Longboarder wannabe, advise on what board to get

[Franhall]

Hi,

I’m looking to buy a new board and my goal is to be able to do longboard on a medium-long term. So I was wondering if someone could give me some advice.

I started surfing a few years ago. But in the last 6 months it became a more regular sport.
I’ve done a surf course in Lanzarote and did more private lessons in Portugal.
I’m now at a point where I can catch unbroken waves, I’m having more time on the board and I’m starting to feel it and see what I can do. I can already turn but still can’t do cutbacks.

I live in the Netherlands (although I’m from Portugal) so my surf conditions until the summer aren’t going to be the best.

For now I’m interested in being able to have more time on the board and start having more control of the it and learn what to do on top of the board.

The Netherlands have small waves, but from my experience the waves close out, and I find myself nose diving a lot, so I want to avoid a very long board.

In Portugal I have a foam Zeus 9’0 and a funboard EPX 8’2 and at the moment I’m feeling more comfortable with the 8’2. I’m 5,1 ft and 138lbs (and I have short arms).
I’m indecisive between a torq 8’0 and 8’6 because I feel that first I need to be able to maneuver the board so then I can move to a longer board. But I also want to be able to progress as a longboarder. What would you advise?

Thanks

[waikikikichan]

ortugal) I’m indecisive between a torq 8’0 and 8’6 because I feel that first I need to be able to maneuver the board so then I can move to a longer board. But I also want to be able to progress as a longboarder.

Your thinking runs contrary to the norm. Usually you master the longer board before moving down to a smaller board where you will need quicker reaction times and more paddling power. But if you goal is to be a "Longboarder" with the smooth classical lines, nose rides, drop knee turns and such, then you should be looking at single fins not "Thrusters" ( 3 fins the same sized ) fin set ups.

[IB_Surfer]

9ft x 3” x 22, start with this for a fun size, bigger I’d you want to nose ride