When to buy your first board?

[despina]

I've been surfing several times, and taken lessons, and actually rode waves for the first time last summer YAY!!! unfortunately i live in Northern VA so it's at least 4-5 hours to get to water. my fiance and i are planning several trips this year so i can get some surfing in, my question is... when should i think about buying my own board?? last summer i was on about a 9' beast, and it was great, but would i quickly outgrow that?? I'm planning on hitting the outer banks, probably nags head, north myrtle beach, and maybe ocean city. thanks in advance for your advice!!! by the way, i'm 30 and female, if that makes any difference. :)

Anita

[sinistapenguin]

Hi

If you have to travel so far for the waves, you will need an all - round board. I would look to get something a little shorter than 9ft. Look around the 7 1/2 foot - 8 1/2 foot range - this will be big enough to catch small waves and small enough to not freak you out when it gets big.

As for when to buy your board, that's really up to you. If you feel like you want to buy a board then go for it. I bought a board first, then tried surfing for the first time!! (I don't particularly recommend this approach though!)

You will progress quicker if you have your own board, because you will get used to how it moves and it will be more constant than renting different boards.

Cheers

Sinista