Softboard size 8ft or 7ft

[allupinthevip]

So I'm planning to buy the following softboard

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Billow-7-Soft-Surfboard-7ft-Soft-Board-with-Leash-Fins-Foam-Board-4-Colors-/121251665832?var=&hash=item1c3b2997a8

I am 5'6 , 63 kgs(138lbs) and I'm also a total beginner.

According to the size guide on their ebay page, I should get the 7ft but looking at other size guides on the net they almost always say 8ft is better for my height.

Now I would prefer to get the 7ft because it would fit in my car (biggest reason since I drive a hatch) and I think the eventual transition to a shortboard will be easier.

Do you guys think going with the 7ft will be okay for a total beginner of my size?

Thanks in advance

[jaffa1949]

If you go with the 7ft it will harder to catch waves ( the actual essence of surfing) but with a lot of failing and frustration , with ample surf time, you might succeed.

Just a note too on the board, it is a "toy" board it is below the level IMO even a decent real soft board.
What in particular makes this board the one you want to buy?
You would likely need to get something better quite quickly and if money is an issue then why spend it on something you will quickly find inadequate!

On length you should consider roof racks soft or hard they can carry a board ok so car might not need to be a consideration.

[waikikikichan]

How good of a open ocean swimmer are you ? If you're not a really good swimmer, than i would go bigger.

and I think the eventual transition to a shortboard will be easier.

You can think of how many inches of travel suspension fork, wiz-bang disk brakes and carbon fiber dis thats AFTER you take the training wheels OFF the bicycle you're learning on. Don't get ahead of your self. You are not even a newbie, not even a beginner, not even an intermediate, so getting to the skill level to ride a shortboard will take time ( and down sizing of various boards along the way ).

[allupinthevip]

If you go with the 7ft it will harder to catch waves ( the actual essence of surfing) but with a lot of failing and frustration , with ample surf time, you might succeed.

Just a note too on the board, it is a "toy" board it is below the level IMO even a decent real soft board.
What in particular makes this board the one you want to buy?
You would likely need to get something better quite quickly and if money is an issue then why spend it on something you will quickly find inadequate!

On length you should consider roof racks soft or hard they can carry a board ok so car might not need to be a consideration.

Thanks Jaffa, I will stick with the 8ft and get a rack.

On the board, I chose that one because its within my budget of 250 AUD but I'm beginning to think I should increase my budget.

How about this one?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Soft-Surfboard-8ft-Composite-Longboard-Numfish-RUSH-/321011836162?hash=item4abdcbe502:m:mVhqgNygDeArihpADDTfGOA

[dtc]

Hop on gumtree and snag either a second hand soft board or a proper board

A soft board is a beginner board but there is absolutely no reason why a beginner needs to start with a soft board. Is there a particular reason why you are focusing on a soft board?

[allupinthevip]

Hop on gumtree and snag either a second hand soft board or a proper board

A soft board is a beginner board but there is absolutely no reason why a beginner needs to start with a soft board. Is there a particular reason why you are focusing on a soft board?

Oh man, a softboard isn't the same thing as a longboard? they have similar shapes so I thought that they were the same.

[jaffa1949]

Soft boards are just that, soft casing around an EPS core, they float really well, the ones you are looking at are made probably in the same factory but with different brand labels and brought into Australia by the container load.
Go to Torquay and visit the surf shops there. The only things soft boards have in common with longboards is length. Soft boards are made so beginners feel safer in using them. Rubber fins when you get too stage of being able to turn buckle under the forces of a turn.

Some long boards to look at that have successful for people on this forum, Torq, BIC , assorted epoxy.

Stop your eBay browsing head down to the beach, have a few lessons, they will have soft boards to use, make an evaluation.
If you want to save money put up your secondhand choices of longboard we will help.
I strongly suggest you don't consider this type of board as they will break down and lose your investment?
Have lesson and you have begun to understand what you are looking for!

Have fun in the adventure

[allupinthevip]

Some long boards to look at that have successful for people on this forum, Torq, BIC , assorted epoxy.

I've noticed a lot of these board start at 9ft. Is that fine for someone my height/weight of 5ft6 / 63kgs? I'm not a great swimmer.

Because I have a low budget I'm deciding to invest in a good longboard and have a go at learning on my own first rather than paying for lessons.

[waikikikichan]

You don't need to take lessonS. But I would recommend at least one 1 hour lesson. Especially since you are not a good swimmer.

[dtc]

You can definitely get Torq boards shorter than 9ft - eg 8ft http://www.naturalnecessity.com.au/torq ... board.html

And their shorter boards are called 'funboards' normally - 'longboard' - over 8ft; a board that is longboard shaped (rounded nose, the edges of the board run parallel to each other around the middle of the board) but shorter than a longboard is usually a 'mini mal' or a 'fundboard' (generally range from 6ft10 to 8ft)

I suggest an 8ft would be a good size for you. However, you will have absolutely no problems if you get one between 8ft and 9ft

I've linked to a new Torq, but you should be able find a second hand board in a local shop or gumtree etc for cheaper. A good shop is a bit less risky; if they are genuine they will be able to tell you the condition of the board, fix any cracks (dings) or whatever before handing it over - buying privately you have to deal with that on your own. $300-350 should get you a reasonable board; although you may have to hunt around a bit to find one that is the right size (and keep in mind that if you need fins its another $50 for basic fins; plus leg leash ($40) plus board bag (not essential but will protect your board - another $80+). Plus wax ($5). And wetsuit! I had a quick look on gumtree for Torquay and there weren't any suitable boards, but if you are in Melbourne I'm sure you can find something.

[allupinthevip]

You can definitely get Torq boards shorter than 9ft - eg 8ft http://www.naturalnecessity.com.au/torq ... board.html

And their shorter boards are called 'funboards' normally - 'longboard' - over 8ft; a board that is longboard shaped (rounded nose, the edges of the board run parallel to each other around the middle of the board) but shorter than a longboard is usually a 'mini mal' or a 'fundboard' (generally range from 6ft10 to 8ft)

I suggest an 8ft would be a good size for you. However, you will have absolutely no problems if you get one between 8ft and 9ft

I've linked to a new Torq, but you should be able find a second hand board in a local shop or gumtree etc for cheaper. A good shop is a bit less risky; if they are genuine they will be able to tell you the condition of the board, fix any cracks (dings) or whatever before handing it over - buying privately you have to deal with that on your own. $300-350 should get you a reasonable board; although you may have to hunt around a bit to find one that is the right size (and keep in mind that if you need fins its another $50 for basic fins; plus leg leash ($40) plus board bag (not essential but will protect your board - another $80+). Plus wax ($5). And wetsuit! I had a quick look on gumtree for Torquay and there weren't any suitable boards, but if you are in Melbourne I'm sure you can find something.

thanks dtc, that was super helpful!

[allupinthevip]

Hey guys, hows this board? just seen it on gumtree

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/diamond-creek/surfing/venus-flytrap-surfboard/1105488926

[waikikikichan]

" The board has literally been surfed once at Ocean Grove by my girlfriend and unfortunately she needs a bigger board to learn on."

Do you think you can surf better than the seller's girlfriend could ? I think finding a used molded epoxy like a Torq, NSP, Bic etc. might be better and cheaper.

[dtc]

I think it's ok. 8 x 22 x 2 7/8; 55L volume (which is a little low but you are only 75kg). If it comes with fins and the bag then a reasonable price (obviously you could knock a few $$ off). Might not be the cheapest board you can find but looks in good condition.

Not saying buy it but if you can be bothered to keep looking then I don't think it's a terrible choice

[allupinthevip]

Another. This time a 9ft.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hawthorn/surfing/9-malibu-longboard-surfboard/1103483922

And a brand new one. 8ft for $399.00

http://www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com.au/waterborn-jiven-2016.html

[jaffa1949]

Whatever you do please get strong and confident in your swimming , we are not encouraging to take up surfing just to drown. Leashes ( leg ropes) are not safety devices they are there to help recover your board and they can break. Swimming is vital and helps your paddling muscles

[dtc]

Another. This time a 9ft.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hawthorn/surfing/9-malibu-longboard-surfboard/1103483922

And a brand new one. 8ft for $399.00

http://www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com.au/waterborn-jiven-2016.html

The first one looks really beat up. It might be perfectly surfable and last forever, but it seems fairly expensive for the condition. If it was under $300 then maybe.

The second one is a standard chinese factory board (comes up at $449 for the 8ft) - some of these are pretty good value, some aren't made that well. But you cant really tell, because they are all made in the same/similar factories and given different brandings, so its more a quality control issue at the factory than anything inherently wrong with them. By 'not that well' I mean that the covering might start coming off the board (deliminating) are a while (a year or two) or paint chips etc. As a beginner board this is not really an issue, however.

The biggest downside is that it comes with fixed 3 fin set ups, so you cant experiment with different fin set ups (single fin, 2+1 fin etc)

Why not this one

http://www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com.au ... alker.html - 9ft, same price, centre fin box (so you can put in a larger centre fin and move it around).

Either of the waterborn boards will be fine

[allupinthevip]

Thanks.

Just wanted to ask also what do you guys think of the 7ft BIC Egg. I'm reading a lot about how it's good for beginners and it's affordable. its 5.8kg though. http://bicsport.quivers.biz/m?p=8235/70Egg

and the 8ft4 BIC magnum which I think is a better length for me is 7.7kg. That's really heavy right?

http://bicsport.quivers.biz/m?p=8238/84Magnum

[dtc]

If you want a Bic, go with the natural surf (7ft9) or the Magnum. The Magnum preferably but either will be ok.

Don't worry about the weight, unless you are planning to do some airs or ripping top turns. Just try to park a little closer to the beach...

Don't get too hung up - there is no perfect board for anyone and definitely no perfect board for a first timer. Any of the new boards you have linked will be fine - it will be at least 200+hrs of surfing before you can even begin to suggest that the board is holding you back. Until then, its absolutely you holding the board back.

[allupinthevip]

Any of the new boards you have linked will be fine - it will be at least 200+hrs of surfing before you can even begin to suggest that the board is holding you back. Until then, its absolutely you holding the board back.

Including the 7ft Bic EGG? It's the one I have my heart set on