Advice needed. Longboard to Fish. Graduation Day?

[cvheifner]

Hi,

I'm looking to graduate to a Walden Fish (6'6" X 23" X 3") from a longboard and need your advice. Here is my story...

I've been surfing for about one and a half years, so you can definitely categorize me as a newbie. Currently, I own a 9' Stewart Hydro Hull (EPS). It obviously paddles like a dream, but it all around feels too large for me to handle. FYI, I'm 5'10" and weigh 155lb. I'm able to get the board past the beach-breaks, but it's rather difficult and awkward to do so. Once a wave picks me up, I often find myself sliding the board forward (out from underneath me) and ditching the wave because the board feels like it's going to pearl. Maybe the waves are just too steep for it (2' - 6' waves). When I catch a wave and pop up, the board is hard for me to direct or guide it down the coast. FYI, I'm not looking for crazy maneuverability... but simply a board which is easy to paddle and catch waves... and one that feel like the right size. I've also riden a 7' fun-board, and do just okay on it... It's harder to paddle and less stable for me, but I can manage it.

I live in Brooklyn, NY and have to rent a car each time I venture to the beach ($) and lug the mammoth 9' board along with me. My hope is to get an extra wide/thick board for buoyancy, and knock off some of the length for transportation and resolve the issues listed above. If the board is short enough, I can take it on the train, saving me money and getting me into the water more often (YAY!).

Is the Walden Fish (6'6" X 23" X 3") right for my skill level, or am I taking a dive into the deep end? Does a fun-board suit my needs better? I can give you more information if you would like... but I think I've elaborated enough. I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks!

C.

[bruinft]

Is there a store around that will let you demo it? You can try to get advice here and there, but ultimately, there's only one real way to find out if something is going to work for you and that's to try it out.

[cvheifner]

That's a good idea. The waves are pretty good right now, and I'm planning to go to the beach tomorrow. I'll stop in a rental shop and see what I can test out. Thanks.

[volcomism]

Well I don't surf your break, but the issue with you feeling like you're going to pearl with your 9' could be:

A) You're not centered on your board. Remember to arch back and chin up.
B) You're in too deep or your delaying your pop up.

I've been on a 9'4, 8'6 for 2-3 years now and just moving to a 7'3 was a task to say the least. It feels like I'm having to relearn how to surf all over again. You definitely need to put in the time if you want to get the the hang of it.