Looking to get a fish

[spabo]

So im set on getting a fish mainly because ill be surfing knee-chest high mushy waves everyday. I pretty much want something i can ride like a skateboard and get a feel for maneuvering. Im 6"2' and ~150lbs and ive been surfing a 9"2' longboard but ive just been looking to ride shortboards, but i figured id start with a fish. Anyways, what size would be optimal for me? Id rather get a board that i can grow into even if i have a harder time learning on it, i just dont want to buy something too small the hinders my progress. I have good general balance and technique from skating and other water sports, so im not really worrying about jumping down from a 9" to a 6". Also, i already plan on buying used boards off of Craigslist, i just want to make the process of finding the right board for me quicker.

[pandarturo]

Be ready to kick while you paddle. Also make sure it's wide like 21 maybe 2 3/4 thick. Try to for for a 6 foot. And make sure you stay low, you can't stand straight up like on a longboard

[spabo]

Im not too worried about the transition, as skating ramps has taught me how to properly center my balance on a board. Would you guys advise against picking up a anything smaller than 6"? Ive found like 3 great quad fin fishes that are all 5"5' to 5"8'. Or should i stick with something close to 6 feet?

[jaffa1949]

Hi Spabo , I would advise against going smaller than six at this stage as it is about paddling power to catch the waves, even mushy ones! AS we have said in many posts balance and skating experience is the least of the learning curve.
The reasonable suggestion is see if you can try boards in the size range and of the type you think you want to ride, that will give you the idea.
I think small fish are a skatey answer for good surfers as they are performance skittish. I don't think they are entirely learner friendly but if you get out in the surf everyday you have a good chance of improving rapidly.

[spabo]

Thanks for the responses, i appreciate it. Ive been borrowing friends boards just to get a feel for different boards, and so far its been great. Tried out a 8" Infiniti Secret Weapon, a fat 6" quad-fin fish, and im going out with a buddy this weekend and hes surprising me with a board to try.
Trying new boards has really allowed me to get a feel for what i want and how different boards perform differently. And the fish i tried... it was easy to get up on any wave but was a challenge getting on the wave. I dont know if it was if i was just sitting on the board wrong, or if it is because it was a wide board but i had trouble getting a good paddling speed.

[jaffa1949]

congrats on doing your own research, that really is the way to go! The lesson of the fish is about length and volume the width is not making it slow it is the lack of length, this can be balance by width and thickness, fin size too can increase drag, sitting on the board has nothing to do with paddling but as a rule of thumb the nose of the board should be just a little above the water when you are paddling too high and you are snow ploughing.

The shorter the board the more you have to match and slightly exceed the wave speed and take off on a steeper path , but that is what short boards were made for.
Don't be afraid of pearling it means you are closer to catching wave than just floating off the back as the wave passes under you!