What size shortboard should I get as my first board?

[171ruth]

Im 15 yr old female (16 in 2 months), 57kg & 165cm tall.
I am looking to buy my first surfboard soon (mini mal/shortboard, rather shortboard). So far I have taken MANY surfing lessons at and around Torquay surf beach. These have been on lesson boards, which while learning to stand up (etc.) were good, now they just hold me back, as they have very limited turning and are much larger than I feel I need.
I would really like people's opinions on what size shortboard (& also what width/thickness) I should get as my first.
I am probably an average paddler, and while I would like a challenge...I dont want it to be too hard for me!
Please send your ideas, thanks

[Surfing-Innovation]

Why not go to one of the many surf hire places and hire out different pop-outs until you find one that suits??

You'll find they're ALL a step up from foamies.

Give each one a fair go (at least a couple of sessions so you get the balance right of how to paddle each board, etc) and then see which you like best........

At this time of year, hire prices are low (and I reckon if you tell them you want to try a few out before buying, they'll do you a deal - especially if they also sell boards and you tell them you'll buy from them once you've decided) - far better to get a board that you know a little bit about and like, rather than one that someone else tells you is OK - you never know, you might end up preferring to longboard.........

[Sillysausage]

almost any board is a step up from a foamie. doesn't mean that a shortboard would be best. i think you should hire a minimal and a shortboard or borrow them off mates...and see what you think then

[isaluteyou]

I cannot stress the importance of finding a suitable board at your stage as if you end up getting something that is just not gonna work that will hold you back considerably.

If you are unable to beg/borrow/rent a blethie of boards then try this. Buy second hand if it dont work then sell it. My buddy did that and ended up making a small profit so it wasnt a waste of money or time and ended up giving him valuable experience on different boards and finding that magic board that really worked for him at his current level. My other friend didnt do any research brought a brand new shortboard and a year later he still cant surf worth a dot - sad but true

A little bit of research goes a long way but its nowt in comparison to actually testing out boards and getting a feel for what works and what doesnt. With any luck you may end up with a magic setup

[The Fafanator]

The best way to tell if a board suits you is to see how much it sinks from under you when you sit on it, you want something that keeps you well out of the water, but still is manuverable, and that will either be a big shortboard or a minimal, also try going for a really thick board, that will give you an idea for what you should try out before you buy something, but the best thing is to rather buy a board that is 2 inches to big and not going for a board that is 2 inches to small.

[Sillysausage]

make sure you consider you're weight when you have a wettie on because surfing in a 6/4 with the full load puts a lot more weight onto you.

[RJD]

Make sure you ignore the fafanator as much as possible.

The wrong board and you'll get nowhere, start by renting a bic or similar 7'6" - 8' and see how you go.

[Sillysausage]

Make sure you ignore the fafanator as much as possible.

The wrong board and you'll get nowhere, start by renting a bic or similar 7'6" - 8' and see how you go.

lmao!