I'm looking to buy a surfboard and need advice on which one to get

Question

I am new to surfing and have been a few times. I am at the point where I can catch a wave and ride it consistantly. I am not at the point where I have started to turn the board yet. I am 6'3", and 82kg. I am looking to buy a board as im tired of renting boards, and I would like some advice about what board to purchase. I was looking at buying a 7' to 7'6", minimal or funboard. Advice would be appreciated;

Thanks, Hodder.

Answer 1

well it depends if u want to start turning and stuff like that

if so i would go for a 6'4" short board thats wide and thick

Answer 2

Your choice sounds pretty good to me.  Since you're looking for a kind of compromise board I would recommend looking for one with a 2+1 fin set up rather than a thruster set up.  This will give you some versatility down the road on how your board rides.

If you're not familiar with a 2+1, it's a center fin box with plugs on the sides.  You can ride it with a single longboard fin, a longboard fin with two small side bites, or get a thruster box fin and side fins.

I would also get one from a reputable shaper rather than a generic popout.  Funboards are easy to make but hard to make well.  Mine absolutely sucked to ride, too much drag, bad rocker, couldn't turn etc.  My brother -in-laws fun board rides like a dream.  He had a much better shaper than me.  Try looking for someone in the line up that is riding a board like you want and riding it well and ask them who shaped it.

Answer 3

Actually, I think that the 7' 6" funboard would probably work for you.  Funboards are usually pretty versatile and will work in different conditions.  But, as was stated before, you should talk to local surfers and determine the waves in the area where you'll be surfing.

Answer 4

try buying a 6'6 board

Answer 5

Hodder, this is a tough question to answer. I won't BS you; I have no idea what type of break you surf. You weigh 181 lbs, so a 3" thick 7', or 7' epoxy (more buoyant) will work for you. But the 7'6 would be a much easier transition. Go to a local surf shop, explain your skill, and break, and ask them to recommend a board. Please consider the handmade fiberglass boards over the likes of BIC and NSP, or any other popout. This is only my opinion, but I can feel the response of a handmade fiberglass board when I'm riding it. I wouldn't own anything else.  After riding a BIC, and then a handmade glass board, you'll see what I mean.You'll surf better and learn quicker. A real surf shop won't try to sell you junk. Looking in surf shops is fun for me, even though I don't need another board. Visit at least three local shops to get an idea about the board for your needs. A clean used like new board should cost about 150.00 UK GBP. And don't concern yourself with brand names, like Nezzy. A local shaper's board may be much better for your skill and break. My best boards were made by a local surfer and shaper.

Answer 6

actually, the 7' to 7'6" minimal or funboard is a good board to go with. for the best results though, you should go to a local surf shop and ask them and they will get you the right board and other equpment for your experience level and for the breaks at the beach that u surf at. hope this helps! have fun out in the water!