Transition Mini-mal -> shortboard

[Halfwhere]

Hey guys

Just got to cape town 3 months ago and have been surfing a lot since then. Currently surfing on a 7'8 mini-mal but as i've gotten better and the waves have gotten more powerful the need for "duck dives" and a smaller board has come up.

I was wondering how I should approach my next board. Thinking of buying something used, about 6'6 maybe with a little extra width to give me more stability. Do you guys have any tips? Thinking about maybe this board: http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co. ... Z295740789

I weigh 78kgs and I'm 1.74 high. Would love to get some input from the more experienced surfers.

Spots i've surfed in cape town: Muizenberg, Long Beach and Milerton
Also tried Durban(boardshorts were amazing) and Kitchen Windows in Jbay.

Cheers

[Halfwhere]

http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co. ... Z325523422

Might be even better?

[Rickyroughneck]

http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Stuff-for-Sale-sports-bicycles-fitness-Spider-Surfboard-6-foot-6-inch-W0QQAdIdZ325523422

Might be even better?

Don't go straight for a full shortboard shape right away, get something with a bit of width first. Don't fret over the length too much, but make sure whatever you get is 20" or more wide.

[Halfwhere]

Thanks bud. Got a 6'4 that is 20' wide. Has decent thickness aswell. Just finished an exam, going for my first surf with the new board just now. Swell doesnt look that bad either! WOHO!

[surf patrol]

Hey Halfwhere, let us know how you get on. Good luck with the duck diving!

[Halfwhere]

Hey Halfwhere, let us know how you get on. Good luck with the duck diving!

Went for a session with my new board yesterday. Hit three good waves, and found it suprisingly easy to catch waves. The water was pretty crowded since it was the first decent swell in CT in a while.

Duck diving is another matter, and I probably just need to keep practicing. Cant seem to do it in a fluid motion, although i've managed a few decent ones.

As for the board, it seems the width and thickness helps a lot and i'm accually happy that I got a 6'4. Makes it easier to travel with

[surf patrol]

It's grate that you did not struggle catching waves. It can be really frustrating when you change a board and don't get on with it straight away.
Duck diving will come in time, it's a matter of plenty of practice.
All good then!