Opinions on buying longboard

[CALHOUN]

Decisions, decisions...
I really want a Surface Elite soft-top 10ft board.
There is a Sunset 9’4 for $499 at a surf shop which is close enough to one I took lessons on.
However, Sports Chalet has these 2 foam boards Cabo and a Doyle 9 ft only for $329.
Which would be a quicker buy for me and get out there and start surfing on my own?
I know the $499 one is better board.
And I think the other 2 are like boogie boards...hardlined bottom and foam.
But I do not know how cheap they really are.
I’m 47 yr, 185 lb (and just learning for fun)
Any opinions or experiences involving the cheap boards would be greatly appreciated.
I definitely going to get a board next month!

[boco rio]

IMO, don't buy a soft top surfboard. Get a decent glassed or epoxy longboard. The right equipment is so important in surfing, so don't short change yourself with an inferior surfboard.

[RJD]

Problem with foamies is they make it realy easy to get to your feet in white water but as soon as you get out past the shore break there useless.

Better off with a big learner popout or epoxy.

[isaluteyou]

agreeing with everyone above. softops are a waste of money you are better off renting them.

[Otter]

I'd check craigslist.org before buying a foamie, you could find a super deal on a glass or epoxy board.

[keef]

Yes to above plus, if you learn on a softie, you get used to being hit by it, and it not hurting. etc etc.

Then when you buy a proper board you find out that it hurts, lots.

better to find out how to control the board from scratch out of necessity from the start, rather than having to adapt to a board that will hurt you if you don't give it a bit of respect when wading out, and ducking through the white water.

The other locals call me 'ribs' at my local break for good reason, and all because I learnt on a softie for the first 2 weeks, then bought my own epoxy board and broke em.