Forum
First board Ideas
Hi guys,
I'm Michael and I'm pretty keen to get into surfing, in particular, shortboarding.
But the problem I have is I have no idea where to start when buying a first board.
I am 6'1" and I weigh 82 kg. I am quite fit and play sports regularly. I skimboard on a foam core well and I can skateboard so I didn't think balance should be a major problem and that I could probably buy a large shortboard or a shorter funboard , But many sites I have seen have said that no matter what else you do, you should go for a longboard/softtop.
I just thought I would get some advice on buying a board from some experienced surfers before I decide to buy. So if you have any suggestions just post them below.
Also, if anyone has a used board that would suit me near Manawatu/Wellington for a reasonable price, send a link, or post some details about size.
don't kid yourself thinking you can learn to surf on a shortboard, skating helps a little but the differences are huge. you're 6' 1".....Stand up, raise your hand and arm up above your head to full extension, thats how long your first board should be...probably 8 foot minimum! and fat / wide. once you've got that wired - could be a few months or years, then go shorter. and don't eat the brown acid.
Grinds right, get a longboard, learn to surf, then throw the bloody thing in the trash.. or keep it for tiny days..
You will get heaps of waves, learn some surf sense and wave knowledge without getting tired paddling it, have the stability to get to your feet early and get going on waves that you couldnt even catch on a shorter board.
heaps of cheap china mini mals on trade me, no point in getting a "high performance" longboard.. reckon about 8'6" is fine given your weight.
follow this advice and I reckon you will be up and riding this summer, try learning on a big boy board or shorty and youll be still trying next summer!
Grinds also right about not thinking skating qualifies you, just gives you an idea about the general movement and you dont freak out when faced with walls or speed or losing balance. ramps and bowls dont move in 3 dimensions or change shape, and surfboards arent 30" long. 
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www.heavywater.co.nz
All good advice. Big is Good
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5 over is greater than 6 under
8 FT mini-mal nice and wide. Then after you can ride along the wave and go rail to rail drop a foot and a 1 1/2 inch width. repeat again and you're on a shortboard...
7 and half minimal
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In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it. Lao Tzu
Alternatively, get a fat as wide fish style board. As long as you got tonnes of volume and heaps of width to make it easy to paddle and still get up in the whitewater, then you should be sweet. And once you progress it'll help you ride the face a bit better than a hog of a minimal.
You'd be pretty lucky to find something that fits these dims but if found you'd be in business: 6'3-6'8 tall, at least 19 1/2" or 20" wide and maybe 2 5/8" thick minimum.
Originally posted by: tonga
Alternatively, get a fat as wide fish style board. As long as you got tonnes of volume and heaps of width to make it easy to paddle and still get up in the whitewater, then you should be sweet. And once you progress it'll help you ride the face a bit better than a hog of a minimal.
You'd be pretty lucky to find something that fits these dims but if found you'd be in business: 6'3-6'8 tall, at least 19 1/2" or 20" wide and maybe 2 5/8" thick minimum.
What does everyone else think of this idea? having a fish first up?
Basic rules of learning -
the longer the board the easier it is to catch waves.
Wider = more stable to stand up
thicker helps a little with both
the more waves you catch the better you will get faster
if you want a smaller board then do it but prepare to get less waves than everyone else. If you go the fish dont even think about anything under 20" as 19 1/2 isnt wide enough.
Like all the others said most people who i have sold boards to or taught when i worked at the surf school "who are pretty good with the balance" didnt pick it up any faster than anyone else.
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Chairman of the sub 1000
*edited 21 Oct 2011 23:26
Originally posted by: michael16Originally posted by: tonga
Alternatively, get a fat as wide fish style board. As long as you got tonnes of volume and heaps of width to make it easy to paddle and still get up in the whitewater, then you should be sweet. And once you progress it'll help you ride the face a bit better than a hog of a minimal.
You'd be pretty lucky to find something that fits these dims but if found you'd be in business: 6'3-6'8 tall, at least 19 1/2" or 20" wide and maybe 2 5/8" thick minimum.
What does everyone else think of this idea? having a fish first up?
Tongas lost the plot if he thinks a 6'3 board of any width or thickness will suit a 6'1" 80+ kg beginner
if your thinking about its, stop! your dreaming...
get the fish when you can surf
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www.heavywater.co.nz
though a 6'10" randy french soul fish has about the same volume as a mini mal the squirelly nature of such boards will hold you back...
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www.heavywater.co.nz
So A mini mal it is. When I hold my arm straight up it's about 7'7" so I guess I'll look for a board that's at least that long and quite wide and thick. All of your advice makes sense so thanks guys!
you prob wont find a 7'7 but you could go an inch or 2 either way
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Chairman of the sub 1000
8 foot... see jabes, hes the don chopper of sorting out young fellahs with shooters 
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www.heavywater.co.nz
Originally posted by: Mr Statik
Tongas lost the plot if he thinks a 6'3 board of any width or thickness will suit a 6'1" 80+ kg beginner
Worked for me. And I'm similar build. Was a 6'5, granted, but if its thick enough and wide enough you should be in business
I learn't to surf on a 5"9.5" saltwater square tail at the tender age of 23years.Did'nt take to long before I was taking off at the wellington airport breakwater left's.So if you see a board that you like for just how it looks to you ,then go for it.worked for me,Guy
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Pipe Fins.Since 2009
that is one almighty claim pipefins.
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Better to sleep in an uncomfortable bed free, than a comfortable bed unfree.
whereabouts in nz are you micheal?
pipefins and slater, people talk about them in the same breath you know
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www.heavywater.co.nz
*edited 04 Nov 2011 15:23
Originally posted by: toaster
that is one almighty claim pipefins.
Not but if you have no nut's you wouldnt even try going out there.You would just surf the corner like most do
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Pipe Fins.Since 2009
Good for you pipefins. that is super, most people I have seen out there do it once. one large non chickensh1t local vowed he would never bother again. you must be the only one in town who charges more than rad
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Better to sleep in an uncomfortable bed free, than a comfortable bed unfree.