Mixed Opinions

[nybsbll24]

Here's my situation: I'm ready to buy my first board, but almost everyone I've asked has given me a different response. It won't be my first time surfing, as i've surfed on my friends 7'6 funboard, but now I want my own board. I really think i want something smaller and more manuverable, i was thinking maybe a fish, but some other people still tell me to get a longboard or a funboard. i want something that i'd be able to ride pretty much year round northeast (ankle/knee to occasional head/overhead). i know there's probably not one board that would be the best at all these conditions, but i want something that would at least be able to perform in these conditions. i'm probably leaning towards something that would excel in smaller surf, that's why i was considering a fish. still, however, there are some people who reccomend i just get a longboard or funboard. if anyone could just share their opinion i'd really appreciate it, and also if anyone has boards they would reccomend it would be great.

[KnuckleDragger]

I would suggest getting a long board or mini mal. It will let you get out on those knee high days instead of sitting on the beach. Save your money and add a shorter more aggressive board to your quiver later on for those infrequent bigger days.

[kneedropper]

I had surfed a bit in San Diego on an 8'6" longboard, then didn't have access to water for a long time. I just bought a 7'6" funboard and after a few months I"m not wanting to buy a full on longboard in the 9 foot range and a smaller board. The funboard is just too much of an inbetween for me. The good news is that unlike skis, boards seem to hold value a bit more, but if I could have done it over, I would have bought the longboard and then a short when the waves pick up in the winter.

I know this response says buy 2 boards, but just like skiing, one is not enough.

[nybsbll24]

I know this response says buy 2 boards, but just like skiing, one is not enough.

yea that seems the case for almost every sport i'm involved in, and of course money is no where near me when i need it

[Brocktoon]

Get at least a 7-8' funboard and learn how to turn it. If you start of with a shorter board, you will be much more likely to cheat on your turns and much less likely to learn how to surf off the rail. Good surfers can whip an 8' board around very impressively.

Starting on a longer board also helps you develop a good style. It makes you smoother and more patient. I started on a tiny thruster and didn't learn that lesson until later. A longer board will also allow you to have more fun earlier because you'll get into more waves and it's more forgiving.

I understand the urge to get on a smaller board and start ripping. Do yourself a favor and start with a longer board.

[Pierre LeCouloir]

First learn the difference between 'soul surfers' and those who surf for fame and money. I'd talk to Chandler. Turtle may also be of some assistance.

Then go for the funboard if your ultimate goal is a performance board.

[tarkman1]

The smaller boards may be more maneuverable, but you're probably not to the point of being able to use such a board.

A funboard would be a good way to go. Forgiving, small enough to not be a pain in the ass carrying around, big enough to catch waves without too much effort, and enough performance to put a smile on your face.

[nutcase]

funboard for sure. I have 4 boards, a 6'6, a 7'4 funboard, a 7'8 gun and a 9' longboard. I find myself using the 7'4 funboard 75% of the time.

[gonzo]

1. definitely talk to chandler.

2. a maneuverable board is worthless if you have no waves to use it on and don't know how to use it. short in the northeast will be only be usable on days that are not for learning how to surf. get a 8'6" or 9' longboard, learn to surf, then get a shorter board for n'easters and hurricanes once you have the swing of things (likely in 3+ years the way new england surf is).

[tuffy109]

funboards are for kooks. get a longboard, you'll use it more and you can learn to be a wavehog.

[rightcoast]

I have a 9"2 Infinity Cluster V that i ride in everything from ankle to overhead. You may want to try out a performance longboard if you really can only afford one right now, then like someone said earlier, once youre getting used to, and turning that well, get a more aggressive board for big days.

[comish]

rightcoast, I have been using a 9' Cluster V for nearly 10 years now. The Infinity guys are a good bunch.

Go for the longboard for the NE. How often do you see > than head high surf? If its not very, then go long.

[rightcoast]

rightcoast, I have been using a 9' Cluster V for nearly 10 years now. The Infinity guys are a good bunch.

Go for the longboard for the NE. How often do you see > than head high surf? If its not very, then go long.

I agree. And yes, i do love my cluster V. I picked up one of their 9'6 singlefin noseriders a few years back for small days on the cape, i love that too. So pretty much ride that when its really small, then when it gets up over waist/thigh i go to the cluster V