Are BIC boards any good ?

[Snatchy]

Hey guys,

i am new to the sport, i have had a few lessons and now feel its time to get my own board and start hiting the waves.
But my problem is i have no idea whats good and whats not, Basicly i have a buget of £270 i am thinking of starting on a board between 6'6 and 7'4 as i am only a light fella. i have seen a fully package BIC board on ebay for £239 which includes board + leash + wax + bag.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370141788890&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&salenotsupported

i have also seen a NSP Board in my local surf shop with a grip but not with the Bag for £270

http://www.secretspot.co.uk/catalogue/1/product2858

Hoping someone can advise me on which way to go.

Many thanks
Snatchy

[drowningbitbybit]

No, BICs are cr@p.... But they're the perfect beginners board. Very tough, very forgiving.

If you're just starting out, then 7'4 should be your minimum and not your maximum length. Depending on your weight and height, you should be looking at around 7'6 or more.

[drowningbitbybit]

Oh, and of those two - go with the BIC (7'3? Might be big enough if you're tiny).

The NSP is a ridiculous mix of length, volume and shortboard shape and so you'll lose the advantage of a nice stable board, but it still wont handle like a shortboard.

[Rogue_Shadow]

Hi mate
im completely hogging this forum lately, but seeing as your in the UK Go to your local surf shop and ask about "Mission Surfboards". Im about to buy one myself after alot of shopping around, the retail around £249. Im about to purchase a 7'2 with fins,wax,leash and a bag for under £290. They are a great shape and super light and are far better than any nsp or bic. Not as expensive as a nsp counter part too. Check out Cornish surfboard hunt under chat. Im just awaiting a call from my surf shop to let me know its in stock, after which im gonna post a review up here. But its important to know your height, weight and surfing ability. Even more importantly DONT Rush into anything! ive considered about 5 boards before now ha ha. Ive unfortunately met some characters who have tryed to sell me junk, use google for reviews and forums like this. Goodluck

[phillwilson]

I think you may be being a bit hastey with your maximum size...have you tried renting a 8' or even 9'ft ? my more volume lets you progress quicker...and it feels sooo good when your up and riding on a stable platform. i thought i couldnt go longer then 8ft, then tried a 9 and was sold!!!

either way...i would rent a few shapes and makes, see my newbies guide for newbies for all the things i have learnt in a year of surfing. might save you some time/ money

Phill

[Snatchy]

Thanks for advice guys, really helpfull, i am 5'11 but i am a light Sod weighing only 9 stone. hopfully that might help you guys understand why i was thinking a shorter board =]

[Rogue_Shadow]

Was in the exact same position as you a month or so ago. Just take your time and enjoy learning. I rented a board for ages
I progressed from a 8" Foam board, to a 7" Foam board then a 7" softboard and finaly rented a NSP 7"6 the other day.
NSP and Bic boards are "OK", But if you can avoid them, Do so.
Im a very similar height and weight to you (5'10 and just under 9 stone) And been strongly advised a 7'2 would be the best of both worlds.
Check out the rest of this site, plenty of helpful articles about first time buying and what board to get/avoid

[drowningbitbybit]

i am 5'11 but i am a light Sod weighing only 9 stone. hopfully that might help you guys understand why i was thinking a shorter board =]

Good grief - get some kebabs into you

You might be light, but you're not short, and height plays a big part as well, so go with 7'6 ish.

[Snatchy]

lol, i eat like a bloody horse but still nothing goes on me =D thanks for advice =]

[Rogue_Shadow]

Fast metablism like me mate, hows the board hunt going?

[Snatchy]

board hunting has turned up some good ones =] i have gone for an O'shea board 7'2 so should be right size for me, couldn't be arsed with an NSP they seem to be to many about which means propably harder to sell in the furture.
this is the board i have gone for http://www.kingofwatersports.com/oshea-72-composite-epoxy-mini-mal-surfboard-i5707.html

[drowningbitbybit]

couldn't be arsed with an NSP they seem to be to many about which means propably harder to sell in the furture.

Nope, second-hand mini-mals sell really easily. The number of beginners wanting a cheap secondhand board far outstrips the number of boards out there.

[Rogue_Shadow]

Reguardless, thats a first board mate, You'll have plenty of fun with that one
Nice shape and a decent length for your size.

[phillwilson]

cool, congrats on the board dude,

I have just bought myself a new one (lack of surf makes me ebay)

looks like we should see some ripples for friday, you fancy a paddle out this weekend?

phill

[Snatchy]

Hey phill, Yeah i am out hopfully, Friday saturday and sunday maybe even monday if good waves pm me your number and ill send you a txt sort something out