by JohnyOhio » Sun Dec 16, 2012 3:42 pm
Hi guys, just discovered this forum and loving all the great advice.
I've decided to give surfing another go, after 10yrs of doing none. Perviously I was still a beginner, getting to my feet, but on a board that was too short for learning on a 6'10 fish. I'm 39yrs old, 5'11 and weigh 83kgs with good fitness. (Swim about 3km's a week).
I got back into it a few months ago, by taking 6 lessons on 8ft softboards. Since then, I've been out 3 weekends in a row riding a 7'10 NSP battered rental in beach break. Getting up on about 80% of waves and got up on a couple of green waves in 2-3ft which was epic. Have been able to turn front and back side and then straight line down the wave, til it runs out of power/ me into the shallows.
Am looking at buying a board and wondering what to go for. I've got the opportunity to buy an epoxy 8'6 mini mal which is 8'6 x 22' 3/4 x 3 1/4 for £250. Or could look around for an NSP.
What I want is something to catch as many waves as possible on. Advance my ability and water skills.
Would the 8'6 mal be more cumbersome, than going for a 7'10, or 8'2 NSP (or similar), or would it not make any difference, at my ability/level. I found the 7'10 NSP rental a lot more manouverable and easier to turn in the water, than the surfschool's 8ft softboards.
Any help or advice appreciated.