Board Advice Requested...

General Discussion
1

I’ve spent some time looking at the posts and have read several opinions, but I’d like to get a specific impression from those with knowledge if possible.

I’m 6’ tall, 210 lbs and went surfing for the first time last weekend at Mandos (Feria). I’ve attempted to surf a couple other times, but I found out recently that they were REALLY bad beaches to try and learn. I was up on a 9’ board almost immediately. I found a couple of instances where the board could not stay with the wave (it was a bit small), but overall the board did well. My balance and placement of my feet seemed easy (I snowboard, waterski and used to skateboard in a different era). I tend to pick up sports very quickly. Prior to buying anything, however, I like to do research.

I live in Camarillo (Ventura County), but travel to Newport Beach often and Mexico (Las Gaviotas) on occasion. My goal would be to purchase a longboard that I will use for many years. I DON’T want a beginner board as I will want to progress past it and will regret the dollars spent. I don’t mind if it’s a board that will be difficult for a beginner to learn on because I’m confident that I’ll figure it out. There’s a 2001 Walden Magic 9’ I found at $375. I checked on Walden’s site and it shows I should get a 9’6". Also, once I’ve figured out the longboard, I see myself looking at shorter boards. I would appreciate ANY advice, comments, etc. If you think I’m crazy for 1) buying a board this early 2) thinking I’m not a beginner after one day or 3) not waiting until winter when the deals show up, please feel free. I’m also looking for a wetsuit as my diving wetsuit is extremely clunky.

Thank you in advance for your advice / comments,

Jeff

2

Life is short. Get your toys while you can play with them.

3

Glad you found surfing.

Have fun, that’s what it’s all about.

4

Thanks for the words of encouragement, I expect that I will be surfing for many years.

Regarding my intent of the post, maybe I should be more specific.

  1. What size board should I get given my size and need?

  2. What are some good boards given the above criteria?

  3. What should I expect to pay? Are they available used?

  4. How can I tell if a board will be a “good one”?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

5

Welcome to the world, my friend…

Just remember… the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun…

you questions…

for your size, i’d recommend 9’6" (min), 23 to 23 1/2, and 3 to 3 1/4.

you want a durable board, all boards are “good”, if shaped by a quality hand, you should go at least 2x6 oz cloth on the deck, with a patch, and 2 x 8 oz cloth would be best. the bottom should be 1 X 6 oz or 1 X 8 oz, you should have 4 oz patch at the fin box… you will likely be drivin this board into the beach…

you should expect to pay at least 400 for anything within earshot of what I described above.

a “good one”… tough to answer if you haven’t spend much time on one… realistically a board shaped by a knowledgeable shaper will be a “good one”. It definetly does not have to be a “name” house… for sure…

enjoy…

oh… and please, please… learn the etiquette… first!

Quote:

Thanks for the words of encouragement, I expect that I will be surfing for many years.

Regarding my intent of the post, maybe I should be more specific.

  1. What size board should I get given my size and need?

  2. What are some good boards given the above criteria?

  3. What should I expect to pay? Are they available used?

  4. How can I tell if a board will be a “good one”?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

6
Quote:

oh… and please, please… learn the etiquette… first!

ah etiqette… someone should start an official “surfing etiquette” post. would be interesting to hear what people think is proper.

7

That’s perfect, thanks for your responses! Any comments on the Walden I found (although it’s a 9’0")?

Regarding etiquette, I was very aware of who’s wave this was and stayed away from it. I was content riding the waves the other folks would let pass. My 9 y/o son was boogie boarding one day. Regardless of how much I explain to him to stay away from the surfers and that if they’re on a wave, let it pass, he’s still a bit oblivious. One comment came from an older surfer (early 40’s) that shocked me. He mentioned that he wanted to punch out the 5 year old he almost ran over. I know this comment was not intended to be heard by my son (the clear target of his ire) so I let that one pass. One more he would have had an irate father on his hands. This wasn’t a “local beach”, it was riddled with tourists (off Padero Beach Grill). Left a sour taste in my mouth as he felt he was cool my pointing this out to his surfer buddy.

8

Hi Jeff,

I would recommend the Walden Magic Model 9’6". I rode one for a couple of years and found it to be a comfortable ride. It works great for beginners as well as experienced surfers. I’ve been surfing for over 26 years and have had some great times on this board. It rides great off the tail and nose but does have a dead spot in the center of the board. Something you may/may not discover on your own. You can ride it in knee high slop or well overhead surf. It is a really great board to learn on but will definitely perform well as your skills increase.

Stop by his shop on Front street in Ventura and see what they have to offer. Sometimes you can get a decent used board there.

Too bad I don’t have it anymore or I’d let you borrow it.

9

Go find yourself a good deal on a 8’-6" to 10’ full shaped watertight board. Used racks, garage sales, Ebay etc.

Look in the shops for a full suit, on sale, that fits, before the fall prices rise.

Ride it as much as you can. At this stage you will adjust to any board, and learn about waves, sets, etc.

Later on you will see differences/ preferences as you try riding other boards.

Learn the “Rules”

Smile in the water, it’s a gift to be off the land, playing in the energy waves. Gil

10

You owe it to yourself to try as many boards as you can before buying your next one. Try everything you can from a short wide fish to a 12’ Munoz Surftech.

Avoid any “high performance” sales pitch by trained shop rats. In time, only you will know what’s right for you and it may take some begging, borrowing, renting, buying used, buying new, trading in, etc. It might even take the rest of your life.

11

Great information, thanks again. Ideally I’d like to borrow as many boards as possible to find my preference. At this time though I’d like to be able to hit the water at any time, not when it’s convenient for my friends with the board. If I can get that 9’ Magic at $300 I’ll go for it, but otherwise I’ll look for a 9’6".

Does it make sense to buy a spring suit? Should I just look for a full suit?

Anyone want to start a “Rules” thread? I’m sure I’ll benefit from it?

Take care,

Jeff

12

bargaining for boards is for semi pro shoppers.

if you wanna tell what is the bestest deluxe with cheese board in the whole world …trust your inner vooice.

if your inner voice tells you a board that is cheap is the best for you ?

your inner voice is a tight wad andyou will be short changed every time .

If you are really CHEAP! you will get in line with the rest of these fellers on swaylox and start up ypur first board.

the GREATEST SURFBOARD IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND IN THE KNOWN UNIVERSE IS WITHIN YOU!!!

and that guy that was commenting on the bad behavior of the missbehaved child

was scolding yoou for letting your child defecate in the basillica during mass

.the serious fact is the most krappy junk surf can become life threatening in a heartbeat…

would you choose your wife[the most beautiful woman in the universe, I might add] because the dowery was 50 bucks off?

or would true love be the deciding factor…

i recomend:

surf for thirty years and practice tollerence of queblivious emppowered children and rrefrain from spanking their gardians , just leave them to wallow in the deluded participation illusions.

…ambrose…

stop by the house and I ’ ll take you surf 'in on a board that will blow your mind into the next galaxy

if surfin’ is the solar system

you are still in abilene

that guy[mr.Grumpy] was orbiting mars

and I am checking out that place out past pluto and surfin everyplace in between when the kids aren’t there yet

or those other guys are asleep

13

Does it make sense to buy a spring suit? Should I just look for a full suit?

Shop around for a good medium thickness fullsuit with high-end seam construction. A rash guard with integral hood and a pair of booties can add warmth when winter hits.

14

i say… depends on where you are / get both. I got a spring suit becuase i surf gulfcaost and am in school, so no winter surfing neways… but if youre a hardcore surfer, then go with john’s advice. (2nd reason for spring suit = hell of alot cheaper…specially the Oneil HAMMER spring suit)

15

well as far as a board goes your 6’1 200 pounds a 9 foot maybe a bit small , and wetsuit buy the best you can afford say a 4/3 since the water for the most part of the year and when the waves are best in ventura area is hovering in the 50’s it only makes since to go with a warmer suit IMO. DON’T BUY ONE OF THOSE CHEAP 100 SUITS AS THEY ARE JUST THAT CHEAP AND FALL APART WITH REGULAR USE. IMO have fun we have some used longboards in stock give me call no pressure honest help 805-648-3626

16

based on your information, you’re probably late 20’s early 30’s ( 5 yr. old). athletic. can get up on an undersized board, want one board that you can progress on…

9’6 - 9’8 hi performance long board with a 2 + 1 fin set up. will provide plenty of room for advancement. will provide ample opportunities to learn ding repair.

chek manufacturers websites for specific examples of these boards/prices. then search surfshops, pawnshops,ebay, etc…for one in your price range.

17

NICE!!! I’ve got a good idea on a board and a wetsuit. This is exactly what I was looking for in starting this post, I thank everyone for their input.

I hope to see you all on the waves and promise not to drop in on you.

Any suggestions on how to identify a “high performance” board (as described above? Will the a 2+1 fin setup give it away? Will dual channels on the bottom be required? What about the rounded vs. square tail?

Thanks again,

Jeff