first board - 7ft Gun?

[starry11]

Looking at getting my son his first real board thinking a 7ft Gun or are these just a big wave board and not good to hone the skills on. thoughts ??

[jaffa1949]

What was your thinking behind the gun, there are probably other solutions that are better.
Because a gun board is not really a good first real board, a 7ft gun is designed for big waves , it is likely to be too narrow and not have the basis shape to encourage the development of skills as an all round surfer.
If your son has been surfing a soft board then perhaps I'd consider something like a fun shape of about the same size, depending on his size, age and weight you might be able to go a little shorter but with more volume in the board.
However if you go too short and he has some serious growing to do, he may grow too fast and be beyond the board quickly.

My usual advice is to be a little longer at this stage and as he gets more skills he will also begin to know more of what he wants.

Hope this helps

[starry11]

Thanks for your reply i was just thinking the gun would be a good stable board and maybe get a bit more out of it than a mal, but maybe the mini mal will be the right choice. thanks again