Help with a New Board

[jonlb21]

Hey Guys,

I was hoping I could get some help with buying a new board. I’m a beginner to intermediate (more intermediate) I picked up surfing a year ago in California and loved it. I have been surfing ever since. I just got back from Surfing in Costa Rica and it was sick. Anyway I have a 8ft foamish board you can check it out here http://www.grecosurfboards.com/product/the-2-0/ and I think I’m ready to advance to a new board.

I have used plenty of fiberglass boards so I know the difference between what I have and what I will be going to. To this point, (because it’s a 8ft foam board) I have only been able to catch a wave and ride in directly into a straight line into shore. I’m trying to take the next step and actually start carving waves and eventually go into barrels etc. I have 2 boards already and this gets expensive quick so the next board I buy I want to use/last a while. Someone suggested this board and I have no idea if it’s the best for what I’m trying to accomplish http://www.surfindustries.com/shop/us/s ... fish-3-cv/ I personally thought it was still big but the guy said " The key is to not jump down too short too soon so that you get the “Shock Factor” of wondering why you aren’t catching waves and wondering where the rest of the board is "

Can you guys tell me what you think?

Also in case in matters I’m 5’8 175lbs and surf in Boston and Rhode Island

[oldmansurfer]

2 things, One is I think that board would be fine for you and the other is that you should be able to carve turns and get tubed with the foam board so don't expect the new board to give you skills you don't have.

[jaffa1949]

Welcome and echoing OMS's comments, straight lining to shore is a beginner level, you should able to turn and ride across a wave with some basic skills to be intermediate,. Sorry

Although the foamish board is designed to make wave catching easier, it can be turned and ridden on the wave, it is not holding you back or preventing you from doing that.

My advice , get your surfing better then change,the board you are considering is ok but stay in the longer range if you do buy it

[Jester]

Jon£21 I remember those days very well!! I did all my learning and stayed on foam boards for quite a bit. Are both your boards foam? Why did you buy two?

What kind of waves are you catching? Is it still in near the shore where you keep your feet on the bottom or do you paddle out of your depth beyond the broken whitewater? I myself spent a long time 'inside' learning the basics, there's no shame in it, we all start there!

One or two things that might help, the sections on this site have masses of info on how to turn, use them and read everything!! I did

1. Get up quickly if you can - more time to make your first turn before the wave peters out.
2. Angle a few degrees away from the peak of the wave, try about 10 degrees first.
3. If possible, try a slightly bigger wave, the waves we learn on are usually weak as dishwater, a slightly bigger wave will give you the oomph to keep you balanced and travelling.
4. Report back and tell the guys how you got on, their advice is amazing, seriously. It's like having a panel of surf coaches with you at all times!

[drowningbitbybit]

I’m a beginner to intermediate (more intermediate)

How's your cutback? And your backhand topturn?