Hi, I am new to surfing and though I have scoured the postings I havent had much luck picking a board.
I am looking for something a intermediate wakeboarder who has surfed a few days can use to progress as far as possible.
At this time I think I am more into surf style than skim.
I do not know but I think I am looking for something that is capable of nice hard turns and some air but I might be better off having to work for it. As opposed to a board that is too touchy for a beginner, or a board that is easy to ride but is impossible to air.
as strange as this sounds - the 2004 hyperlite broadcast at 4'8". this is a great begainner /intermediate board. it is very durable, stable, and very fast for a skim style board. the only drawback is finding one..
I have one HL 4.9 and I would agree except on the fast part. I would call it sluggish. I have a big wave and only weigh 150lbs. I outgrew mine in about 2 weeks.
I saw a Phase 5 oogle as a award and it looks like a good hybrid board. I haven't heard anyone ever complain about the Walker 4.5.
If I was in your consideration it would be the Walker 4.5
The Shred Stixx mentioned above is a great board too, so if you can get a good price on it you should be happy.
joe - i havent tried the 4.9. the 4.8's are very much in demand per the used maket.
you might want to remove the center fin. it really speeds up and loosens up the board quite a bit.
when i ride my 4.8 (rarely since i love my walzer) i am on the brakes even in the back of the wake and can ride forward out of the whitewash (14'-15' back)pretty amazing imo
Just got my HL Broadcast 4.9 out of the garage. Wife and 10yr old got their first successful surf session. I was able to free ride fine, but couldn't spin it worth anything. It's not a board for airs either. I'm going to remove the outerfins and shave a bunch off the center fin kinda like the small fin on the Inland 4-skim. It was a fun board and I think I'll keep it for when I have newbies on the boat.
I also was able to free ride with my 9 yr old son on the board which surprised me with total weight about 220lbs. Fyi, I picked it up used a few times off ebay last year for $150 shipped so cheap is good.