damn convertible

[sparkymarky77]

Hi
Im hoping someone can answer a question for me.
I have been bellyboarding on a paipo for about a year and would like to start surfing standing up.
The problem i have is that i drive a hard top convertible and could only fit a 6ft board in it.
Does anyone have any ideas on a 6ft board which would be reasonably forgiving for a beginner and not break the bank?
Many thanks Mark

[oldmansurfer]

Can you stand or kneel on your paipo board?

[dtc]

No, is the unfortunately simple answer. Perhaps if you could stretch another 6 to 10 inches then something vaguely possible could be suggested, but not at 6ft. The best you can do at 6ft is the least worst option, which is to get the widest and thickest board you can,something like the nsp 7s superfish (google '6ft fish surfboard' and there are some other options). As said, these are totally not beginner boards and will present a significant challenge to you, but they are the least worst. Do not try a standard 6ft pointy nose performance board, unless you want to end up crying in frustration.

There are screw together boards but they are exxy

What about a soft rack surfboard holder? Wouldnt they be ok for a hard top convertible? Google some up and check them out (I might be wrong). A final option is a towbar, you can carry a surfboard on a special rack.

[oldmansurfer]

If you are really fit and use your arms to paddle in with your paipo board and if you can kneel or stand on your paipo board then getting a real short board might be ok but you would want one that was thick and wide. If you aren't fit then maybe a 7 foot fish board if you can turn it sideways in the car and get it wide and fat that might be ok. It would help to know your height and weight and general fitness.

[jaffa1949]

Always the board you need, is about the one that surfs best for you, every other criteria is a distraction.
Sell the convertible, get a car that fits your surfboard not the other way round.
Hard top convertible = the need for soft fit roof racks, easily available FIXED.
BTW paipo surfing is such a genuine ancient and honourable way of surfing.Kudos for that

[sparkymarky77]

Thanks for the replies it gives me plenty to mull over in time for next summer!! Until then i think i will continue with the paipo as it is amazing fun:-)

[oldmansurfer]

I paipo boarded before I surfed. I really enjoyed it and I wonder why all the body boarders use foam. My paipo board could hold a lot higher line on the wave than any of those foam boards and it allowed me to get incredible tube rides. I also could swim to the bottom with my board avoiding the impact of every wave. I started knee boarding on my paipo board before I started surfing and the transition was real quick for me. It still took me six months before I felt like I had some skill at surfing and quit thinking about what I could do paipo boarding. I quit surfing for a while and when I relearned I used a longboard because it was too difficult on a shorter board (old overweight and out of shape) . Before I got my current board a 8 foot fun gun I surfed a 7 foot fish that paddled as well if not better than my 9'6" longboard. 6" longboard. The reason we all discourage people from learning on a shortboard is that it takes time before you are actually riding waves for most people but if you are determined it can be done but it won't be anywhere as easy as paipo boarding and you will paipo board better than you surf for a few months or longer.