Returning to Surfing and a California Newcomer

[thawkwood]

I am moving to California after I complete my Army training in Georgia and Missouri next May. Where I'll be is about four hours from San Diego and two hours from LA and I intend to get back into surfing after a hiatus called deployment: (viewtopic.php?f=8&t=14875).

I saw the website for one of San Diego's oldest surf shops: Pacific Beach Surf Shop where Dennis Murphy shapes. I'm thinking of getting an egg (I've not surfed for a year and some change and I was a fair surfer back then) and I'd like to get one shaped for me and put a paint scheme on there with the word ARMY written into it. They recommend eggs for beginners (I'm still at beginner level). Would veteran surfers over on this forum agree?

Also what sort of wetsuits would you recommend for Southern California surfing?

[isaluteyou]

an egg should be okay. the shaper will know best. as far as wetsuits go, brand isnt important its the quality that counts as long as it is glued/sealed seams in should be okay, for winter a 4/3mm is advised if you gonna do dawn patrols or dont like the cold. some people get away with a 3/2 high quality one. But personally i just went for a cheap billabong 4/3 and it has worked fine for me and im a wimp with cold water.

[thawkwood]

Sounds good. My aunt is a Quicksilver management type so I can get good deals
on their wetsuits. I think I'm more of a daytime surfer but I'll go for a 4/3 mm for SoCal.