So I've started surfing this year (since April) - having fun, not hurting myself (except for that Sing Rey - damn that hurt!!!) and especiall no one else. I own a fun board (7' 8" Becker) and a 9" Wingpin Harbour (epoxy). These I'm sure you could attest aren't the ideal learning boards for me - however, I can get up, ride a wave. My question - to ride waves 'easier', more wave-count etc. i'm debating on selling these fine boards and purchasing a 10 ' San O or Banana ? I can paddle ok, but others seem to be gliding passed me pretty easily... I'm pretty fit - 5' 10" 185 lbs - i'm thinking that I just need more paddle time? or is it a new board? I don't want to get caught up in the "a new board will solve all my problems" (been there done that with golf !!) Any advise?
Advice for the Newbie
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 Dan20 |
Advice for the Newbie |
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Posts: 1 (06/30/08 13:46:18) |
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boardhound |
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Posts: 542 (06/30/08 14:23:32) |
Dan,
the new board will not solve all problems but the Right board will make your time in the water that much more enjoyable. If the size chart recommends a 10' board and you are on a 9' board you are working allot harder to catch the wave or you are dropping in latter. Now I am a big fan of a new board get myself a couple of them every year. Stop by the shop Talk with the guys and get a size to fit you. Wt. age, skill not to mention what you want to get out of a board are all factors in choosing the right board for you. I would keep at least 1 of the boards you have now. Start to build your collection. I am among the extreme and have more boards then needed But my collection is not the usual one. I would suspect a well rounded Quiver would have 3 to 5 boards Short board (Drifter) Cruiser (San-O, Banana, Rapier High performance Long board (HP-1, Turbo or H3) Fish Fun or Transition board (Revolver) as your skills progress you may think about a Nose Rider (19 or Nose Rider) My quiver when all is said and don will have at least 1 of each Harbour Production boards produced I am about 60% complete Bh |
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matt woodin |
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Posts: 36 (06/30/08 14:29:37) |
Hey Newbie- I have ridden a San-O(9'8") and it is a good board-paddles, catches waves and CRUISES! I'd suggest a Rapier though. You have the
paddle, wave catching, cruising PLUS the bonus of a pintail for turning. A 10 footer will be fun, but go in and talk to the guys in the shop- let them work
their magic! Matt
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marinedudejoe |
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Posts: 24 (06/30/08 17:02:52) |
Dan, Welcome aboard a board..A few months ago I found myself in the very same spot as you..I surfed in the 60s so you might as well say Im just starting but
some how did save some of my skills..started out with a 9' Surftech and kept that about 3 weeks and sold it on Craigs list..was sinking and just didnt feel
right..So I found these guys like Boardhound, Ryan, Dinkus and a few cool guys who helped me. I started writing the Harbour home page and was a little confused
and guess who just out of the blue came on and helped me? Rich Harbour himself..So he got me on the size chart and at 170 lbs and in good shape he suggested a
Rapier 9'6" which I ordered. I was told the wait time would be around 13 weeks...well I wanted a Harbour since I was a kid so in the mean time I
rented another 9'6" and began to improve. The board is now in and the wait was like 8 weeks max. Then while I was waiting for the board I just happend
to write to Waterman's Guild and tell them what a cool site they had. Well this fellow started to write me back and tell me my board was there and we
started to chat on the phone. He called me..Well that was the owner of Watermans Guild glass shop who glasses all of Harbour's or most of Harbour's
boards..so you can buy cheaper but you cant buy all the friends that take you in and help you on this site, at the Harbour Shop and the Harbour Owners Society.
With that being said I just bought my second Harbour and havent even been on the first one yet..Thats this weekend..The Harbour Shop and your fellow Harbour
Owners here will help you out. This has turned out to be way more than a board purchase for me. As soon as I get the pictures of my new lady Rapier I will
post. I just cant tell you how stoked I am and how these folks here have just added to the enjoyment. Joe
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hadabanana |
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Posts: 34 (06/30/08 18:04:59) |
I'm with Matt - the Rapier catches waves with ease, but you can crank turns, connect turns, nose ride like crazy on it. They call it a cruiser, but I
dunno, it doesn't feel that way to me. I've never heard a discouraging word about this board. I wasn't used to a single fin, have only surfed
thruster set- ups during the modern longboard years - but with the HP single fin, the Rapier makes insane turns when called upon. I find myself surfing
differently, doing things I never thought of, and having more fun than is probably legal. And yeah, you can take off pretty far outside on this thing too.
Great advice to talk to the guys at the shop, too. They put me on something a couple inches longer than I would have chosen, and it works great. |
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Dan20 |
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Posts: 2 (06/30/08 19:28:43) |
Thanks for the great advise! I definately want to stay with Harbour - and the Rapier sounds like just what I need. I just need to decide which board to sell,
and which to keep. Maybe I'll keep the Becker, for use when I want to size down when I'm a better surfer - it's a great board. The Wingpin is
amazing - but i'm sure a better surfer would appreciate it much more than I - it's in excellent condition (both are). So far I really like the epoxy,
just because it's so durable, but would most likely order a traditional glassed board and try my best to keep from dinging it too much. Again - the advise
was great, and I too appreciate the community that Harbour provides - definately a great vibe, and will keep me loyal for the long run. My only other obstacle
is the summer boogey boarders out there and crowds - I was surfing Doheny the other day, between the line-up and the sand (well rocks at Doheny) there must
have been 15 obstacles - 10 surfers and 5 swimmers / and kids - needless to say I got out before I hurt someone.. see you in the line up!!!! - Dan
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Dan20 |
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Posts: 3 (06/30/08 19:36:05) |
Ok - one more question - to sell the 9' Wingpin - do you suggest craigslist, or does Harbour take trades for ordering a new board?
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twizzly |
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Posts: 53 (06/30/08 19:57:28) |
Hi Dan,
Welcome to the board. I also welcome to the crew of surfers that have made a few ... ahem... learning experience purchases during their first months of surfing. Someday, I might tell you how many ... ahem... learning experiences I've had with boards, but then you might tell my wife... and that would not be good. I strongly suggest you invest in a Harbour. Consider it an investment in yourself and a great board that will last years if you treat it well. Love the board and use the board. Oh... and knowing most people, it will probably get dinged at somepoint, but think about it like building character. So I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to really get an easier surf break wired before moving on to different more challenging breaks. It took me way too long to FINALLY figure out that my local beach break is not the easiest place on earth to surf ... particularly if you're a stubborn guy like me and charge it daily. (as an aside I had my revolver out in complete garbage this AM and it was still golden!). Anyway, pick a cruiser... you can't go wrong. They're amazing boards, they'll really help you progress. Someday you may want to step it up to a H1 or Revolver or something, but have patience and really get the cruiser wired. You really don't want to be a board nut like me! Good luck and keep us informed! |
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RY |
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Posts: 439 (06/30/08 22:32:33) |
Dan20 wrote: Any change the Wingpin is the wood veneer one that was in the shop a couple months ago? |
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silly old surfer |
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Posts: 170 (07/01/08 05:28:59) |
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silly old surfer |
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Posts: 171 (07/01/08 05:50:26) |
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silly old surfer |
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Posts: 172 (07/01/08 05:58:18) |
ooer - computer crash - empty post!
The Hound is on the money with his quiver suggestion and solid advice - talk to the shop and use their knowledge. I cannot imagine anyone regretting buying a Rapier. A great all round board, if not the best out there. Handles ankle to overhead - a performance cruiser! Loads of positive posts on this bb for the Rapier. Keep the Wingpin for when you get better and are able to appreciate it's fine performance in the juicy stuff. The ST version makes a great travel board - tough as old boots! Get a Rapier! 
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Dan20 |
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Posts: 4 (07/01/08 07:25:05) |
Last Edited By: Dan20
07/01/08 10:49:51.
Edited 1 times.
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Dan20 |
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Posts: 5 (07/01/08 09:12:35) |
Nope - it's a red / grey / black board - very cool lookin board (lot's of complements) - I'll be taking pics soon to post on Craigs (or
here)...I'm still debating to sell (it's something I believe I can grow into etc.)
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hollywoodhaney |
dan20 | ||
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Posts: 2 (07/03/08 09:26:03) |
hey dan,
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