Bloody hell a surf Q in a surf forum

welcome to the longroom

depends where your going to surf... Points... beachies

but have a look at the 7S range also go and have a chat with your local shaper he's the man that will help steer you into the right board.

Look at a McCoy Nugget..IMO the're a good alternative for a longboarder...or as mentioned your local shaper.

I would go the potatonatnor over a SP - will give you a lot more wave range. I have only had mine a few weeks but really enjoying it. Had a SP for almost 4 yrs and love it. But you would ride that in similar conditions to yr Mal. It really depends, as others have said, on what conditions you are hoping to ride it.

I do not believe that you really need to talk to your local shaper - unless you surf with them regularly - I can not see how they can produce anything better for you than the loads of rack boards that you can get these days. So many options. In my experience all boards work and some perform better than others. Finding the right balance between volume, shape and the waves you will be surfing mostly should dictate things. If you want something that can handle the 6ft days then you need something suitable. Bare in mind though how many days you actually get those days. My big board a 6'6" got used just a few times in the last 12mths. My other boards were used multiple times on a weekly basis. If you want something from 2 to 5ft then there are loads of great boards out there. Make sure you get yourself some volume on yr first shortie . You can always get something a bit more high performance / lower volume in 6 mths time.

Loads of great second hand boards out there, I just picked up a CI Pod second hand for a mate for $120! Sold my one last month in pretty good nick for $200. Once you narrow down what you want hunt gumtree n eBay for a bargain.

Just make sure you look for any signs of delam or soft foam.

Not sure why I recommended lovely new boards.
Buying used is a good idea if you know what you're looking for.
Hopefully you can sort through our suggestions and have a clear idea of which way you want to go.

Hmm..had a similar dilemma this year. Surfing mainly open beaches, when it got bigger or simply just more short board oriented break, a full mal was a mission to get out the back and surf (yes..I a gumby paddler), so I had a talk to a local shaper in town.
Discussed my ability openly (or lack there of) and where I surfed. Given greg surfed the same break it was very helpful.
The solution... and I do love it was 6.8 x 22 x 2 11/16 Tail is thinned out as it the nose to lose some volume. Me 6'3" x 90kg
Board is great up to 4ft..after that it is big in size, but my ability does become limited there. Plan will be to update in 6mths time, trade it..or perhaps keep it too

Theclown said..

I had the same problem, rode 9footers my whole life and was sick of getting nailed by the airlines when I traveled. Bought a mctavish sumo 6,10x 22x2&3/4, great board, paddles great, doesn't feel scitchish when I go to turn & really easy to surf. Had to go a bit longer as i'am a bit of a fatty 6'4 100kgs but works well for me. Cheers

so what size are you riding atm?

Have a chat to Murray Bourton as his Fat Bullet could be what you are looking for. When I was looking at a new board I had a great chat with him, really helpful. I think his boards are really reasonably priced too. PM me if you want his number.

Watch this! The Tracker... I think it is your answer...!

Here's some pics of 2 different Trackers.

Nice work Simondo. Quality info and images.

I also like the look of the 7'2 ish Mct Carver. (Have the 8'1 and love it, and have a very flat-rockered 7'2 from Classic Mal which is a 2 plus 1, not unlike the Tracker in shape.) But then I am at the stage where mid-lengths are my favourite short boards.

www.creativearmy.com.au/alternative.html

message josh tell him your story he will set you straight no bs

E T said..

Your not pimping there are you Jas?????

ET.

nah just helping

What size is your other Tracker??

obct said..

Having said that, he did manage some good turns.

Thats because he rips and could probably surf anything. I really would not think this would be the best solution for a first time short boarder! I think he wants something to have some real fun on

these just out of the bay .. they look awesome ... a 7'2 painter model.