Is it a good learner shortboard

[itomatik]

Hi guys,

I need advice on whether this board is good for me as a transition from long board:
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/underwoo ... 1027066153

I can't figure out out if the board is too big for me or not? I just don't want to spend $300+ only to find out that the board doesn't work for me :-/

I'm 172cm (~5'8) and 69kg(152lbs). I've been surfing for couple of year occasionally when I got a chance. I can easily catch waves on a longboard and make simple turns, but now want more maneuverability. I tried surfing on 7S 6'4 fish which was and I could stand up most of the time, but making turns wasn't as easy as I thought.

Thanks in advance, folks!
Cheers!

[jaffa1949]

If your turning ability didn't come easy on a 6'4" 7S fish then this board will feel really skittish and be less helpful in paddling, but a little more easy in the turns, but you will find that turning is a factor of your skill level. Neither the 7S or this board can do it for you
When you say I could stand up most of the time and make simple turns it qualifies you in the beginner class ( which is fine and realistic).
BTW a person a little more advanced than a beginner can make turns on a long board.
I'd look at the 6'8" in the gumtree ad, might be more suited but the 6'4" will work at a stretch!
The weight and height situation is good.
If you think you are up for it get it and see where you are in the foodchain!

[itomatik]

hey, jaffa1949, appreciate your suggestions.

when you say 6'8" - you mean fish or a shortboard or mini mal?

Would something like this be good then:
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sandgate ... 1027108199

or this:
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/highgate ... 1025684067

?

again, thanks a lot for advice!

[jaffa1949]

I'd look at the Mount Woodgee 6'8" in the ad with your first post or the fish one. In the second post, it's not an extreme fish would properly be called a swallowtail!
A swallow is slightly more technically advanced but not beyond your levels will be skittish as it is narrow 20"

You could always persist with a 6'8" 7S before you lay out money try the 7S in the meantime often if you can!
Get the true idea of your skills!

[itomatik]

Great! I'm going to drive around surf shops tomorrow and see what they have in stock. Will keep you posted on what I got and how it went

[jaffa1949]

If you go to surf shops see if they have a try before you buy model of the same type and bear in mind you won't suddenly develop an instant skill with it>

[itomatik]

I ended up buying a 7'6 sideways "bullet" minimal:
http://www.sideways.com.au/bullet-mini-mal-wht/

I thought I'll improve my overall surfing faster with a bigger board.

Again, thanks for all advice.

[IB_Surfer]

Do you still have the 6'4 fish? If so, try putting a stomp pad on it

[itomatik]

hey, @IB_surfer, thanks for a pad suggestion. I think I will put one on my next fish. I don't have that fish anymore, since I moved from California to Australia =)

[itomatik]

hey guys,
as the season of bigger waves in the Gold Coast approaching would my 7'6 minimal still be OK for it? or should I look for something shorter like 6'8 fish?

Is there a rule of thumb on when you'd want to take a smaller board instead of your minimal?

Because in my understanding, unless I'm surfing really fast and steep waves - the longer the board the easier would it be to catch the wave.

[jaffa1949]

Itomatik there is no rule of thumb , guys of all degrees of ability surf all sorts of sized waves. Guys ride pipe on full mals.
Your sideways bullet will handle anything you would up for.
Only suggestion is if you do change still keep some volume. The only difficulty is the ease of getting out with a bigger board.

[itomatik]

jaffa1949, thanks for response!
there is a nice swelling lining up next week (http://magicseaweed.com/Currumbin-Point ... port/1188/), so I'll try my minimal and will see how it goes.

[drowningbitbybit]

Looking a wee bit windy for that bump of swell, but its got to be better than the current flatness
Maybe I'll see you out at the point... or back towards the beachie if its big...

As Jaffa says, there's no real rule of thumb but volume is your friend when catching waves, and also for staying on them over the crumbly weak sections.

You'll be fine on your mini-mal