Hey guys!

So im looking at buying my first surfboard and was looking at advice. Ive read numerous websites and spoken to guys in local surf shops aswell as friends and and there seems to be some conflicting opinions.

Stats:
Im 175cm, 25 years old
my weight fluctuates between 85-100kg yearly (bodybuilding) though most times im around 90kg
im quite a capable swimmer though tire out paddling with a board ( id say this will change quite fast though as surfing will be my main form of cardio)
Ill be surfing mainly as secret harbour in WA while i get my confidence up more and then im planning on heading down south as i have a house there. Waves il be on are generally small white wash when the conditions are average aswell as smaller green waves which i prefer and want to surf alot more.

Im able to stand and turn etc on a foam board of about 7ft, though i think it may be too thin for me as sturdyness when paddling is a bit off. I also find i really need to put alot of effort into paddling as the board doesnt float under me very well.

From guides ive punched my info into on the net i need something anywhere between 40-61l in volume? and 21-23 inches wide.

I've been looking (recommended) at the D-Fish by clearwater in 7'2 which i do like the look of plus is within my price range, aswell as the Margo Nugget by DHD in 7'2 which actually fits most of the first board reccommendations ive seen on the net (it is a bit more pricey though).

The main reason im looking at getting a board made as opposed to buying second hand is because most that im looking at are only a few hundred $ short of a new board, plus id be able to get the specifications i want. I also dont want to be throwing hundreds of $ at something that may have problems i dont know about, not to mention if i got something to suit me id have no reason to sell it.

So my questions are:
What sort of volume should i be looking at?
What board length would suit best?
Do you have any recommendations for boards/brands?Thanks for your input!

See Steve at Clearwater don't know about 60 ltrs that a ****load of volume mb around 45 to 50 max if you hover around 90kg.

A very user friendly board for small"green"waves( forget the white ones) is the 7S series fish 1st or 2nd editions.

53 litres 7/3x22x3....five plugs to tune in the feel and looseness.The epoxies are solidly built and will suit your level of involvement.then as you progress to higher performance, will be a back up for small weak waves.

For a first board I'd get a piece of junk off gumtree for less than 200 bucks. If you commit to surfing you'll outgrow it fairly quickly and you'll also save yourself trashing a new board in the learning process.
I'm no expert but to start off anything approx 7 ft and nice and floaty would work. Maybe slightly longer if you're pushing 100kegs.
If you get a board that is above your ability you'll likely get frustrated at the lack of progress.
Once you're up and going on a crumby first board you'll be able to work out what you want and can upgrade.

Thanks for the replies guys!

i agree about the 60l volume being too much so il try find something around 45l or so as you suggested.

the 7s fish does look like a great option and il definetly keep my eye out for one, if i could pick one up for a decent price id jump on it as it fits pretty much everything im looking for!

I agree on getting an older board so i dont trash a brand new one, my only issue is actually finding one in the specs i want around 7ft as almost all boards ive seen on gumtree are less than 6'8 and quite thin and low volume. Im not in a rush to throw money away though so il keep my eye out and see if anything comes up, can always save the spare cash for when i want a brand new board anyway.

I agree with Dawn Patrol, get something 7ft, even 8ft based on what you said about struggling on the 7ft a bit, something with plenty of area in the nose, a mini mal shape will keep you going for a bit.

IMO forget the board volume/weight calculators, its all about where the foam is and how well the board is shaped as opposed to the total volume, clever marketing more than anything I feel.

If you keep your eyes peeled on Gumtree you can score decent boards for half the price of a new custom or hit up the reputable shapers like Clearwater for second hand boards they have shaped, don't get me wrong a custom is an awesome way to go but I would wait until you know what, where and how you want to surf before shelling out the bones for a custom.

For now you just want to enjoy surfing mate!

I reckon you couldnt go wrong with one of east coast surfboards ECS inception mini mals for around $400 brand new 7,4ft x22 x2,3/4 52ltrs you will be able to sell it for nearly what you paid once you progress .

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jiggler1 said...
I reckon you couldnt go wrong with one of east coast surfboards ECS inception mini mals for around $400 brand new 7,4ft x22 x2,3/4 52ltrs you will be able to sell it for nearly what you paid once you progress .

Sell it for nearly what you paid for it, a pop out ? Really ?