What kind of Surfboard for what kind of wave?

[bennidict2000]

I'm about four weeks into surfing and doing well. I'm addicted to it like nothing else. We are using 10 foot long boards that are completely styrofoam (I know I didn't spell that right). I wanted to go smaller and try some different style of boards but a friend who has been doing it a little longer said you don't want fyberglass boards for the small waves we're on. Is there a type of board (make and size) that is specific to the waves you're on? Or is it just a board that is measured to your specifications and less to do with the wave?

[drowningbitbybit]

When you're a beginner, on small mushy waves, its more about the board. The better you get, the more it becomes a board/wave combination

(That thought was really clear in my head, but doesnt seem to be when I wrote it down...)

If you've been on a foam board (yuck. It only gets better after that, trust me) and you're on small waves, the board best suited to you will be a mini-mal. They're good for learning, good for small waves, but can be ridden like a real board too.
As for the fibreglass question - that'll be fine, but as you're just learning you'd probably want a pop-out plastic/epoxy board to start with (unless you're drowning in cash). BIC or NSP or something like that. Not great boards, but perfect for the first steps after a foamie.

Then after that...

Longboard - mellow waves.
Shortboard - fast waves.
Fish - gutless waves.
Gun - big fast waves...
... etc etc etc etc. There's about a million combinations

All part of the fun

[bennidict2000]

Thanks. That's the best info on it I've had yet. Cheers

[sinistapenguin]

but can be ridden like a real board too

Did you put that in for my benefit D?

[drowningbitbybit]

I ummed and ahhed about whether it should be 'like a real board' or 'as a real board' - I wasnt sure which one implied that mini-mals are not 'real' boards the least!

[easty]

youve been surfing very little , you need to give yourself much more time , Ive been surfing 4 days a week for the past year and only just have a dropped down to a short board , you need to build up your strength and confidence slowly ! and more than anything its about having FUN !!

R