Fiberglass board for beginners

[surfnut]

In reading the design forum I realize how little I actually know about kneeboard design. I've only seen and surfed on older fiberglass boards, with limited success. I have a 5'10" Freeline from the late 80's -- posted it for sale on the site here, and zero replies. Clearly this is not a desireable board. And what should a kneeboard weigh? The Freeline is around 15lbs. There are no shops here (Norcal) where I can go look at new modern boards -- even Freeline Design doesn't stock them.

What do people think is a good modern beginner board for basic stuff? I have experience with bodyboarding, but have back injuries so I don't do stand-up surfing.

Thanks,
--Nicole (surfnut)

[Kev]

apart from size and weight

the surf conditions
and the style you want to surf
could be the most important factors

a floaty board may seem right as a beginner but if the paddle out is tough with many duck-dives them it may be the worst thing you could do

but on a point break with a slow pealing, easy, cruisy wave with no duck-dives then a longer and floaty board may offer an easy paddle over distance
and a platform to cruise and trim and glide across those flat sections

we need to know where, what and how you may want to surf

as for some board ideas
Dave has something to look at
http://www.parkesaustralia.com/KneeBoards.htm

FOUR-FIN ROUNDED SQUARETAIL


TRI-FIN WING - DIAMONDTAIL


perhaps push it out to near 6ft for someone your size

[womble]

Get in contact with one of the Aussie or USA shapers ... talk with them and explain (HONESTLY) your skill level ... height ... weight and where you are going to surf ... These guys have the knowledge and the know-how to shape you the required board.

Oh and don't let any of the old kooks on this site talk you into wearing flippers ... swin fins or whatever they want to call those ridiculous rubber sockie things they put on their feet ... harden up and learn to paddle like a man ... moving into the bunker ... awaiting bombardment.

[K-man]

Halfmoon bay is a short drive to SC and freeline.Pick a day john is working.have a chat,he'll fix you up nicely.
Then go across the street to pleasure point pizza,and have a nice slice of hawaiian style pie....

cheers

[kidrock]

agreed. Either Freeline in SC, or Mollusk in SF. Can't go wrong.

[kidrock]

why must you insist on hurting my feelings?


but, what you say has SOME merit, I guess...Surfnut has a Freeline. Unless it was shaped in the 1950's, it should still be a great board...especially to learn on. Just get on it and go

[surfnut]

THanks guys, I'll go talk to John at Freeline -- the board I have is one he made, he should know what it can do. Think I'll save the fiberglass board for smaller easy days and keep trying on my softboard the rest of the time until I build up more strength and flexibility. That way, at least I'll get out there in the water, one way or the other. And I think just getting out and having fun is the most important thing. I finally healed up enough to get back in the water this May, after a year's lapse. I doubt any of you were pros after 6 months! Thanks for the advice.
--Nicole (surfnut)