Old Bic magnum 8'4 question

[Joss]

Hi everyone- I just got off eBay an old but good condition bic magnum 8'4. It's my first hard board as I've only really rented out 8' foamies when I go down to Cornwall and I figured the cost has mounted up over the years so I may as well get my own!

I'm 6'1 and about 93kg. I was hoping this slightly larger board will get me up on the waves a bit more often and I know they're renowned for being robust. I also wondered if any of you had some info on this board as the guy I'm collecting it off said he only used it about 10 times over the years but he reckons he got it in 2002. The ones I see online are obviously newer with a black protector on the nose which mine doesn't have. It was £95 in the end- hope that was a decent price too? Thanks guys

[Joss]

Sorry I just realised that I hadn't added the photos!..

And I'm not sure if I'm allowed to add this link but this the page with all the pics- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192129341894

[Oldie]

This looks heavily used for 10 times surfing, and is really an old design. But don't worry wether you made a good deal, there is no way back anyway. It is a good board, I am a beginner of similar stature and found it (or rather its ~10 year younger version) a pleasure to ride.

[Joss]

Thanks - I'm collecting it at the weekend then really hoping to try it out over at Porthcawl (seems to be nearest decent surf from Reading) Can't wait! I guess if it's not quite right I can just sell it on and hopefully get a similar deal. Those new ones look good- just can't afford one at the moment ;o)

[dtc]

It should be perfectly fine for you - it will I suspect be quite heavy, which is fine for a beginner but might get frustrating once you start trying turns etc. Or if it lands on your head! But the price seems pretty reasonable and its a board, you can now surf whenever you want*!

(*subject to life)

[Joss]

The guy told me it was a magnum 8'4 and to make sure I contacted Bic and they told me it was actually a 'Natural Surf' 7'9, built between 94-98. The age didn't bother me but the bloomin' size did! Luckily I hadn't collected it and have now got a refund. Still gutted though!

Oh well- I'm gonna keep on trying to find a second hand board that's 8'plus. I do like the look of those 8'4 bics.

If anyone has any advice on finding a cheap hard board please let me know! I'm in the Reading area. Otherwise I'll just keep checking out the usual sites. If I can get a decent one for around £100 then I'd be happy but that may be wishful thinking.
#NOT YET!

Joss

[Oldie]

That is a pity, but good call. The 7.9 is much smaller.

As far as i remember there is no surf around Reading ... So if you normally surf in Cornwall - there should be shops there who can sell you used boards or you could check check listings in that region.

I always get emails from boardshop for used boards, too, so maybe give them a ring.

[Joss]

Thanks for the tips!

Actually I've seen another one- managed to negotiate down from £200 to £150. It comes with a bag too which is a real bonus as I didn't have one. It looks to be a newer dura tech model?.. most importantly it's an 8'4! What do reckon?..

Btw you're right I usually head down to Cornwall but recently I went to Porthcawl in South Wales and was surprised at how quick it took to get there. If all goes to plan it'll probably be my 'local' (Is there a surfing term for that?!) Cheers

Joss

[Oldie]

This looks like a much better deal to me.

Never been to Porthcawl. The only location i have been in SW England for surfing to was Saunton Sands, which is a really cool and relaxed location. But i have to admit, water temperature and weather in France and Spain have lured us more southwards

[Big H]

FWIW you are almost exactly my height and weight....when I started I used a proper longboard, 9'3" x 23 x 3" and am glad I did as I needed all of that float and stability. One of the boards I've bought used, tried and quickly sold was an 8'2" mini mal that was also 23 x 3" (PU construction)....I found the board to be too small to paddle and get that glide you do from a longboard, it surfed well but again was neither gliding as a longboard nor as manuverable as a shorter board. Long story short, I'd recommend getting a 9'+ board, then the next board something like a 7'6" mini mal. If you're stuck on the 8'4" the one you put up looks good, but I think you'll enjoy more and be better served at your size with a 9' board at this point.

[Joss]

Haha I don't blame you Oldie!- although Cornwall is great in the middle of summer. I'm actually in Munich at the moment- have you ever surfed the Eisbach?! It looks awesome- way beyond my ability though.

That's interesting Big H and useful to know. I think I'll go for the 8'4 and then sell it on if it doesn't feel right. I'm managing to pop up ok on 8' foamies but I'm not really good enough or tried out enough boards to make comparisons yet. I'd like to have a go on a long board when I get the chance. I'll let you know how I get on!

Thanks again!

[Oldie]

No, I have not surfed Eisbach yet, but it looks tough and is supposed to be quite dangerous. If you are there more often - a nice alternative would be the Citywave which they install in summer at Munich Airport.

[Joss]

Finally got my Bic 8'4! Really excited to try it out. It's looks hardly used too so really pleased.

I noticed the grip pads on the tail are quite far back- I don't think I actually put my feet back that far- I'm guessing I probably should? I hope the part that sticks up doesn't interfere with my pop up? Anyone had this problem?

Cheers

By the way I shall hopefully be going to Munich again in the summer so if I get a chance I'll check it out! Eisbach does look quite dangerous- I saw it at really low water the other day and there are loads of concrete pillars sticking up just behind the wave!

[Tudeo]

I noticed the grip pads on the tail are quite far back- I don't think I actually put my feet back that far- I'm guessing I probably should?

Don't worry about that for now. Later when you want to do more radical turning you'll learn the need to set your backfoot to the tail, over the fins, for doing carving turns.

[Big H]

Actually the traction pads are not far enough back....ride your board for now with the thought in mind as you get better and more acquainted with your board that you will need to move back on the board and search out that stomp pad with your foot to turn the board well.