Bic 7'9 deckpad or wax ?

[pmcaero]

I strongly disagree the plastic Bic 7'9" is good for learning beyond basic wave catching.
Epoxy boards are supposed to be quite durable and lighter than plastic, IMO a much better investment.

-For me in bigger beach break conditions the Bic makes me too tired to get past the impact zone. I'm younger than the OP and I'm not in terrible shape. I think it's a combination of the weight of the board, general slowness - takes too long to get past the breakers -and of course it's too buoyant to duck dive. Basically the worst combo.

-At the same time, in smaller, gutless waves, I have to work much harder than longboarders to catch a wave and get a decent ride. It's really no comparison and a matter of frustration during summer as I have to be inside of longboarders , and thus often lose priority also.

[jaffa1949]

If you look at the link to PM Caero's blog you can get an idea of the issues he is having. Much of it is because of really gutless conditions unfortunately there is no video of better surf conditions. So we cannot see how those are handled.
Bigger volume boards are harder to duck dive but if you become proficient at turtle rolls and choosing an easier paddle out route then that is possible.
True too the epoxy boards are lighter, and probably a better all round choice, skill can make any board responsive.
I learnt to surf on a 9ft 6" balsa board that weighed a lot more than any BIC especially when it became waterlogged, I was 9 years old and the break was Dee Why point. Had to paddle out through some big waves and turtle roll, duck diving is a much more specific shortboard skill. So forget duck diving, become a turtle.
Unless there were significant ding risk I would choose the epoxy, but but neither should hold you back....

[Silvery]

Well thanks again all of you for the very thoughtful reply's. After re reading all several times I'm leaning towards an 8ft Torq if you could check out the link and post your opinion please. http://www.torq-surfboards.com/long-80.html

[waikikikichan]

That 8'0" Torq is a excellent choice. I rode that in Taitung, Taiwan. I bought a 7'10" NSP Fun board for my wife. That one is very good too.

[jaffa1949]

Good choice

[pmcaero]

Well thanks again all of you for the very thoughtful reply's. After re reading all several times I'm leaning towards an 8ft Torq if you could check out the link and post your opinion please. http://www.torq-surfboards.com/long-80.html

looks like a nice board. If you can get it longer, though, do it. It will save you hours of frustration watching longboarders get in early with just a few strokes

[Silvery]

Thanks for the seal of approval, board on it's to me, first chance I'll get to ride will probably be in SW France in a few weeks time will give you an update after I get to grips with it.

[Daveooo]

Hand thread, I'm considering an 8' torq as the 7"6' torq softie I hire recently took me from stood a couple of times last try to stood on most waves I picked! So as the mods are slightly less buoyant I'm planning on going up a bit to jeep simular buoyancy (i'm a bit heavier 90kg ish) and. Hoping for a similar ride.

[Silvery]

Got the board and waxed it up if the east coast had anything today I would have had a two hour drive but it's flat.

The board feels really light and huge looking volume wise for 8ft (the max I can get in my car)
Be nice if waikikichan could post a description of his experience of riding one.

[waikikikichan]

Be nice if waikikichan could post a description of his experience of riding one.

taitung20151125_2235067.jpg (82.49 KiB) Viewed 748 times

20151125_2235068.jpg (63.92 KiB) Viewed 748 times

Here's my wife on the Torq rental board from 5 Surf hostel and bar.

My experience riding the Torq is ....... it's a surfboard. It paddled, bottom turned, trimmed, cutback and kicked out at the end fine. Whether it's Poly/PU, EPS/Epoxy, Molded-epoxy ( like the Torq, NSP, Surftech, Bic ), Hollow Carbon Fiber, Wood (alaia), foam/sponge softboard, it is YOU and the WAVE. But I know that the Molded-Epoxy will be more durable than some of the others on the list.

[Silvery]

Really nice photos. ..especially like the second one.

[Silvery]

Said goodbye to the torq. I really struggled with progress on the torq and traded in. I had a feeling it was the bottom V contours so after advice I now have a Cross PU 7ft 10. 22 3/4 . 3" 63L double concave. 2" shorter the torq but wider,been out on it twice and love it.