Surfing Waves

Hey all I'm Ash and I'm dead keen to hear some advice on getting my first board.
I'm 5,6 and weigh just over 50kg and have been borrowing mates boards
Until I could afford to get my own. I'm learning to surf on Manly and the Northern Beaches
Of Sydney. Am trying to surf 2-4 times a wk at the moment to get better fast Have used all sorts from a 8ft4mini mal to a 7ft foamie
and can finally consistently pop up yay! While some people have said get a foamie, others say get used to the feeling of being on a hard board quicker, epoxy more durable and to get something like an Nsp fun board 7ft something range as I will want to do more
Than what I can with a foamie very soon and they will have resale value in manly cus can scrape old wax off and sell for $300ish with original price of 525.
I ideally want to get to shortboards and duck diving as quick as I can but know u need to start long and
Know I'm no where ready for a shortboard just yet. Hate turtle rolling and have tiny little t Rex arms that can't even carry massive boards let alone fight to get out the back.
Going to buy a board with my next pay so would love as much feedback as I can get to
Help me make a decision!
Many thanks guys!

I think you have the right idea - something over 7ft (I would actually suggest 7ft6, unless you found the 7ft foamie not too bad to paddle and pop up on) mini mal style, like the NSP or (possibly better value) a second hand board. Lots of stores around Manly have a 2nd hand selection (I know Aloha has quite a few, I'm sure others do as well) - even if they dont have one in stock, they can keep an eye out for you and give you a call if one comes in. With all the backpackers etc around, boards become available all the time (or check out gumtree, which seems to be the backpacker selling site).

I wouldnt get a foamie, they are really designed for surf schools rather than surfing. Some of the higher end ones nowdays arent actually too bad, but for the price why not get a 'real' board.

Not sure what to do about the arms! Board length is a bit of a trade off - the longer boards are harder to handle and harder to get out the back in big surf; on the plus side they are easier to paddle, catch waves with and to stand up on. So its really whether you want to get out the back, or be able to surf back in

ashvc wrote:Hate turtle rolling and have tiny little t Rex arms that can't even carry massive boards let alone fight to get out the back.

I can't make you like turtle rolling, but as far as carrying a wide board it's pretty comfortable to just carry it on top of your head. Once you've got it hoisted up there, just keep your hands on the rails to stabilize it. Once you're used to it you can even just use one hand. I can carry my 23+" wide board under my arm for short distances, but for hikes or for managing it in crosswinds the head-top carry works well.