Softboard a must for a noob?

[collaboration]

I only have 2 hours surfing experience but I want to start out.

Just reading threads, I should buy a longboard of 8' plus.

But should I be starting out on a softboard/foamie? Or is it not necessary?

I rather buy one less board... But I'm willing to spend if there will be a huge advantage

[jaffa1949]

In collaboration with Collaberation, your thoughts of the longer board is on the mark but since you are thinking of buying I would strongly advise you get a good non soft top board, as th softy in the initial first one or two times will go well and then become more and more of a liability as your skills increase.

Things that will also need to be considered are your weight, height, and basic fitness.

Most importantly, enjoy your start into a magnificent obsession

[billie_morini]

"Just say NO to soft tops!"
100's of thousands, maybe millions, have learned to surf before soft tops were invented. Everyone I've taught to surf has been on a hard top, per my suggestion. When they've progressed, they didn't need to get a new board, either.

Length: I like to see new surfers use a 9ft long board with a square tail. Side bites (two fins additional to the large center fin) make the board even more stable (less prone to rotate on the long axis when you are trying to stand up). If you are light and less than 5' 3" in height, make it an 8 ft board. If greater than 6' 4" and very heavy, make it a 9 ft 6 in board.