[Joey]

Hey Guys,

Need a bit of advice! Have talked to loadsa surfers re. my first board (i started learning last summer). Im 6'2'' and just under 13stone. some people have said that length/volume is not really an issue with a first board, depending on what u want out of it...others have disagreed - suggesting an 8ft mini mal. Only want to spend £250 max - have looked at the bic boards - the 7'3'' mini mal, 7'6'' performer and the natural surf. a) is bic a mistake for a start? - some people have said they weigh a ton! (under 5kg for the mini mal doesnt seem too bad to me...?) b) is the mini mal too small, considering its only my second summer surfing? Will be surfing in north cornwall for years to come - know this affects the decision.

HELP!!!

Cheers, Joey


PS seen a new mini mal - with rhino bag, leash and wax for £200 - sounds like a pretty good deal. What do ya think?

[jimmyLaw69]

Hey there Joey,
There are loads of different boards about that would suit you, although the BIC /NSP's are certainly a good bet when starting out as they will take a few more knocks without falling to pieces. I find that the NSP's surf pretty well, & although I usually shortboards around the 6' size I bought a 9'2" South Point last year to teach my girlfriend (or that's what I told her) and I've been very happy with it. If you want some more info on these try visiting www.surfspot.co.uk

[jamesring]

hi joey,
this is a question ive just been sorting out too. Me and my friends have all been trying to buy first boards. Everyone weve spoken to has had something different to recommend, which is really confusing. Weve all had a bit more practice than you ie 3 or 4 summers and a bunch of lessons. one of my friends bought a 6'4" shortboard because it was a bargain at only £130, but this was a big mistake hes been really struggling with it as it isnt at all floaty and its really hard to paddle and really wobbly feeling when you eventually manage to get up. Another friend did all the research and ended up buying a 7' custom minimal but it cost him £300 which is obviously a bit over your budget. However, it is totally worth the money, coz its made for him and hes roughly the same size as me (6', 12 stone) its really easy to surf, it feels really stable and is easy to surf. I have just bought a 7' 2" fat boy flyer, for £190 off ebay, i haven't surfed it yet but from the research ive done theyre suppossed to have the floatyness of a minimal but some of the manouverability of a shortboard. So from what it says in your post id recommend a minimal, about 7' 4"+ as as your just starting youll need something floaty and stable. Also dont shy away from pop outs, such as bic or nsp boards. They are heavier but only a little bit and they perform well, i hired a 8' 3" minimal last summer and it went really well, they also stand up to the battering theyre likely to get as a beginner. For good cheap boards you should check ebay theres some real bargains, or surf classifieds on http://www.surfclassifieds.co.uk/index.html. Hope this has been of some help, apologies for the mini essay lol, James

[Stormrider]

Excellent advice James.