Hey guys, I’ve been surfing a 9’8" long board for the past year now and have gotten pretty decent. Finally think I’m ready to transition into a shortboard. I’m about 5’10 and 155lbs. I like the idea of a fish styled surfboard because of the buoyancy and how wide they usually come. I’m looking for the right guidence in making my decision, also if anyone has any theyre looking to sell for to a struggling student.
I have what will probably be an unpopular opinion…
Does “student” mean you’re 20ish?
I vote you buy a HP thruster that’s too big for you…
IE 6’4" - 6’6" x 22" - 23" ish
that will give you the paddle and stability that you need but still allow you to progress and turn.
Where are you located?
What are your local conditions?
Post picture of your dog, etc…
Skinny kid on a 9-8 longboard is grossly overfoamed even by longboard standards. The hybrid type board Chris describes could work but a 2+1 egg with more moderate width in the 6-8 or 6-10 size would be an easier transition due to the centerfin and the less demanding fin cluster for foot positioning and trim. Those things are like the Swiss Army Knife of surfboards. You don’t sell those, you use them as the basis of a diverse quiver. IMO
I’m 19, living in socal, manily surfing huntington, newport, bolsa chica area. and any brand or specific board recommendations?
If you are a decent athlete with good coordination you should be able to transition to a short board without much problem. Like others I suggest an egg shape but much shorter something closer to 6" You are young and if you put some time into it you will have the muscle mass to get into waves and maneuver yourself into peaks. Days when surf is flat or blown out paddle your long board or short board for the work out surf those junkie waves everything helps. It’s all learning and will add to your skill set. While you are learning the used board will be the other part your other education. As you grow in your surfing you will find boards you like and those that you don’t. I like both fish and egg designs. The egg is a true jack of all trades board. The modern fish is another all around fun and versatile fun board. Don’t limit yourself this early in your surfing life. Ride everything. borrow boards from friends Do demos from the shops. buy used that looks good to you most you can resell for about what you paid for it. Then Think about building your own board. That will also teach you a lot about boards surfing and yourself.
I gotta put it another vote for the egg here. I have a 7’ single fin that is a great transition from a longboard… A little more nose rocker than on a traditional egg will help on hollow days and i like a single 2 plus 1 set up so you get to swap between single and thruster set ups. Like Artz said, surfing different styles is the best (and just down right fun).
I find my fish (5’7") to be pretty squirrelly on bigger days so if you’re a student who isn’t going to have a huge quiver I’d go egg first. I’ve had mine out in ankle to d.o.h. and had a blast. Couldn’t handle my fish in overhead surf though 
The fish type design is functional under the feet of someone with skills, but the flatter rocker and wider tail add to the degree of difficulty in surfing them. I wouldn’t point you to that design at this stage of your progression. Soon, but not just yet.
If you want something with more performance the hybrid designs could work for you; something like the Rusty Dwart (for example) or something like one of the Lost Domesticated series boards - or their equivalents from the local shapers - have a pretty wide range for day-to-day conditions. The thing is that at this stage of your progression you’re probably still measuring your surfing by wavecount, so there’s a point of diminishing returns as far as going smaller and narrower. You still need to catch the wave before you can surf it.
I’ll suggest that
Ace is the place
Please consider his
7’ Squish…
http://www.acesurfboards.com/ACE_surfboards/Surfboards.html
Bombs away
Thanks mattwho for posting that, I was thinking of posting some pics to go with my links above. Not just that both those guys I linked to - ACE and Fowler - are regular swaylocks contibutors, but both have really made a name for themselves (beyond the generic egg) in the type of board the original poster was inquiring about. I like eggs too, but these are guys who deserve a second look., IMO
That squish looks perfect! Have wanted a midlength quad for ages now… What’s the regular glassing schedule on those?
My suggestion
Considered OPs location
HB and I do know and have loved the place.
Additionally OPs transition and experience.
Eh again IMHO egg at this point maybe a little to advanced.
Ace’s logo in HB?
Heck
I favor success and having a blast.
I am sure there are a bunch of “fun board” makers local.
The OP needs to digest and investigate all this data and make up his own mind
Just 2 things
A suggestion to me is as good as my word
I trust few
South = Ace
North = Fowler
Tell me that a “Squish” or a “Fountain of Youth”
Wouldn’t be
Just what the doctor ordered
That big smile is a dead giveaway, those
Kind of boards can get your STOKE up
Eh, and your still bone dry.
Best
