Questions about buying a first surfboard.

[snapcrakelpop909]

Hey,
I have been surfing a few times on the foam boards and am thinking about buying my first board. First of all, am I considering buying one too soon? Should I rent boards for a while? A lot of people have told me I should get a BIC. However, while looking in some local surfshops, I saw all of the awesome designs on the regular (??) surfboards. What is the difference between a BIC and other boards and what are the advantages of one over another for a beginner. Also, from this website I have heard people mention boards such as NSP, BIC, and Stewart. Would you reccomend one of these over the others? Would a new or second hand board be better for me? I would consider a second hand but I dont know if I could find the right size and type. Also, because of my lack of experience I am sure I could easily look right over damages. Finally (sorry for all of the questions) what is the difference between an ACS and CTS line of BICs. Is one kind better than the other? and should I consider the 7'3 ACS mini-malibu, 7'6 CTS performer, or the 7'9 ACS natural surf?
Thanks sooo much for all of your help,
Morgan

Oh yeah, and I am 5'5 and about 125 lbs. I'll mainly be surfing small waves off of the south New Jersey beaches. Thanks again.

[Guest]

Im in the same boat. I wouldn't buy one so soon. Keep reading as much as you can about surfing. Get a few surfer mags. Go talk to people that surf. For the price of a new board, you maybe able to find someone who can make you custom for less. I can get two diff people I know to make a custom long board for $350-$375. Most shops used beat up boards are more than that. Dont rush into anything.

[tiny2]

1: if you're really into it, go ahead and buy a board as opposed to renting--mainly from the economic standpoint but here's one other reason: All boards ride differently. Often the differences are too subtle for beginners to notice, but they are there nonetheless. It will be easier to learn the basics if you're not having to always adjust to a different board each time you rent. Caring/repairing your own board is one of the processes of becoming a waterman.

2: the BIC/NSP/Surftec boards are epoxy boards (as opposed to the more traditional fiberglass/foam boards). there are many pros and cons to 'em:
PROS: less expensive, and VERY durable (it'll break you before you break it)
CONS: factory shaped and therefore no variation (many chose boards to fit their size/ability/wave size). at more crowded and local lineups, an epoxy board will be a big indicator of 'newguy' status.
from personal experience, i recently surfed a NSP short board very similar in dimensions to one of my own fiberglass boards (6'3" fish) in head high conditions. it felt far slower down the line and sluggish across the bottom. it turned well, but i spent most of time driving for speed when i otherwise would not of needed to.

if you a get a used board, whatever you chose, check a few things before you buy: look for de-laminated spots (pockets of air where the fiberglass has separated from the foam), a board that has faded to brown when it was orginally white is a good indicator of a board that may soon begin to de-lam...also, check for dings and their repairs...for example, a used longboard with a bright white band around the middle (and somewhat out of place) indicates that it has been broken/bent at that point....

hope it helps

[OneillBabe114]

im looking to buy also...

im 5'6 and 107 lbs...im 13 years old..and i just started surfing about a year ago...still using my friends old boards..

what kind of board should i get?

[tiny2]

what kind of board you get depends on what kind of surfing you want to do. if you're learning on your bud's old longboard and you want to move to shortboarding, try a fish or a fun/egg shape. @ 5'6" and a buck-o-seven, just about anything over 5'10" should be enough to float you. also consider what you want, ex: the larger the board the easier to paddle, but harder to handle in bigger surf and more leg power to turn. shorter boards are harder to paddle into smaller waves (..later takeoffs) but turn easier and are easier to manage in the line up and ducking under waves.

[Guest]

Tiny made some excellent posts that I have to agree with. I have been teaching a surf class for my college for the past 5 years and all of my students start out with a beginner foam board or softboard. However, they quickly get over them and in 2 weeks are ready for a real surfboard. My students have had awesome success on the 7'0" - 7'10" Funboards. The Funboard is a great beginner board and really allows you to progress in the sport. We get our boards from Phase One Surf, http://www.phaseonesurf.com. For you smaller surfers out there ( close to 100 pounds...a 7'0" to 7'6" will be fine) We have a deal for our class so we get a discount. If you are in a surf class you should contact the owners and they will most likely extend a discount. Tell them you were referred from the UCSD surf class.

In regards to the NSPand BIC...they are durable but they are made overseas by people who dont even surf. The shapes are not the best and you are not supporting the US economy or your domestic shapers. Plus as Tiny said you just look like a kook.

[stokedandreadytoride]

im looking to buy too

im 5'6 and 124lbs someone told me to get a longboard if i was starting out something like a JC soo what do you guys think?

[Guest]

Tiny made some excellent posts that I have to agree with. I have been teaching a surf class for my college for the past 5 years and all of my students start out with a beginner foam board or softboard. However, they quickly get over them and in 2 weeks are ready for a real surfboard. My students have had awesome success on the 7'0" - 7'10" Funboards. The Funboard is a great beginner board and really allows you to progress in the sport. We get our boards from Phase One Surf, . For you smaller surfers out there ( close to 100 pounds...a 7'0" to 7'6" will be fine) We have a deal for our class so we get a discount. If you are in a surf class you should contact the owners and they will most likely extend a discount. Tell them you were referred from the UCSD surf class.

Would a 7'10" or similar size fun shape work for a 6'2" 225 pound guy?

[Guest]

it's all about body mass vs. board volume. width and thickness play a role just as length does. typically newer surfers require more volume due to slower paddle speeds and ease of standing up, hence why most rentals and softtops are bigger sticks.

if you're a stronger paddler/swimmer, then sure, give a smaller board a try...in any case, i wouldn't venture much shorter than 6'8" x 20" wide for someone 225lbs. range. point of perspective: with 10yrs+ of shortboarding in surf up to 2 x overhead+, at 180lbs. my shortest board is 6'3" x 19.5 wide.

another good reason against epoxy boards: a solid discussion with a shaper will go a long way to matching you up with the right gear. (and i'm not talking about the 15 yr old pimple grom behind the counter who knows a lot less then he'd lead you to believe). it is in the shaper's interest as much as yours to be straight up about it.

...wished i'd gone to college with a good break right there on campus (scripps)!!!!

[Guest]

Thanks! I am getting a custom board made, just have not decided on the length.

[OneillBabe114]

thanks guys you're an awesome help!! i'm ready to go buy my new board soon but im still playing around trying to find the perfect one for me...