Advice on board offer

[surf patrol]

Hi guys!

I just started surfing and searching for my first board.
I'm 182 cm tall and weigh 81 kg (178 lb).

I was able to find 2 offers on cheap second hand minimals (price is a very importatnt factor for me). First one: 7'2'' in great condition, as good as new, for 95 euro. Second one: 7'10, also good condition but not as good at the first one, for 125 euro.

I'm liking the 7'2'' one more cause i will be traveling by city metro and train with the board, so i need something easy to transport.

So my question: Will the 7'2'' offer enough flotation and ease of use to learn to surf on it? I'm awear that it will be harder then on the 7'10'' but will the diffrence be small enough? Or will it be a disaster to learn on the 7'2''?

cheers

[jaffa1949]

Hi Azer , the rule of thumb in regard to learning is you can learn on a short board (thousands have) it is more difficult in the beginning stages but since you have other things to consider (transport) then either board will work, I'd look at the volume of the board if I was going that short for starters and see which one is thicker and wider, if either is very thin then it will be even harder as it will have no flotation for the beginner.
Since they are minmals then extra volume may be already there. Post the dimensions of each board and we can advise further

[Rickyroughneck]

That is a great price for both boards, but as Jaffa says check on the thickness.

For your weight I would be leaning towards the 7'10, as long as you can transport it of course

[Azer]

Seems that the 7'2'' has already been sold. Jaffa, what are your thoughts on learning to surf starting with a shortboard? They are so cheap in Portugal, its no problem getting one for under 100 euro, which i can't say about funboards (which nobody seems to sell secondhand here). You think learning to surf on a 6'8'' shortboard would be doable if it had enough volume?

cheers

[jaffa1949]

Hmmm that's a challenge, normally I advise start on longer board and then come down as you progress a lot of the early learning is about catching waves and getting and out from the break so the length has some advantage, but bigger volume boards present beginners with duck diving problems when they head out into look for green waves to surf>

The younger you are and the lighter you are, the smaller your first board can be. If you are forgoing length then you can increase volume by getting a wider and thicker board without compromising performance at this stage.
I'd avoid a fish as they are designed to perform in skilled hands in mushy conditions.

Not sure what sort of boards available to you in Portugal, if you can post a picture of a few of your selections.
I'd look to shapes like this

aloha_bean_PE_2012.jpg (22.19 KiB) Viewed 2193 times

or

7S_cog_2012.jpg (20 KiB) Viewed 2193 times

these are Global surf Industry boards and they come in the full range you are thing about and 7'2" wouldbe better, they may not fit your budget so keep these shapes in mind and have a look at their website and then see if the secondhand market can give you something similar.
The learning is going to be more challenging but it's still fun.
There are also a lot of surf schools in Portugal, a friend has just come back from instructing at one I'll ask what he recommends.
That involves a question what area do you plan to surf at? That might help advise you. I think there may even be places where you can store your board so you can travel easily to the beach!

Good luck