Exchange popout for custom ?

[DODGE]

Hello
I have been surfing for 6 months now and i own a Bic 7'6 Minimal the stage i am at is that i can nearly always ride a wave and turn into it, with my board being a pop out would it make any difference to my surfing if i bought a new Minimal 7'6 custom board as i have heard that they have different shaping to the board enabling better surfing or should i stick with my popuot and keep learning
Thanks

[Driftingalong]

I don't see much of a point it that...

I'd stick with what you've got until you get better. Then get something smaller or bigger; depending on what you want to do (i.e. shortboard/longboard).

[kitesurfer]

Sounds to me like it might be time to upgrade to custom board especially if ur keen on surfing and want to treat yourself. But think about it carefully before you buy as to where you want your surfing style to go and what types of waves your mst likely to be surfing.
People ride pop outs for ages so it's not an absolute must that you upgrade, but if you really feel its holding you back then do it.

KS

[DODGE]

My style i hope to be cutting into waves and turning eventually and i know it will take me years to progress but considering i have been surfing for six months i feel i have come a long way considering i could not even stand up at first,i do want to treat myself and i can afford to (not being bigheaded ,just 33 years old and worked hard) i just do not want to look an idiot who has the gear but no idea , the surfing is for me and i want to conquer what i see other people do , it is more self interest

[Driftingalong]

I agree with kitey. If you feel you're ready for something else; do it.

What I mean by "I don't see the point in that" is just don't get a custom that is pretty much the same thing as what you've got.

[DODGE]

This is where inexpierence comes into the thinking, i dont feel ready for a shortboard so what are my options do i go down a size or 2, i am 5 feet 11 and 12 stone ,do i not need a board which is bigger

[kitesurfer]

My style i hope to be cutting into waves and turning eventually and i know it will take me years to progress but considering i have been surfing for six months i feel i have come a long way considering i could not even stand up at first,i do want to treat myself and i can afford to (not being bigheaded ,just 33 years old and worked hard) i just do not want to look an idiot who has the gear but no idea , the surfing is for me and i want to conquer what i see other people do , it is more self interest

It shouldn't take years to progress with the right board under your feet and time on the water.
My own surfing style is quite lazy, i just like to get to my feet and cruise down the line. Hence i ride a magic carpet most of the time but that said i do like my late drops and the carpet can do those too much to my surprise.

KS

[Jimi]

Dodge,
I'm sorta in the same situation as you are in. I'm riding a 7'8 and feel like i'll learn better (read: not faster) on a shorter board, cos I too want to end up doin cutbacks etc. Best advice I got was to go and hire a 6'x shortboard and see if I can ride it. If it feels good, then buy one. If it's awkward, the you know you need a bigger board.

I just went out for a surf this arvo in 4ft waves on a hired 6'6 and had a blast, so I'm gonna go out and buy one soon.

hope this helps.

[Driftingalong]

Dodge,
I'm sorta in the same situation as you are in. I'm riding a 7'8 and feel like i'll learn better (read: not faster) on a shorter board, cos I too want to end up doin cutbacks etc. Best advice I got was to go and hire a 6'x shortboard and see if I can ride it. If it feels good, then buy one. If it's awkward, the you know you need a bigger board.

I just went out for a surf this arvo in 4ft waves on a hired 6'6 and had a blast, so I'm gonna go out and buy one soon.

hope this helps.

Makes sense to me.

[DODGE]

Excellent what kind of differences did you feel ?
Did you paddle well on it
Did the catching of the wave seem different
hearing your views has wetted my appetite again as i was going to stick to the bic and keep learning

[jethrodog]

Hey DODGE

I think that the size and type of wave makes a big impact on what board to ride, not just your weight and ability. Maybe think about what the waves are like on your home break and ask at your local shop what type of board might work for you in them.
Having said that, if you want a new board, and you can afford it, get it, Who cares whether you can ride it well or not, or if people will think you are a kook. If you want it, get it. Ride it, enjoy it, have fun with it. My suggestion though is to keep your longer board for smaller waves, and to try out some boards before you buy, like jman & Drifting along have said.

[Jimi]

Well Said Jethrodog,

I found on steep faces (only 3-4ft) that the 6'6 I hired was a lot easier to get onto the face of the wave than my 7'8, simply because I don't need to take off at as much of an angle to avoid a nosedive. Once on the wave, it felt a lot less stable, and it was totally unridable (for me) in the whitewater if i stuffed up the bottom turn.

On the other hand, it was generally a lot easier to pull off a turn than the 7'8 because it's more maneuvreable, and was a more exciting ride once on the face.

Also, I found that it wasn't as much work paddling as I expected. I usually struggle to get out the back, then paddle hard to get a wave early (so it's not too steep for me to make the drop). On the 6'6 I didn't have any trouble getting out back, and I could take off closer to where the wave breaks without the problems of pearling on a steep drop.


sorry if this is a long read, but I hope it convinces you to give it a go.