Surfboard Advice

[JRM]

Hi guys

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on a first surfboard recommendation. I've heard good reports about BIC and NSP in terms of quality and durability, but have narrowed my choice down to either:

BIC ACS Natural Surf Hype 7'9" or
BIC ACS Magnum Hype 8'4"

I'd err towards the larger board, except on the BIC site it describes it as for heavy surfers up to 100kgs, whereas the 7'9" rated up to 80kgs
Given that I'm 6' and 75kgs the smaller board seems better, but as I am pretty much a beginner (have had a dozen lessons, so can stand on the big foamies very easily), I obviously want a board that is easy to ride, but not one that is too unwieldy

Thanks

James

[Phud]

First board I would go for the only which is easiest, so the 8ft one.

As for shorter boards, it is all in the speed you can produce to get on the plane, I am just over 6ft but surf anything down to 6ft 2" board.

I enjoy my 9ft 6' mal when ever I want. Only thing which worries me is high winds when loading and unloading

You might think that your first board will get damaged, so maybe cost, both boards will allow you to stand.

[JRM]

Thanks, I was thinking 8 footer is the way to go, both are the same price. I managed to break a second hand 8ft mini mal, so hopefully I've had my novice break!

Do you think I would notice a very big difference between the two?

[DMN]

For a first board a Bic mini-mal is what I would go for (and what I did go for). Rugged, fairly easy to catch waves on, and won't break the bank.

[Phud]

nope about 5 inches.

To be honest, not much difference, unless one is a lot wider that the other and thicker.

I thin 8ft is the best why ahead, and mal's are good fun without being hard work.

[JRM]

I checked the dimensions and the 8 footer is a fair bit thicker and wider, so probably the safest option. Thanks for the advice

[Craivold]

You still looking for a board JRM? If you're forking out for a brand new one I wouldn't go for NSP or BIC.... some people see it as board snobbery but they are plastic pop outs made in a factory in the far east. You're much better off getting something made locally here in the UK, it will feel better under your feet when riding, last just as long and there's a much greater choice of shapes and sizes. For the cost of a brand new BIC you can get a very high quality second hander that you'll be able to sell for the same price a year down the line if you look after it (and/or get bored with it!). Where abouts are you based? Check out these sites for second hand boards;

http://community.magicseaweed.com/viewforum.php?f=...
http://www.secondhandboards.com/
and obviously grEedBay

If you can consistently stand up on a foamie I'd say something around 8ft would be ideal but just be sure to get something that holds it's thickness throughout the board fairly well - some mini-mals can be quite foiled out with a lot of rocker and you'd actually be better off with a magic carpet/egg shape that's smaller! Good luck and hope you get some good waves in 2013