I've been trying to get out into the surf more this summer. I've learnt a couple of things over the past few days:
- I currently have a 6'8 NSP board that's 21 inches wide and 2.75 inches thick
- I've really struggled to stay buoyant on the board in bigger swell, I can barely sit up on it, I also struggle a bit with paddle power as I'm getting used to a new wetsuit
- I gave ChatGPT a whirl to give me some ideas on what would be a good board based on my experience level and height/weight
- It outputted this
You should look for a mid-length / easy paddler board that’s all about: stability, catching waves early, easy paddling (especially in a wetsuit) and confidence building
Recommended size range for you (75 kg, open beach breaks): length 7’0″ – 7’4″, width ~22″ – 22½″, thickness ~2⅞″ – 3″, volume ~48 L – 55 L
- The epoxy soft boards look like a good option based on these specs, something like this board or this one would be quite nice
- I'm not going to get a new board right now but it could be something to keep an eye on
- Jake has also been helping me this week with surfing and took me out in this water, the best way to read the conditions he thinks is to use Swellnet and read the report at observed beaches, someone does the Mornington Peninsula every day which is handy