Help me pick my first board

[ElliotClarke]

Hi guys,

This is my first post on here and I'm hoping to get some advice on my first board. I'm 6ft 5in and weigh 240lbs (muscular not fat, I play rugby and lift weights). I'm around 15% body fat currently, but I'm in the process of cutting my body fat down to 10%. I really want to learn to surf as I've had a few lessons before and enjoyed it, although I've only stood up a couple of times!

From browsing the Internet I've garnered I need a longboard preferably 9ft or bigger and I should start on a foamy or preferably epoxy board. I'm currently looking at two boards, one is 9ft (3 blue stripes) and one is 9ft 2in (2 red stripes). They're both epoxy are 22 3/4in in width and 3in thick. My question is, will the 2in difference in length make any difference? I prefer the look of the 9ft board more than the 9ft 2in one and its £50 cheaper.

Any advice is welcomed, thanks!

[jaffa1949]

Red boards go faster The 9'2" will do admirably. when you next post also show an underside so we can advise on the fin set up. £50 saved and the board you like, FIXED
Go have fun>

[Tudeo]

At 240lbs I think u better look for a big wide board with a lot of volume for learning, the 92 could be a bit small for that. What are dimensions of these boards, brand, model?

[waikikikichan]

I'm thinking more like 9'6" would be better. The sad thing is most big boards are 50/50 rail, classic outlined single fins. There are some great big boards like the Infinity Rad Noserider, Hobie Peter Pan Slug, and Ben Aipa Big Boy Sting to let big guys like you still rip later on as your skills improve.

[jaffa1949]

Yes 9'6" uncle Jaffa missed the weight factor, second row size needed!

[kookpointoh]

I would go bigger! I am 6'1" at 240 and I tried a few 9'6" at some long board spots and didn't seem like I had enough floatation, so I went with a 10' 2" and I catch everything. I have a 10'2" poly board. I had a 9'2" epoxy board for learning but that was better for the the faster steeper waves.

[CheaterFiveSurfBum]

You need to go at least 10 foot and it would be best to have an old school log board shaped for you locally. Stay away from soft top boards. I personally think they are junk and no re-sale value like a real board. Check out those slide65 boards in your area.