Upgrading to a shortboard

[thawkwood]

Hey,

I've been surfing a 7'2" MiniMal for a few months, and a year from now I'm thinking of upgrading to a shortboard. What size/type would you recommend. I'm about 5'7" and weigh about 152 lbs.

[gdude335]

hmm. Anywhere from a 6.3 to a 6.6, get it pretty fat and wide for it to be easier to move around with.

[southwestsurfer]

Ive been learning on a foamie on and off since about 2002, and Im gonna get the Bic 6'7''. Pretty perfect beginners shortboard.

[surfdaisy06]

I wouldnt go straight fror a shortboard, a fish baord would probably be easier for you, it gives you speed, balnce an is pretty floaty. Believe me you'll improve more on a fish rather than a shortbaord. Plus they are about the same size as a shortbaord. I got a a spider fish baord, its really good when you have just changed from a minimal.
Hope this advice helps

[rich r]

The only warning I'd give on a fish is that they usually have a lot less rocker than your typical shortboard, so depending on your waves, you might find it easier tpo pearl on a fish than a short.

[thawkwood]

Does a fish cost more than a normal shortboard?

[surfdaisy06]

Well i usually get mine 2nd hand. I wouldnt know.

[surferdude_scarborough]

me too. used boards are waaaay cheaper.

[GowerCharger]

not sure about the fish, theyre pretty specialised boards, a decent sized thruster might be a better option as its a more versitile board.
You mention that your thinking of buying one about a year in the future so the best thing would be not to worry about it now and see what level your surfing is at that time.

[rich r]

Cost - wise, it's all gonna be variable on where you buy it, and 'brand', but I'd say fish, short thrusters, hybrids, eggs all run in the same price ranges.

[thawkwood]

I'll probably look at my local shops' used board rack. They've got some decently priced boards. I'm likely to use my MiniMal as the mainstay of my future quiver...

[dojo]

sorry to jump in but i pretty much have the same question and figured i'd use this thread instead of starting a new one. i'm about the same size as the OP, 5'6 153lbs and was wondering what size shortboard i should look at. I've been riding a 6'6 fish, dont remember thickness or width off the top of my head, but its pretty wide and feels a little big, especially when i'm duck diving. just want something easier to maneuver.

[WooD]

sorry to jump in but i pretty much have the same question and figured i'd use this thread instead of starting a new one. i'm about the same size as the OP, 5'6 153lbs and was wondering what size shortboard i should look at. I've been riding a 6'6 fish, dont remember thickness or width off the top of my head, but its pretty wide and feels a little big, especially when i'm duck diving. just want something easier to maneuver.

6.6 is a damn big fish. With your size at 5.6 you could easily drop a foot in lenght, and still be cool.

[mutters]

um... maybe you should get somthing like a 6.0 fish itlle be easier to duck dive and youl be rippin it up in no time at all!

[thawkwood]

Would a 6'11" shortboard be a good choice? I ask because it's close in size to my MiniMal, and I surf in Northern Florida where big waves aren't as common...

[WooD]

Would a 6'11" shortboard be a good choice? I ask because it's close in size to my MiniMal, and I surf in Northern Florida where big waves aren't as common...

I hope so. I'm having a 6.10 shaped right now, and I also live, and surf in north east FL.

[thawkwood]

WooD,

How's that 6'10" working out for you? Is it still being shaped? Who's shaping it?