Beginner looking for used board - $250 max

Dude... I wouldn't worry about nice condition. You are going to beat the crap out of it if you are really trying to learn. Are you more interested in how it looks in the corner of your room or how it floats you.

You just want a decent board that will float you. Something water tight.
I am topping this because I don't want you to wind up buying a piece of crap from China.

Get a nice used board. You will also be stoked to learn how to fix your own dings with this board as well. $250 should be perfect for you to find something.

Try the classified section over at the surfer forum as well. They usually have a very active classified section. You might also want to check Swaylocks classifieds. If that fails you, go to your local surf shops and don't let them talk you into buying a junky new board. Buy a used beater. It will still last you longer and will probably have a much better shape.

Top for the newb.

 

6' 8" Rusty

I have a 6'8" Rusty that I will sell for $225. It is in great condition with only 1 significant ding that has been repaired. It has really thick glass so you won't have to worry so much about damaging it. Great first board! Let me know if you're interested...

 

For that size, in nice condition, and in your price range - look for an NSP. They are cheaper because they're epoxy and they can take more beatings. You'll eventually want to upgrade, but for now it should meet what you're looking for.

 

PERFECT!!! How thick is that Rusty? Wide? Thruster, right? 180 pounds, that should float you very well. You will outgrow it by next Summer if you are really into it.

 

180 lbs and a beginner, I'd recommend something slightly bigger than what you are looking for...I'd go 7.5ft minimum to 8.5ft funboard/minimal style board as a good starter board if you eventually want to drop down into a higher performance 6ft-7ft shortboard at some point for bigger wave days. I'd only recommend buying a short board to start out with if you leave near the beach and plan to surf at least 1-2 times a week or more to progress quickly and get in shape. The bigger the board, the easier to paddle/easier to catch waves/easier to get to your feet without falling over and there will be more "surfable days" for you as well with a long board compared to a short board for the mid-Atlantica area. Just some advice on the subject so you don't waste your money. But then the problem is that its easier to find a short board /fun board in your price range while used long boards (in decent shape) usually are more costly than $250 minimum. Sometimes you'll find a gem out there but its rare.

 

It's thick and wide and has very little rocker. It's an older board but in good shape and surprisingly has not suffered too much of the yellowing effect. I will post a picture when I get home

 

It sounds to me like an older Rusty Desert Island. If that's the case, this kid should jump on this. Great all round board that he would be able to grow some skills on.
It's called the "Desert Island" model for a reason.

 

I have a 7'6" NSP fun shape that's a couple of years old. It's a good learner board. I'd also part with it for $225 if we could work out how to get it up to new york. It has a couple nicks that have been repaired, but is in good shape overall. I can send you pics if you're interested. Feel free to PM me with your email address and I'll shoot 'em over.