Old Bic mini mal profile 7’3 220 cm

[FeasibleChalk89]

Hi all,
I’m a fairly new surfer and don't have much experience past a dozen or so waves and hundreds of fallings off. I have only ever used a bic mini mal I got dirt cheap off of gumtree, it looks well used but no major damage that I can tell. I did notice it has a very strange profile though, it seems to bulge in the middle and i have not seen any other surfboard with this shape, could you let me no wether this is normal or wether I have been right to blame it for me falling off every time. Thinking maybe it got left outside in the heat and warped or such any help would be much appreciated

[jaffa1949]

Heated to death, expanded inside to give it the reverse hump, was there a picture of it on gumtree?
Hey but try it and see, could be the next weirdo board or and most likely the pearlorama model!.
I’m curious , why did you even buy this mutant thing if you can see it is so wrong?

Yes in this case you can blame the board.

[dtc]

Waikikichan often says it’s not the arrow (board) it’s the indian (surfer). But in this case I reckon it’s the arrow. As jaffa says that board has a whole lot of mutant going on. The nose is all wrong for a start.

it’s perhaps ok to use to practice paddling if you had nothing else. It’s not going to help you learn to surf. Buy another board.

But something a bit longer, ideally; but in any event just buy something. Anything would be better

[FeasibleChalk89]

So your all saying the fact I managed to surf it makes me a half competent surfer, shame I wasn't half competent enough to realise that it is essentially as useful as trying to stand on a barrel and surf.

Cant afford anything brand new, so lets hope whatever I get slightly resembles a surfboard

Thanks for your help guys.

[jaffa1949]

A helpful tip post photos of what you are considering buying, several photos, especially of things you are concerned about.
You are not alone in your journey to learn, we have a good crew to advise you!

BTW, you are not half competent yet but the fact you managed to ride a mutant may mean you could develop skills easily.
Things to,help us help you!
Your age
Your height
Your weight
Your current physical,condition
Can you swim?
And what beach is your home beach?

[FeasibleChalk89]

Another question, I’ve put some weights on top of the worst part of the bulge, poured hot(ish) water on it and left it to cool and it seems to be going back into a relatively flat shape. Hypothetically speaking, if I could get it to end up flatish would it now be too flexible after essentially being remoulded a few times or could it actually work as a potential surfboard?

[jaffa1949]

Worth a try! When the bulge springs back again you could get air!

Seriously if the cell structure inside is damaged it is a who knows,if it has water inside you are surfing extra weight!
A fun experiment!

[Lebowski]

Even if you manage to heat it roughly back into shape, that board will be an absolute dog. You need to throw it in a skip and buy another.

[FeasibleChalk89]

So when I said its the only surfboard I've used I meant really its the only surfboard Ive owned. I have previously hired fomies and worked down from the huge 9’ ones to the smaller 7’4 ones to relative ease. What would you suggest the best options are in terms of progressing from here boards wise that I could buy

I am 5’10, 60kg, 19 and my favoured spot is croyde, north devon but I often surf other cornish and devon beaches on both coasts so something good in smaller surf is preferable

Thanks again.

[Lebowski]

Well, personally I'd buy something around 7'4 ish if you're comfortable riding that size, and go from there. Try not to fall into the usual beginners trap of aiming to get onto the smallest board possible in the least amount of time. That will just hinder your enjoyment, shorten your rides and limit the conditions you can go out in and have fun. Remember, a good surfer rides the wave, not the board. Ten 20 second rides are better for your learning than five 2 second rides.

[dtc]

So your all saying the fact I managed to surf it makes me a half competent surfer, shame I wasn't half competent enough to realise that it is essentially as useful as trying to stand on a barrel and surf. .

I am impressed you managed to catch waves. It looks like the nose is lower than the main part of the board, which is completely the opposite to how boards work.

You may find you have picked up habits that have allowed you to surf this board which are not correct habits. So that is one thing to keep in mind when you get your new board. Might be hard to pick up whether you are doing this (as it’s a habit and you are learning and may not have the experience to know what is right) but I guess just reflect on it

As to a new board - mid 7ft funboard seems a good choice as Lebowski says.