Hi from a newbie

[Daveooo]

2nd attempt!!

Hi All

3rd time surfing this weekend, 1st was Croyde Bay 1 year ago as a 2hr lesson with Surf School South West (as was this visit), 2nd trip was last October with friends to Saunton Sands on a borrowed minimal and struggled slightly (not sure what size it was).

So this time around I stood up almost every time and even had a modicum of control over the direction I was going! (Does that make me a surfer?) Will buying a proper board (minimal I expect) be a lot harder to surf than a softie? - I presume it will mainly depend on getting the right size.

I found this site looking for advise on buying a surfboard and wet suit and although mostly confirming my own common sense it has been very helpful. So off shopping very soon for my next outing!

[jaffa1949]

WHOA and welcome, but hold off on the buying a board just yet.
Certain buy the wetsuit,!
WHY, have a few more lessons and let us know what size and shape you are in , height and weight, then age they will help us recommend a board that will suit.
Glad you have the bug..;.. enhancing bugs is our speciality.
How often will you get to the surf? A lesson a year apart does not a surfer make, your excitement might qualify you though!
There is quite a lot of valuable reading in the learn to surf section and a lot of information on suitable sizes, our advice will enhance that!
Welcome aboard and feel the wax between your toes!

[Daveooo]

I have a few mates that surf about a dozen times per year, so hope to hook up with them (now I know I can do it!)

I'll borrow the same Minimal again (check out size and see how I get on with it) as a starting point.

36 years old, 6'1" and currently 14st (down from 15st a few years ago ad probably still dropping as I've started swimming 1500m twice a week again - like I did in my late teens. so paddling ain't a problem!).

[Daveooo]

I'm back!

I'm up to 6 surfs now (yes so few I can still count them), but all's going well, a trip to Suit Snowdonia (North Wales) helped and 4 hours at Polzeath (Cornwall) where I stood on almost every wave I picked on a hired 7'6" torq softie, I started off on a 7'2" length but I struggled to do much.

So I've decided to take the plunge and buy a board, based on the fun I had on the Torq, so I've been looking at the Torq range and think I've decided on the 8' funboard (slightly more volume than the 7'6" softie) as I presume it will bw a similar shape and performance. Anyone got and experience of the board, or another advice?

[dtc]

A few people have a Torq board and give it good ratings - so by all accounts an excellent choice. I think waikikichan has surfed one and a few people have the 7'2 funboard. (here is a recent discussion re this exact board viewtopic.php?f=39&t=28443&p=204562#p204562 )

Although I would suggest looking at the 8'6 or preferably 9ft just because you may as well take advantage of the extra length and volume and you are on the larger end for surfers - but you are correct that, in terms of volume, the Torq 8ft (60L) is close to the Torq 7'6 softie (57L) and the 8ft is a perfectly reasonable choice and its a good board/brand.

[Daveooo]

Cheers, that's expanded quite a bit since I read the 1st page..

Luckily I've lost a bit of weight recently (the only positive of a change of diet due to illness) so nearer 13st 4lb now... So possibly suiting the 8' more than I would have.