Suitable first board? Now in the right section

[LxS]

Now posting in the right section of the forum!

Hi everyone,

Been surfing for a few months now (~4), usually 4-5 times/month 1-2 hrs/session. I started with some classes at my local beach using 8''0 and 7''6 foamies, which were well suited. Recently started going on my own by renting a board. Since most local schools have foamies for rental, I decided to try out with a 7''0 foamie, and to my surprise managed to catch some unbroken waves each session, although I am still going for whitewater for warmup and practicing some of the basics first if needed.

Since I have been going with some regularity, I am wondering if I should get a board of my own. I am thinking that getting a foamie would probably be too little challenging at this point, but I am undecided: what would be the right size and board material given this experience?
I have come across 2nd hand stuff like this: Epoxy, 7'´2 (220cm) x 22" (56cm) x 2,69 (6,8cm) , 49 Lts.
Would something like this be suitable, or should I still size up to 7''6 etc? Should I still think about getting a Wavestorm or something of the sorts? If I'm moving forward too fast, please let me know!

Looking forward to your thoughts and recommendations. For reference, I am a 5''6, 132 lbs, somewhat fit guy (swimming and biking mainly). Thanks!

[jaffa1949]

LxS welcome , if you are catching waves then I would look for at your weight and height at a board mini manor fun shape minimum 7' 6" and up to 8' , about 22" wide and 2 3/4" thick, you can lessen the thickness if the board is epoxy EPS mix. More buoyancy per area.
Do not consider a fish.... you need to be able to drive a board well and work it rail to rail in surfing.
A good basic shape is your friend at this stage

[LxS]

Hi Jaffa,

Thanks for your response! The whole buoyancy issue was what prompted my questions, since I can understand that being able to ride a 7''0 foamie does not mean at all that I can do it on a fiber glass or epoxy of similar size. So I think I'll stick with your advice and get probably a 7''6 epoxy. Would you recommend then a round tail shape? On the likes of the NSP and Torq mini mals?
I am mainly looking for a board that will allow me to get a good wave count, from mushy small waves to around 6ft waves, which is usually the maximum at my local beachbreak. Although at this point, smaller waves would be starting point for me.

[jaffa1949]

Quite a few guys are very happy with the TorQ and the newer NSPs all good. Round tails good to go... that will cover the range of waves in your local.
Round tail gives pretty much all round performance.

[LxS]

Hi Jaffa,

Got a Torq 7''6 x 21 1/2 x 2 7/8 funboard last week and took it 3 times to the water already. Thanks you so much for the advice! I am really having a lot of fun with my board, with plenty of room for improvement still. Last week waves were kind of small (~3ft), but still had a blast and managed to get a good few unbroken waves.

Cheers!