To anyone who cares to give some advice: I'm a novice surfer and am looking to get a new board. I've been riding a 7'6" mini-magic and have been having a blast learning but I want get a something shorter and more maneuverable, but probably not a shortboard. I'm 5'6" 170lbs and mostly surf long island. I don't see myself getting out in anything much over head high and will likely spend most of my time in thigh to waist high surf. I've been looking through the CI line and kinda keep coming back to a robber, a m13, and a gravy. I like the sound of the gravy and robber for their wave catching ability and wider nose. I also think I can still benefit from the extra foam. The m13 seems interesting because its so damn versatile. Anybody have any suggestions on board selection and size? thanks bill
M13 is an awesome board. I've always wanted one. Do everything board. Consider 6'8, 6'10, or 7'2. Also look at fish and fish hybrids. They can ride anything from below knee to head high and very very versatile and maneuverable. especially for east coast. Remember plenty of thickness for better paddling.
Let your curiousity be your guide. Also consider the always underrated egg. Its smooth, versatile, full of volume, good for the small stuff and has no problem charging the heavy stuff just in case you change your mind. You can get them small and wide or long and narrow. They do airs if u want or just stay in the water and cruise. Like Alvin said Fishes and Hybrids are wonderful also. You seem to be headed in the right direction though.
The Gravy is basically a supped up egg. I have a shape like that i ride in waist to ten foot. Rides great in everything. Just remember you are pretty heavy for your height so like Alvin said if you go short, get it thick.
I had a 6'3x20x25/8 twin finner Robber which was a sick bored for the size of it. I'm 6'0 165 so it was definitely big for me but the price I paid for it I couldn't resist to try it. Super easy to paddle and I felt like I was cheating because of how easy it was to get into waves. I've had it out on 3-4ft days and it was perfect for the board. Would certainly benefit you as a transition board.
Just a note on the Gravy... I like them, too, but the word is they work better in better surf. Not really your best choice in very small surf around here. Similar boards, with similar templates may work well, but they're probably different from the Gravy in foil, rail, and bottom contours. An egg, a fish, a fish hybrid... all good choices, IMO. You're best bet is to go custom from a local shaper who can size you up and design a board specifically for you and the breaks you surf.
I'm about your size and have a 7'2 M13, its the swiss army knife of my quiver. I can ride it knee high to well overhead, just like CI claims. I wish it was smaller but great board regardless. One of the reasons I like it is the short board shape, the nose allows for late entries, where I occassionally bury the rail on my 6'1 Gravy. Good luck with decision
Dont go too small.... If ur still novice a really short groveler board meant for rob machado may not work well for u. An egg would be perfect and it wont screw up ur learning curve. 6'6'' +
the only exception would be 6'3'' 7S superfish. Cheaper and would last longer than $800 merrick. So rippable and easy to ride. 1 to well overhead compatible.
i agree with everyone else, go for a bigger, wider modern fish type board with a fuller nose and some thickness throughout. itll help a lot with paddling and gettting into waves. also, i wouldnt go and buy a brand new board or spend a lot of money on it because it will most likely be a transition board. check out craigslist and the used board racks around some local shops and im sure youll be able to find something that will suit you for much cheaper than the price of a new board.
Looking to thin out my quiver and have a 7'6 M13 I'm willing to let go of for cheap. PM me if your interested.
To be honest...stay on ur board right now. When ur really whipping the 7 footer around then step down to a mid size fish. Give it time and no one wins any award for a short "cool" board if they are getting no waves and last an hour of paddling. Jah rant.
