Please help me choose my first shortboard(s)

[JamesWorthy]

Hi, I am 17, 5"9 and 60-65kg.

I am looking for a new surfboard that I will be able to surf with in the Devon and Cornwall area.
I started on a surfboard that was a BIC 7"3 Mini mal (http://www.bicsportsurfboards.com/produ ... u,479.html) and felt confident enough on that board and was standing up every time.
Now, I want to move down to a shortboard to be able to be more agile and perform manoeuvres on waves.
I am looking at boards that range from 6"-6"2, is this the right size board that I should be going for?
If not, what do you recommend?

(Background info: I am very fit and also am a very good bodyboarder, and can drop knee bodyboarding occasionally.)

Thank you!

[Atlantic]

Hey James, I'm in a similar position to you, I think.

A 7'3 to 6' is a HUGE difference though. Last time I went on a surfing trip I changed from renting a 7'2 to a 6'8 minimal and did feel the difference in speed and skate. It took a day to get the hang of the shorter board. I would recommend renting out a 6'6 minimal or perhaps a long shortboard so you see what I mean. Surfing in Cornwall the waves may not get huge, usually a decent 3ft+ in season though right? Have you got a board in your quiver that can catch smaller waves? Also, since you're 17, you might want to think about whether you're going to be growing and putting on more weight. A 6' board is pretty short, even for an experienced surfer... I'd say go for a 6'4 or 6'6 shortboard maybe???

I'm 21, 6ft, weighing 66kg and my plan is to get more experience renting some smaller boards before I take the dip with maybe a 6'4 or 6'6 shortboard... perhaps even a fish or hybrid...

Just have a think about these things... and how long you can commit to learning the new board cause it's going to be a struggle for a bit...

[JamesWorthy]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I felt that on the 7"3 that i couldn't be agile at all, and I don't know whether going just this size would not be small enough to be able to do what I want to do?

Also, I know this sounds strange but 6"6 doesn't sound small for a surfboard, I don't know why I think this??

Finally, is it impossible to jump from 7"3 to 6"2 as I can get one really cheap?

Thanks

[surf patrol]

Lack of agility on a 7ft3 is skill, not the board. Sure its not a board you can do airs and pro series manouveres, but you can do a lot of things. Atlantic has pegged it; jumping down to 6ft is a really big jump. And are you surfing the waves to justify it?

here are some guys surfing the Bic 7ft6 who arent really pushing it, and sure they arent whipping it left and right but they are doing ok (and, to be honest, a better board than a Bic would give much better results)

or check out alex knost or joel tudor on youtube and see what they can do with longer boards

Also keep in mind that a minimal has flat rocker, thicker rails, wider nose - equals more volume, easier paddling, easier wave catching, more stability, less speed (which is good if you dont know what do to with that speed). A shortboard will differ in almost every aspect - will be much harder to catch waves, to stand up, to control. Much less volume, higher rocker. Its a big difference

Still, if you are set on getting a shorter board, then get one; if you get a good deal and it turns out to be too big a jump, then put the board in a cupboard and come back to it in a year or two minimal harm done. If it works out to be suitable, then fantastic. There is no right answer - there are 'safer' options but its not like you will do irreperable harm if you happen to chose the wrong board.

So go for it and report back in a few months on how you found it - will be of great interest to lots of people with the same question.

[drowningbitbybit]

I felt that on the 7"3 that i couldn't be agile at all, and I don't know whether going just this size would not be small enough to be able to do what I want to do?

Boards don't surf, surfers do.
Going smaller won't help unless you have the skills there to use a smaller board.

Either stick with the 7'3 for a while longer yet and really nail those basic techniques, or get a board somewhere in the middle like 6'6 as suggested.
Going down to a tiny board before you're ready is just a recipe for frustration.

[JamesWorthy]

Hi everyone, thanks for all of the replies.

I do see what you mean about all of your comments on agility and the jump down.

However, one of the main causes of my concern is getting out to the line up because with the 7"3 i really really struggled to duck dive the board, which meant that I could rarely get out to the lineup.

This is my main problem really, my balance is fine and most other aspects are pretty good, it's just that I can't duck dive that board for the sake of me!

Do you think that I should still go for a 6"6?

Thank you all for such in depth and decent replies.

[oldmansurfer]

I have never seen a break that required duck diving to get out.

[JamesWorthy]

This is the 6"2 board that I can get real cheap;

[oldmansurfer]

Looks like a pro surfers board with all the decals and stuff. A shorter board will be more difficult but if you stick to it you can learn just don't get discouraged. It sounds like you will learn to duck dive first which is fine. I think that board looks good.

[JamesWorthy]

Thanks for a quick reply.
The owner claims it used to be Sam Lamiroy's board and he is a family friend, hence all the decals.

The board seems like quite a wide board for 6"2, correct me if I'm wrong?

Do you think I should go for it? It is less than £100(~$160)

[jaffa1949]

I have never seen a break that required duck diving to get out.

OMS a lot of long sand beaches require duck diving, often outside reef breaks and clear point breaks provide a rip to use as a get out, good rock offs help too but it is a vital skill needed especially for newbies as they may not read the line up well.

James if you want it , get it, bear in mind if it was a pro's board then it is specialised for his skill level and may have been shaped for a certain event in the tour.

Seems standard enough. Really your call! Try it and see what we have all been talking about!

[JamesWorthy]

Thanks a lot, I think I'll give it a go!