... seems like too good of a price to pass up.

Edit:
Should also note, I'm not entirely sure which sites have reliable reports. Surfline and Magic Seaweed are both reliable for planning right? I used Magic Seaweed for my previous outings... but Surfline has an app that seems pretty handy

[Tudeo]

I'm not entirely sure which sites have reliable reports. Surfline and Magic Seaweed are both reliable for planning right?

The trick is to make a note of the report and then see for yourself how the waves are at your surfspot, so next time you'll have an idea what to expect. Also make a note of the tide, that's an important variable too.

Predicting waves is an art in itself, but especially in certain crowded areas essential....

[girlgonesurfing]

As a beginner myself, the advice given by the others above are spot on. A bigger surfboard = more stablity and wavetime.

Magic Seaweed has an app! I use it on my phone. I've found it to be more accurate than some of the others, but no forecast can be 100% accurate - I'm generally more reliant on surfcams.

[Namu]

I'm a fan of Swell Info

http://www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/virginia-beach

[icetime]

Foam boards are forgiving for a beginner. It doesn't hurt as much if you get hit by them or fall on them so if you are falling and getting hit by your board then it's not time to change otherwise they aren't really needed although they tend to be easier to catch waves with. Before foam boards everyone learned on regular fiberglass and resin boards.

Is it just me? I never got hurt by any of my hardboards when starting out, maybe it's the wetsuit acting as a cushion

Also for OP, it seems like a great deal, I'd say go for it, it'll take some time to get used to it, it looks exactly like my bigger boards shape, swallow tail, rounder rails, it looks like a pretty good beginner fun board to me, not sure how it'll handle in the water, looks can be deceiving but everyone here says it'll do great
For surf forecasts I use magicseaweed, it never let me down although sometimes it's bigger than reported, it depends on the shape of the sea bed of where you surf, magicseaweed only reports swell size not the actual wave size