help!

[merv]

yo, i'v been surfing for about nine months on a 7'8' mini mal and want to move on to a long board. A friend of a friend is selling his 9'6 longboard made by "rusty". Does anyone know if "rusty" is a good make and if the size of the board will suit me. im 6'3' and weigh about 11st. cheers, merv.

[mcsurf]

Rusty is a US manufacturer and is well thought of. They make a bunch of different models ranging from easy paddling 50/50 rail noseriders to "geez it's big out here" guns. A 9'6" should do you fine. If the nose measures around 18in at a point 12in back from the nose it'll nose ride well. If the nose is 17in or less it's probably more performance oriented. All good, just depends on what you want and what the waves are like where you surf.

[merv]

thanks for the advice dude, dont mean to be a pain in the hoop but do you reckon you can help me further? the dimensions for the board are width 22 7/8" thickness 2 5/8 length 9'6. I know the width and thickness has a lot to do with how the board performs but dont know how. if you or any one else that reads this could shed some light on this i would very much appreciate it. cheers dudes, merv.

[mcsurf]

sounds like a performance longboard at 2 5/8. not a bad thing, just a little less forgiving. a board like this will handle juice but should do ok on small days as well. I don't know what 11stone is in lbs. I'm 6'2" and weigh 195. I have a couple 9'6" boards that I like, and currently ride a 10' Walden which I love. feel free to ask anything else.

[LLG]

Get a longer board...you are tall and need one close to 10 feet... a 9'10 would be good or even 10 feet...you also need a thicker board...at least 3'1/4-3 5/8 thick..you will catch more waves and paddle better, because it will give you more float...trust me...you will catch choke waves ....that board is not thick enough..and yes Rusty is a good brand..but the dimensions are important.... good luck

[merv]

yo, thanks for the advice people. im gonna check out the board on monday and take it out for a blast providing south wales gets its act together and produces some decent waves. in the meantime does anyone have any reccomendations on a suitable board i could have a look for? nice one, merv.