Advice for a first surfboard

[Tridacna]

Hi,

I would like to purchase my first surfboard.

I would like to use it in two conditions :
- low wind freeriding
- wave ridding.

I mostly ride on beach wave spots on the north sea and in the channel. Waves can sometimes be pretty big, and I enjoyed ridding long shoulder tall waves with my twintip.

I struggle making a decision on this purchase. I hesitate between the following options:

- PU Core Ripper 4 (I could not find any info on the weight of this board on the internet), this board seems very confortable.
- INFINITY CARBON SPLIT (I can get a 30% on a 2019 new model) - 5.9, weights 3.7kg (This one looks good in term of weight and is quite strong, which is probably not a bad idea for a beginner ? - I don't want it to be destroyed in the waves).
- FOIL SPLIT KITEBOARD INFINITY NOBILE 2019, (5.2, weight 4.7kg) - I do not know what to think : interesting deal, foilling option... but seems very heavy !

What do you think ? Any advice on this choice ? Any other model in mind ?

Thanks in advance.

[Rob112]

Check out the duotone pro fish and slingshot mixer.

[HugoMC]

Duotone Whip worth a shout too

[Da Yoda]

Any advice on this choice ? Any other model in mind ?

Since you're new to a surfboard, I'd be looking at something that's on the wider side to add some stability when learning to jibe and added surface area for planing on mushy waves and lighter wind. Also something that gives you some options (straps and fin set) for different wave conditions or as you develop a fin preference (thruster or quad). With that in mind, the Jimmy Lewis Canary KT 5'6 (don't go bigger) would worth checking out.
http://www.jimmylewis.eu/boards/canary-kt/

Another thing often overlooked is the fin boxes. If you have a preference, then that can help narrow down your options quickly. Personally I'm keen on Futures fins, so I prefer boards spec'ed with their boxes.

As mentioned above, another good choice would be the Duotone Fish SLS (formally Pro Fish) 5'5 for a "dedicated strapless" board. It's also a thruster fin set only. Duotone claims is Futures compatible. I've seen it up close and have mixed feelings and others say it's not compatible, so I'm not 100% on their claim.

If you want to go another route, check out all of the "compact" surfboards marketed towards "strapless freestyle & s-m waves". Something in the 5'2-5'5 range would probably suit you well however width is your friend, so keep that in mind if looking at these boards. The Duotone Whip as mentioned above would be a good example of this type of board.

[ScoopZ]

If you're worried about breaking it the best advice would be to get a S/H bamboo sandwich to see you through the early stages before you go spend big on a PU or EPS "pro" construction like duotone/north/slingshot offer.

The older slingshot celeritas could work well in a 5'6". I got and still use an airush cypher 5'6" that has more than enough volume and a very useable outline. The only thing that limits you is your natural stance versus the rocker, I stand a touch too narrow so when stepping back on the tail for turning I can be more underpowered in typical free riding but that's why I favour strapless.

[Hugh2]

I suggest a used board for your first one. I love my old Naish Global 6' board for durability, speed, and ease of gybing. But it is not light and not good for freestyle.

[longwhitecloud]

My advice is to never stop trying different boards, and when you are given recommendations ask how many different surfboards the person has ridden in their life, in what conditions and for how long.

to give you are start:

more parallel rails will help you go upwind easier in lighter winds

flatter rocker less drag in lighter winds

less fat rails - less drag when waveriding


I think buying all sorts of old cheap surfboards to try is fun to help learn about this.

[Tridacna]

Thank you for your advice. I will look for a used one then.

There is an old canary kt for sale not that far away from my place. I think it will do the job at first.

Any idea on the right value of a 2014 canary board (5.6, good conditions with scratches but no bumps) ?