[WazMeister]

Hi all
I been to newquaty a few times for surfing and every time I have been I have had nothing but a 7'2 NSP surf boared (rented).

Since trying to surf I have actully caught more waves than not, I get wiped out many times so I won't try show off. I even look a right dumb ass at times but I feel comfortable with this size bored and I have caught alot of waves on it even real fast ones where April I was starting to learn to turn to the curl slightly... noobish style but starting. I've surfed less than alot of my friends to be honest and I feel I already better than them, I don't go around saying "I caught this! did this!!" etc like them.. I just get on with it and enjoy it.

Anyway I been reading up for more advice as my weak spot is getting out to the waves, I just get slammed when trying to jump over waves with the bored as I'm small. I manage in the end but it real kills my energy lol. While I was reading up every beginner guide says long board, long bord and nothing but a long board for a beginner.
Alot guides stat if your a noobie on a small board such as 6 to 9 then the locals will laugh, now I don't know about being laughed at but its nothing new for me as I'm a born prat but I feel I am confident enough on a 7'2 since I have ever started surfing and thats in small quantities. I have picked it up quiet fast I'm not some elite pro I'm still a uber noob.
In april I caught a wave for a few seconds so fast I cried in bliss and went into a raving fit that I caught a fast wave for like 5 seconds and some local laughed with me as I went all excited after standing on a uber fast wave for like5 seconds.. ussally the fast ones wipe me out.

Anyway basicly my question is should I use a long board in my future visists? My next visit is this may. Should I skip the 7'2 and go longer???? I feel I got the real edge of the 7'2 even if I get laughed at. I don' t see much diffrence in longer boards as my riends all use 10's or bigger and I seem to do a bit better than them with catching and standing up on the board.

Any advice greatful, and any while I'm out there too

[62microbus]

I would say if you have found something that works, stick with it.
If your hiring these boards each time i would think about buying one as they are quite cheap (for a surf board) at around £200.
The only reason people say longer boards is for more bouncey and it sounds like you are past that stage anyway. If people larf they arent real surfers at heart (unless it really is funny, like legs all over the place stuff) Im always cool with newbys as we all start somewhere, hell im not all that.

[Stormrider]

Stick with the 7ft 2" board,true surfers would not larf at you surfing on that size board.Its better to surf good on that size board.Rather than trying to unsuccessfuly to surf on a shorter board.The main thing is to enjoy yourself.

[jamesring]

Yeah i agree, dont change it if its not broken. No real surfers will laugh at you weve all had to start some place. Also like you say if youre already struggling to get outback with a 7' 2" then its only going to get more work with a bigger board.

James