My softie bent! To stay or go.....

[Tanz22]

Hi everyone. So my 9' softie has died..... She has a bend in the middle making the concave go the other way. She also gets extremely waterlogged to the point she doesn't sit on top of the water after a few hours and I can tell you that I'm a big pacific island girl but struggle when she's water logged to walk 10m without stopping..... Here's my question. I know I'm a beginner . I went big. I am happy with having a softie and 9'. I catch most waves in white wash and have started some green waves. I'm confident poping up but find my legs try to turn the board but due to size and water log she doesn't move much. I can bunny hop and move around comfortably on the board but I suck at paddling. I'm not bored but can see I will be soon.....But now that I have to buy another one.... I'm force to make a decision- Do I buy something the same? Do I go smaller? Stay softie? Or spend the money and go decent long board? I'm completely addicted and even looking at selling my house in sydney and moving to the South Coast so I can surf all the time!

I am 38 female 5'9 85kgs on a good day! Ive been surfing 4 months every weekend 6 hours sat Sunday at the very least per week.

[jaffa1949]

Hi Tanz22
Aloha or your island equivalent, the sea is telling you it is time to abandon your soft ways! If you enjoy the style of your forebears and like the style of long why not get a good longboard new or secondhand, is OK PM or tell us where in Sydney you live . We can put you in touch with a good board shop or shaper that will help you evolve your surfing.
If you want to go a little shorter then then there is a range of minimals fun boards that we can suggest but since you said you don't paddle well, that has to be fixed, poor paddling skill means poor wave catching ( meaning frustration and little progress).

If you are selling your house put some of that money aside to reward yourself with a new board.
South Coast , Uncle Jaffa lives about as far south as you can get without being in Victoria;
I have a number of connections who can give you the right board down here.
I could even offer to be a 65 year old mentor.
We have a good group of women who surf here and then the normal assortment range of nice guys to DHs. but less in each category.

[dtc]

Yep, buy a 'proper' board, probably a longboard (8ft+). Its always tempting to get a new board or one custom made or whatever, but I think you should keep an eye out for a second hand board (probably around up to $500 will give you a good quality second hand board, keeping in mind that they are $1000 new for a good board) and this will last you until forever. Or until you decide you want to go a bit smaller or buy a new board - at which time you will know more about what you want and like and don't like in a board, where and how you surf and all the rest.

Of course, if you want to buy new or custom made go for it - its a great experience.

Most of the surf shops in Sydney will carry a stock of second hand boards, those traded in etc; plus of course there are heaps of boards on gumtree - a quick looked showed 4 or 5 suitable boards for around $400

I surf the South Coast and its a great place, although in places its a bit lacking at times in some non surfing areas.

[Tanz22]

Ok time to start looking for a long board. I need one before Friday! I am a little scared that I'm not ready and will get frustrated but I am a very persistant person lol. Gum tree here I come.....

[Tanz22]

Oh man.... Not as easy as I thought. Can't afford a new or custom still unsure of size I will need and a bit apprehensive to buy a used board when I have no idea what I'm buying a 500 plus.....

What am I looking for.... Not looking for? I have a flex Friday and want to be in the water FRIDAY by 12. Time is of the essence

[dtc]

The 'standard' longboard is about 9ft long, about 22 inches wide and about 2 5/8 or 2 3/4 thick, rounded tail with three fins (long centre fin and two smaller outside fins). The measurements are all give or take a little bit. I wouldn't go below 8ft or above 9ft6; wouldn't go below 21 inches wide or over 23 inches and probably stay under 3 inches thick. Pretty much any board with those dimensions will suit you. Try for a board with fins, as they cost another $100+ to buy new

In terms of condition, obviously any dings/dents/cracks need to be treated with suspicion

possibilities - but inspection is required and some negotiation!

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sydney-r ... 1069244579

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rosevill ... 1069131830 (has a few repaired dings so perhaps a bit over priced)

this one should clean up pretty well; and Frank Latta made really good boards (in fact, made one of mine..)

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/allawah/ ... 1069393587

I've only skimmed gumtree so there will be plenty more - and don't forget the local surf shops


Disrupt surfboards online sell cheap surfboards - obviously they are cheap for a reason, but I think you can get a new board for under $500 if you would prefer to go that way. They are only new so don't know the quality, but should be ok - might not last 10 years but for the next few as a transition board. But it will take a while to get to you.

[Tanz22]

Thank you everyone! I've had a look love the Polynesian looking one emailed that person and the one that needs a clean I'm seeing weds. At least now I have a better idea what I'm looking for. Measurements were extremely helpful. I'd let you know updated with pics. I love surging even more after you guys redponded and I def would take in a mentor! I'm at the farm every weekend!

[jaffa1949]

The farm is a great place to really learn , can do beautiful waves that enhance the entire surfing experience.
Unfortunately Uncle Jaffa is another 5 hours south, at Merimbula.
You could go a little further south from the farm to around Ulladulla, Bendalong has numerous breaks and a world champion Surfer Pam Burridge has a school,there. Mollymook too , Ulladulla is a great place to look for houses , a bit pricey but there is work available . Good surf shops and shaper.
Almost forgot Werri Beach and Gerringong surf shops great surfs and developed two current women competitors on the world tour. Tyler Wright and Sally Fitzgibbon
Gerringong is just a step further than the farm

Broulee is another spot that can cater to beginners.

[Tanz22]

I chickened out when I found this
Beginner's surfboard on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1069555671

70 bucks- same brand as mine and pick up location on the way to the farm.

Will give me surfing on Friday and time to look for an upgrade without the pressure of time. Plus time to save for a decent board not just one I can "afford" Rest assured all your comments have been such a great help to me and I sincerely appreciate the time you took to respond.