Finally going to bite the bullet and get my first board hopefully today. Am looking at a Ripcurl Hybrid 6'10". I've done some surf lessons before and am slowly standing up. Really don't want to get a foamie and but also I know I can't get a shorter board as I will just keep falling off.
Do you think this size board would be ok. I'm about 175cm tall and weigh probably 70-75kg.
I've got a Billabong gold solution suit 3/2 which ive used before and seems to go well.
I'm down in Secret Harbour so if anyone is down my way would be great to get some tips or hints.
Do yourself a favour and avoid traditional shortboard shapes for the time being. If you're still "slowly standing", a shortboard will not be very forgiving on you and you will most likely get frustrated and give up after a while. go for something with some more width and i think a round nose will benefit you greatly. something more like a mini mal. my first fibreglass board was a 6'7 will similar shape to what you're at that i bought off a guy who'd only bought the board from advice from the surf schools. he got frustrated with the lack of progress and gave up.
Go and have a look at the second hand rack at Katana in Osy Pk, there's a couple of big boy fish there that'll have as much float as a minimal without the length. Too much length sucks in dredgy beachies like where you are.
I kind of agree with you guys, except a mini mal might be too big (nah nah, hear me out!). I'd point towards a biggish fun board. More maneuverability, good paddling/planing, easier to get out the back, more stoke more quickly.
nate; definitely get a nose guard (if you do go an egg nose, a cut down long-board norse guard fits well) to protect others if not yourself.
Go for a tufflite. Much more durable for a noobie. If second hand, compare the weight with a newy - a dead give-away to a water-logged pig.