Not good enough for a Merrick?

[000]

some people arent good enuf surfers to tell the difference between a good or bad baord......

 

[lebrero]

I got some M13 dimensions...
7.0 w 20 3/4 thick 2 3/4
7.6 w 20 7/8 thick 2 7/8
8.0 w 22 thick 2 7/8

For a 150 lb'er new to shortboarding would the 7.0 be too small? Tough to get specific advice compared to skiing, windsurfing, etc... I want something versatile and relatively easy to learn on after the longboard, but this would be my only board from now on.

Thanks

 

[dk]

I'm thinking about an M13 in tuflite....

stop right there <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/socrazy.gif" alt="" />...thrust ur fist into your ass, and go surf your funboard <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif" alt="" />

 

[surfdud]

If you REALLY REALLY feel you need a merrick then by all means get one. One thing I've heard and personally experienced is if you really love the board under your arms and you
"believe" it is right for you, then it is. Surfing is such a mental thing. Your mind definitely dictates your progression. If you hate a board that your riding, it'll show in your progression and enjoyment. That said I personally wouldn't get a Merrick, I'm more of a Rawson guy myself <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

But in all seriousness you don't need a Merrick. Go to the beach and pick out one of the stand out local rippers. Find out if he's riding a local shaper and get that guys info. A "good" local shaper will set you up nicely. Just beware, there are alot of crappy local shapers.

 

[stephens]

The local shaper route is a good one, BUT...if you are getting a board that you think will be a transition board you'll want to sell soon, then you might not want to go with the lesser-known local shapers. The reason is that it will be harder to sell your board when you want to. Something with a "name" on it will sell easier. (i've never had trouble selling an Al Merrick, but I never could get rid of this thruster I have that was shaped by a local central coast guy, even though the board was as great board.)

 

[Waldo]

If getting a Merrick makes you feel good about your board, about surfing, and about yourself, then go for it. They make really good boards. I also agree with finding a good shaper and working with him or her, whether you work with CI or a local person. That will ultimately be the best and most rewarding for you.

More importantly though, why not look for a good deal on a used Merrick? I'm a firm believer in NOT spending $500 on a board early in your surfing career, for a few reasons:

#1 - You may not stay with it that long.

#2 - If you're still figuring out the dimensions you want to within 6" here or there, the subtleties that might separate a Merrick from any other board would be lost on you.

#3 - (the biggest reason) People new to surfing tend to beat the hell out of their boards. It's the natural way of things. Why beat up a $500 board when you could do just as well beating up a used one? You should be able to find a Merrick in solid condition for $250-$350.

 

[highline rider]

buy a doyle. youll have way more fun on a doyle then on anything else. im telling you. a 9' glides so smooth and it'll take a lickin and keep tickin'. You can go find the emptiest closeout shorebreak and get in early and just glide and get washd up the berm anddo it again.

 

[carmonrowe]

I'm finished playing in the whitewash.