Going from funshape to fish

You know what you need to do bro did you get your ass off the surf forum and go catch some waves. When 90% of us started surfing we didn't know about swell info forums. We just went out there and figured it out on our own. When I transition to a fish from a long board I went to a surf shop looked at the boards caught a 6,8 fish with some volume. Even if you're not a big guy get something twoand a half inches thick or 3. Maybe not 3. Or go borrow from someone you know if they have one and try it out and go from there.trial and error and time is key.

 

You have displayed a total lack of etiquette, coming on this esteemed surf predictin site with no bio, no pics of significant wahines, etc. This is to expected from someone from TX. Your chicken fried steak is an abomination.

That being said, try someones fish (if you even know someone who surfs) to figure out if you can handle the speed and gnar spray that comes with laying a board on rail, going vert, and KA-KEEESH!!! bashing the lip and throwing mad spray. You can alway sell it here on classified if it doesn't work out.

 

Though to say again I highly suggest borrowing one from a friend for a few or renting one from a shop. It will save you money if you buy a board you don't like or doesn't work for you.but you got a remember the board probably won't work for you at first it takes time to transition.

 

Also bench pressing and banging Hindus will increase your surfing tenfold.

 

Go to different shops and ask around. When I wanted to get a fish I went to almost all the shops around me. I finally decided on a Lost RNF after talking with the shop owner for about an hour. All the advice he gave was great and I'm real happy with it. It was also the previous year's model so he gave it to me for $400 instead of its retail around $700 which made it even better.

 

As you transition down, you will need to consider your popup. Most people with fun shapes use their toes to provide a higher takeoff point and additional clearance for the knees to come forward. As you get below 6"6', that will not be possible, so you have to start practicing your popup without using your toes. It will take a while for you to get used to just that. Then, the stability of the board that you are used to will be different, so your foot position is more exacting. Finally, your position in the wave will also have less room for error, and need to be closer to the pocket. As such you will be thinking alot more about exactly where the power of a given wave is most focussed. The transition is totally worth it, but just consider that it may be long.

 

5'9 is a lot of board for your size and weight... which is good if you're still novice/intermediate and surfing in gutless waves most of the time. A quad is a good idea... and I'd consider a quad fish as a reasonable choice. Your local shaper can help you dial something in, but you're heading in the right direction.

 

This^

I trashed the decks of 3 or 4 boards (as in cracked the glass along the stringer) over years because of bad pop-ups and using my knee to get up. You may need to build more core and upper body strength.

As far as length, fish are the original short/wide/thick boards, so that may be worth keeping in mind. Someone else recommended renting or borrowing one, I think that's probably your best bet initially.

 

Im with you LBCrew. Im 6' almost 200lbs and i ride a 5'10 fish. i believe my dim's are 5'10"x21"x2-3/4"

21" inches wide with the low rocker of a retro twin fin has surprising paddle ability and will catch those little wind swell mush balls. just make sure you try to paddle that sucker as flat as possible and you will fly. I think the 5'9 will be perfect for your size and ability. never ridden a quad, but i would imagine that would help down the line once your up and riding...

 

Before you buy anything....MOVE...to a place that actually has surf. That Gulf is pretty lacking, as it is here in NH.

 

Get bachelors first???
Smart move. Carry on!

 

school was my opportunity to move closer to waves hahaha


post #69... just saying...

 

Best of all worlds, man. Congrats.
Do well with school--you can never regret that!

 

my 5'6x21x2.5 twin fin with little to no rocker, thing paddles into anything, floats really well and it FLIES. Dont go too short too fast, but the wider and shorter it is the easier it is to manuver and pump. They also pump really well. Good luck man