I would like to get the opinion of some of the seasoned surfers here. Just getting into surfing and I am torn between a 9' redline 11 and a 9' 6' hydro hull. I am 5'9' 192 lbs. Have taken a lesson and was told I could get away with a 9' foot board. I do not want to get the 9'6 only to have to sell it a year from now for a shorter more capable board. on the other hand some people say get the bigger board you'll be better off in the long run because you'll spend more time actually surfing due to the fact that it's more beginner friendly. I would be willing to take the hit on the learning curve provided determination would prevail over the characteristics of the Redline. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.
Either board would be great. I think you'll be happy with both. My only issue with Stewarts is durability. I have had to repair mine several times due to buckling near the nose. Friends of mine report the same issue. I have a hydro hull, and aside from the durability, it's a really nice surfboard. At almost 200 pounds, I think you could handle either one. Pick the one with prettier colors.
Get which ever board you like better, as a beginner you won't know the difference between a 9' and 9'6, either one has enough foam to catch about anything shin high and up.
I went throught the same thing recently. I started surfing about 10 months ago and wanted the smallest board to start out with and then get smaller as i grew better. Alot depends on the type of surf you have. Here in galveston I get more 2' days than anything else so being able to catch the wave is way more important than being able to carve it. This being said I am looking at going up instead of down in size bause of the ability to catch more waves. I have not been able to tell much difference in a 9'6'' and a 9' once I'm up and doing turns, but the catching of the wave seems much easier on the 9'6". The glide is just a little better with the extra lenght making my paddle out quick and I can catch just about anything. Been riding my friends Mctavish fireball thinks it's a 9'6" or 9'5" and love it.
I'm not too familiar with the Redline model, but the HydroHull is a solid model. As far as length goes, I would take a 9'6" over a 9'0" any day of the week; even if you're planning on working down to a shortboard. The extra six inches will give you a little extra volume for increased wave count and more stability for noserides & other maneuvers. I only have one 9'0" in my quiver right now, which I mostly reserve for overhead days; mostly because it's a 2+1 for more face hold.
This won't happen... so it shouldn't be a determining factor in your choice. Both are good boards for what they are. Personally, I'd take the 9'6.
Either will work great. Then as you get better, you build a quiver. Short, medium and then you'll go back the longboard.
I would go with the 9'6". As it was said earlier it will be easier to catch waves, better stability for nose rides etc... I currently have a 9'0" 2+1 and am looking to go 9'6"-10' for a nice nose rider. I am not personally familiar with either the hydro hull or the red line but I have heard good things about the hydro hull. The Redline 11 looks like it is a bit wider and a bit thicker which will provide extra float when compared to the Hydro Hull. If you look at total volume from highest to lowest it looks like 9'6" HH, then 9'0 RL11, then 9'0" HH. (http://www.stewartsurfboards.com/surfboards) It seems each of the designs for each model has slightly different measurements. For the most part if your just beginning, I would probably go with the most foam. Foam=Float= more waves caught
I am a new surfer as well and took a few lessons. I drove down to Stewarts shop which was awesome, great staff. I went with the Redline 11. Im 6'2" 195 lbs. My advice go with th 9'6" I have gotten up on the board but like everyone else is saying you will catch more rides and have more fun with the 9'6". If I could do it over that's what I would do. Don't get me wrong im getting used to the board and its quick but ive taken a lot of spills with it as well. Im getting better but not without my days of frustration. Besides you will want to have a variety of boards in your quiver
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. I think I am going to shoot for the Mctavish Fireball in a 9' 6" length. I think the length will be more forgiving and given the nature of the board in general I will probably grow into it and be satisfied with the match. I do like the Stewart but I have seen some really good reviews on the Fireball. I have had a lot of help on this and I appreciate all of it, Thanks again
It will be an awesome board, you'll love it. I had my 8'1" McTavish 8 Ball out the past 5 days and was getting some really fun rides on it, I found a spot all to myself, it was breaking kinda big and chunky, waist to chest with occassoinal head high sets. I never had so much fun on this board till now, ever since I dropped the thruster setup and went to an 8" single Fin it's been nothing but fun. It's a beast at 8'1", go for it in the 9'6", it'll be a wave catching machine and you'll be surprised how nimble it is in bigger stuff.
