What to start with

[Eddie B]

Hi - I realise that what I am asking has probably been asked 1000 times already - but here goes!
I have a few hours surfing experience in British surf and got to the point last autumn of being able to kneel up on an 8ft pop out and sort of steer it.
I am going to spend all of the month of May beside a surf beach in Cornwall and intend going out whenever conditions are suitable. I would therefore prefer to buy a board before I go, second hand if possible.
I am 5ft 6ins tall and weigh about 150lbs in the buff.
I have many years windsurfing experience and can also Snowboard
I am 64 years old and very fit!
What should I look for - how long, how thick and how many fins?
Windsurfers place great store on buoyancy but doesn't seem to get much of a mention in surfing which puzzles me!!
Eddie B

[tony g]

I would recommend going longer rather than shorter. The longer wider, and thicker the board is, the more stable and easy to learn on. Some say a 10' board is great for a beginner because you will catch more waves ride them further and learn quicker and so have more fun. You say you were able to ride an 8' board, but I bet you would find a bigger board much more fun and easier to ride. I think the best thing is to ride a few different length boards and see what works the best for you. You can check out this beginner link if you want: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=16356

Good Luck!

Tony

[Eddie B]

Thanks for your reply, Tony. I am thinking of buying an Osprey - its a polyurethane board 7ft long and apparently used by several Surf schools in the UK.

Eddie B