Help me pick a new surfboard.

June 13, 2007 2:37 PM

SurfboardFilter: I've outgrown my starter board. Help pick a new surfboard to kick off the San Diego summer.

I've been surfing off and on for about 2 years now. My first board is a 7'3" Bic Mini Malibu. Although the board gets me nasty looks from "hardcore" surfers who feel BIC should stick to making lighters and disposable razors, I couldn't have asked for a better board. They make the board out of a super strong molded plastic shell and a hollow inside. It's virtually indestructable, catches waves easy and is as bouyant as Pamela Anderson's floaties.

I've moved onto bigger and better waves and this board just doesn't turn fast enough for me anymore. I'm considering sticking to the BIC brand and just buying a shorter (6'0" to 6'6"), sharper board, but thought I'd ask MeFi for some suggestions as well.

What board would you recommend for someone in my situation?

posted by rezaman to sports, hobbies, & recreation (5 comments total)

If cost isn't an issue consider Patagonia's Point Blank boards. Light as hell and strong as well. I have a 6' 8" and love it.
posted by docpops at 3:21 PM on June 13, 2007

Consider talking with a local shaper. You'll be supporting your surf community and will end up with something beautiful and custom made for your height, weight, skill level, and most importantly, your surfing goals.
posted by iamkimiam at 3:29 PM on June 13, 2007

It's really reliant on a number of criteria: your body weight, upper body strength, surfing style and experience, among other things.

Going from a mini mal to a short board - you'll notice a lack of momentum based on the floatation qualities of the board - meaning later take offs, harder paddling - this can be offset with good upper body strength. You'll need to get deeper inside to get the waves and be quick to your feet. All in all, though - it's a much more exhilirating way of surfing than the more graceful cruising of a mini mal.

You should consider what you want from the board - durability is sometimes at odds with manoevreability, for instance - and go to a reputable board shop - or better still, seek a shaper - they'll consider your physique and wants, and suggest the best board.
posted by strawberryviagra at 3:37 PM on June 13, 2007

iamkimiam said it with brevity - must type faster...
posted by strawberryviagra at 3:38 PM on June 13, 2007

I've always done the local shaper thing. Talk to other locals whose boards you like, or who are surfing the way you want to. If I were in the market for a new board right now I would definitely get an epoxy board and probably go with a Chouinard (patagonia). Which in my case happens to be a local shaper.
posted by Manjusri at 7:02 PM on June 13, 2007