What board should I be using? (Beginner - Intermediate)

[Barish]

I have been surfing for almost a year now; my surfing has been on and off though. When I first started, I used my brother's board: a 6'8'' fun or longboard. After a couple of weeks I was able to get my first ride. After that, I got rides here and there but was never consistent. This all happened when I was in Dubai for the winter(the waves are decently sized but really choppy). When I came back to Santa Barbara, I bought a foam board from COSTCO because I thought it would help me with my fundamentals. I went surfing everyday for about a month and pretty consistently thereafter; at least once a week. I am able to catch waves all the time and get up most of time. The foam board is not exciting at all though. I just go straight or at a slight of an angle, but never with the wave. The waves here rarely get above 5ft., but they're nice smooth rides.

Should I continue using the foam board? Or is it time for me to switch to a real board? I was thinking of using a funboard or maybe a shortboard just because they seem more fun to me. (I am 6ft. 175 lbs.)

Any advice helps.
Thanks,

[billie_morini]

Barish,
I know some surfers that have used foam boards for decades. They turn, zip down the line, and do much more than "go straight or at a slight of an angle." So, if you like the board, don't want to drop some bucks for another one, and are interested in doing more with it, you certainly can.

But, to honor your requests, I'll add:
1. Rent several different boards (long, short, fish, fun). In Santa Barbara you can rent from A-Frame, Channel Island, Surf N Wear, Surf Country and others. Rental rates are between $15 and $25 per day.
2. Buy one or more used boards. You can buy used boards from private parties advertising on Craigslist in Santa Barbara or from the shops in option 1 above.
3. Expand your horizons and execute options 1 and 2 in Ventura, as well as, Santa Barbara.

let us know what you do,
billie

[billie_morini]

Barish,
forgot to inquire. What breaks do you surf most frequently in Santa Barbara?
billie

[Barish]

Hey Billie,

Thank you for the advice. I never realized you could do so much with foam boars. I guess I just don't get how to use the board to its full potential yet. Or it might be because of the waves that I ride...

I generally surf Devereux or Sands. I love the waves in Devereux; even though they're not that big, they provide nice rides. I do not drive anywhere to surf since I do not have a car and my roommate does not want to spend money on gas.

I have been looking at boards on craigslist for a while for something in my price range. I think renting out boards to see what I am comfortable with would be best.

Barish

[billie_morini]

Hi Barish,
You go to the head of the class due to your recent revelation! I like Devereux. Sometimes the rides are very long there. As someone not affiliated with UCSB, parking can be a hassle there. I've recently had to leave (my beloved) Santa Barbara for Irvine due to employment. It's OK not to have an automobile, especially when one is a student. Automobiles are an expensive luxury (?sp). Besides, you are blessed to attend the most beautiful campuses in the US that has not only one good surfing break, but two!

You'll never do short board tricks on your present board, but you can do many long board things. Don't be like the guy that buys a $1,200 guitar when his skill level only warrants a $300 guitar. Or the guy that buys a 900cc Ducati motorcycle when he can't even ride a 600cc bike fast.

If you are having trouble turning, I bet it is because you are trying to make (only) sweeping bottom turns. The secret is to begin at an angle in order to go down the line (aka "along the wave face," or "la la" in Hawaiian). It isn't easy for everyone to learn to do this. I struggled (and fell off) for a very long time.

As for buying used, just keep looking with money ready and evetually a nice buy will surface. You may even come across a student that is down on his luck or up on his luck (graduating) that is selling cheap. I have seen this with students during the time that I have lived in Santa Barbara.

Ok, questions for you:
1. What is your major?
2. What year of study are you in?
3. What is your home town?

Billie

[Barish]

Hi Billie,
I hate the guys who buy expensive hardware even though they have no idea how to use them. So no worries there. I do get a lot of crap from surfers and my friends though; they tend to tease me about using a foam board. I don't really mind though. I'm still a rookie and I know it.

I have been trying to go along the wave face but like you mentioned, I struggle doing so. I do feel like I am learning a lot though. I just like being out in the water even if I don't get to do much surfing. It's really relaxing and I don't hear the noises from cars.

I used to be a computer engineering major for my first two years; I decided it was not right for me and switched to business/economics. I enjoy it a lot more and I have free time to surf and play basketball. I'm a senior and I only have 6-7 more months here. I'm upset that I am graduating cause I really want to stay in Isla Vista (the town I live in). I was actually born and raised in Dubai. I do not like it as much though, it's too noisy and crowded for me. People are too into material goods over ther. Not my type of living you know?

Where you from?
When did you graduate?
How often do you surf?

Barish

[billie_morini]

Good on ya', Barish:
#1. for not being materialistic
#2. It ain't easy to learn to go down the line, but now that you know it can be done with your board, you will do it

Coincidences:
#1. Just before seeing your post about Dubai yesterday, one of my co-workers and I were asked to go to Dubai for 3 months (he's thinking about obliging, while I am not)
#2. It is a rare student that wants to leave Isla Vista. I know a half dozen that have found employment in SB so they could remain. Know another one that started a business downtown so he could remain in SB, too
#3. I was a computer science major once (we used a lot of Assembly [Machine] and Fortran language, punch cards, and terminals connected by telephone wire to main frames. My father was a product development engineer in IBM during Big Blue days and obtained an EE degree from Rutgers Uni in NJ. He was brilliant, taught my older sister and me to use slide rules, and tutored me through Uni calculus.)

No coincidence, simply fact:
#1. There is not sweeter life in the US than student life (so, enjoy it while you can. It'll flip you out when you're well into career, are married, have home with kids, cars, dog, etc.)
#2. I relate very well to desiring to live in quiet setting; suits me, too, and the converse makes me crazy

A's to your Q's:
1. Grew up in multiple states on Atlantic seaboard with household moves every 1.5 to 3 yrs; lived multiple times in NY, NJ, and NC. Lived and worked since then in NM, CO, CA, HI, Germany, & Poland. Also have worked in Canada, WA, GA, FL, and ?. Have maintained at least one home in CA for >15 yr. Presently, have one in NorCal and Central Coast (off upper State St, SB). Currently, based in Orange County due to employment requirement. Rent small apartment in upscale complex south of UC Irvine
2. Graduated w/ 1st Uni degree in 1979. Got another in 1985 and final one in 1987. Tried for another advanced degree in 2005, but couldn't put up with it.
#3. Am only surfing every 2 or 3 weeks at present due to work. Had a severe neck injury in 2010 and have only been able to surf again beginning Fall 2011. Was averaging about 1x per week. Really liked it better when I was able to go 2 to 3 times per week. Not sure I can get back to that due to job, required neck care, and some chronic illnesses (I'm and old guy!)

OK, nearly 8pm. I must get out of the office and go home.
Do your homework!

[NYVikesGuy]

You're getting some good advice here. I'm in a similar boat. I started surfing this past year, got hooked, and bought a cheap soft top. It's worked well for me. I'm catching waves, popping up, starting to make some turns. I was wondering if I needed a new board to advance, then a buddy borowed my board. He's a very experienced, very skilled surfer. He was absolutely ripping on my board. At that point I knew it was "user error" and not the board holding me back.

I still wouldn't mind picking up a new board. I'd like to get the training wheels off, you know?

Keep us posted on your search. Good luck!

[AnneCurtiz]

Honestly why use foam boards? were not kid anymore.