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Mondak · 05-22-2004, 01:05 PM

Can you get your parents to give you a rain check on the new board? If so, what I would recomend is that you buy a used board that is somewhat thick and stable to learn on. You will save a bunch of money, learn how to surf, but most importantly, you will have some idea of what you are looking for in a board.

Choosing a board that is right for you is a fairly personal experience. Even though you know your height and weight, the place / type of waves / break you surf most differ from others. In addition, just where your "center" is on a board is going to vary even from someone of the same dimensions.

If you ride an older used board for a while, you will have a better idea of what you like and dislike about it and can therefor know what to look for when you plop down the dough for the freshie. Plus, the board you want to ride as a beginner (thicker, more stable, less manuverable) is not likely the board you want to ride forever.

If you are set on plopping down the $800 for the new board, I would say that you should buy one that is made out of a material like SURFTECH. It is fairly indestructable (normal surfboards ding / crack / damage VERY easily) it is light and manuverable even though it can still be stable and hopefully something that will allow you to learn while you still have a board you can use Long term. Maybe something like a Takayama, which a lot of people love.

If you are moving anywhere in San Diego county, you should buy from HANSEN'S in Encinitas. If you ask for Ken (he is in charge of all hard goods), you will get a guy who will spend as much time with you as you need, educate you on your options and not make you spend more than you want to or "upsell" you to something that you don't need. I have known Ken for 8 years and trust him. I will say that Hansen's is a very busy store. You can't expect to go in on a Saturday morning and get that kind of personal service. Take some time and go in on a weekday morning - say 10:30 or so. Call in and set it up with him in advance maybe. You will be very glad you did.

Tell Dan H. told you to call. He will treat you right.

05-22-2004, 01:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mondak Industrialist Location: Southern California	Can you get your parents to give you a rain check on the new board? If so, what I would recomend is that you buy a used board that is somewhat thick and stable to learn on. You will save a bunch of money, learn how to surf, but most importantly, you will have some idea of what you are looking for in a board. Choosing a board that is right for you is a fairly personal experience. Even though you know your height and weight, the place / type of waves / break you surf most differ from others. In addition, just where your "center" is on a board is going to vary even from someone of the same dimensions. If you ride an older used board for a while, you will have a better idea of what you like and dislike about it and can therefor know what to look for when you plop down the dough for the freshie. Plus, the board you want to ride as a beginner (thicker, more stable, less manuverable) is not likely the board you want to ride forever. If you are set on plopping down the $800 for the new board, I would say that you should buy one that is made out of a material like SURFTECH. It is fairly indestructable (normal surfboards ding / crack / damage VERY easily) it is light and manuverable even though it can still be stable and hopefully something that will allow you to learn while you still have a board you can use Long term. Maybe something like a Takayama, which a lot of people love. If you are moving anywhere in San Diego county, you should buy from HANSEN'S in Encinitas. If you ask for Ken (he is in charge of all hard goods), you will get a guy who will spend as much time with you as you need, educate you on your options and not make you spend more than you want to or "upsell" you to something that you don't need. I have known Ken for 8 years and trust him. I will say that Hansen's is a very busy store. You can't expect to go in on a Saturday morning and get that kind of personal service. Take some time and go in on a weekday morning - say 10:30 or so. Call in and set it up with him in advance maybe. You will be very glad you did. Tell Dan H. told you to call. He will treat you right.