Hey everyone , I have been surfing for about 4 years now but only like once or twice a year. I want to surf Lake Erie so the waves are small. I have never bought a board so I wanted to know what kind I should get. I am 6 ft 2 and 135 lbs. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a board but get one that won't fall apart. I was looking at a used bic fish board that was 5 ft 10 but am not sure if that is to small for me. Help would be greatly appreciated . Thanks
hello Ethan... i also live where the waves are small, so i'm gonna steer you more towards getting a "fun shape" or an actual longboard. i have no idea what this fish looks like that you're considering, but i'm willing to bet it's not the best board for you (taking into consideration your experience/location/body type). because you live where the waves are generally small, it really helps to have a longer board. the added length will allow you to catch just about any wave you are trying for. the longer board will just be all around better because it will compensate for your lack of balance (you're a beginner, it's alright we all were at one point) and give you more efficient paddling power. plus once you're up and riding, you can kind of just stand there and glide... whereas with that 5'10" fish you are talking about, you're probably gonna have to really manhandle the board to get it to respond to the waves. so to me, a board around the 7' range that's considered a "fun" shape would probably be ideal. but also a board up to about 9' which would be a true longboard (this shape specializes in tiny waves). so maybe google the terms funboard and longboard and see what pops up. if there's a surfshop in your area, don't hesitate to speak up for yourself and see what they recommend. i live where the waves are small, and while i prefer to ride a short board, a longboard would be much more ideal for most days of the year. the longer the board, the more surface area touching the water, which just makes for much more efficient surfing ie. having fun!! good luck man. would love to say i surfed the Great Lakes one day
Haha! I'm laughing out loud here at my desk! Ethan, that Bic would be way too small. Get yourself a longboard and it will be the best decision you've ever made. Gotta have a board that will allow you to make the most of the small waves available to you. More foam = more fun. Wave dependent of course...
The fish is a bad idea. The Bic is a good idea. I'm with the others on suggesting a longboard... and also suggest one of the Tuflite type constructions over traditional foam and fiberglass. If you're only surfing a handfull of times a year, you're less concerned about high performance and more concerned about durability and having fun! So making the right choice now will keep you satisfied for many years. Check out the Takayama shapes on the Surftech website for starters, then go to CL or other online resources for a used one in your price range. Good luck...
6' 2", 135lbs.... I don't know... that doesnt sound real. Im 6' 2" and a bit... and Im tipping in at 218lbs right now... I mean if I was 135lbs I would in the hospital....
Dude... you may NEVER hit 218. But you ain't gettin' any lighter, either. So I still say that 5'10 is a bad idea.
Oh yeah... totally. the 5'10" for you is not a reasonable choice just by the sounds of it. But who knows. I would go for the bigger board.
Be careful man! I started surfing regularly at 17, got hooked, and it has affected every major decision I've made since. But it's still a good thing. I get excited just thinking about the stoke that lies ahead of you. (side note I was probably 6'0" 135 when I sprouted late in high school)
Mak'er a Laker Go LB, not too wide and not too thick as per your dimensions, also make sure it's got enough scoop and rocker for those quick often steep lake waves. I've been surfing Erie since 98', mostly LB's although a lot of the younger/lighter crew (experienced) are on Fish type shapes made for the lakes with more foam. I have met some guys from upstate NY or Penn that come over to the Cdn side, that have been making boards specifically for Lake Erie and they're doing really well with it., just can't remember the name of them..
