What size surfboard should I buy?

[UK-tom]

Hi guys, I've only been surfing for altogether 7 days in Newquay. I already have a mini-mal which I find fine however would like to start surfing a shortboard. While surfing last week, my friend complained he couldn't catch any waves that day as he was on a 'too smaller' board - it was 6ft 8'. However we swapped and I surfed 3 out of the 5 waves I attempted on his board almost getting bottom turns each time. So basically my question is, what size surfboard should I buy next? Also any links to boards would be appreciated. Sorry for the anecdote, thought it might give a little insight into my surfing.

[kitesurfer]

As you have only been surfing 7 days so far i would say stick with your minimal for now. Develop your style a little bit first and watch other surfers for inspiration. If you decide you like the way they are riding then go for a board along the lines of what they have.

KS

[JayBotPrime]

Hi Guys. Need some advice. I'm 6'4" and weigh around 180lbs. The situation is. Every year I go surfing for a week, I always start where I left off and try to get down to the coast for the odd weekend where I can. I was in Cornwall last week and was catching more or less everything, standing, starting to turn a bit on a 7'6"half and half soft top tiki thing. I had so much fun on it that I've therefore decided to invest as it would give me piece of mind knowing that I won't hurt anyone or myself if I come off. Now, here's the issue..... I've bought a 7'5" liquid shredder suntech pro series funboard. I wanted to get one of these as the vinyl top means they look just like a normal board but are softer. I was originally looking for an 8'2" version (based on the guys advice) but he didnt have it in stock in the colour I wanted and I'm looking to go surfing in October. I looked at the 8'2" version in other colours and it was so big and bulky. I tried a similar profile NSP board last week and hated it, it was too slow when getting into position to catch a wave and just tired me out, it was awful. I was only looking at the 8'2" based on the guy in the shops advice but I'd had so much fun on the 7'6" that I decided to go for the 7'5". I bought the board as he said he wouldn't be getting any more in til early next year as they are shipped from peru and aren't worth ordering this time of year.


So my question is, seeing as I loved the 7'6" half and half, will I be okay on the 7'5" shredder which seems to have a very similar profile? i do love the board.

The guys advice has made me doubt myself and I said I'd buy the board and use the 2 weeks return policy to decide whether it was the right size....now I've got cold feet.....do I go on my experience or his advice????

btw, you can see a video of a guy surfing a smaller version of the board here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z91ibGc1XE4.