The Surfboards
One board came from Seven. The model I rode was Seven's 6' 7" FISH. I found the glass job and airbrush to be professional and stylish. Not too light with the added glass, but the winged swallow tail hinted that I might have an eventful session, so I was excited as I stepped to the beach and greeted by a solid although small Florida swell.The board performed well. The 20 inch width and minimal rocker allowed the board plenty of bottom surface to generate speed along the clean summertime faces. The rails were softly rounded which helps to minimize catching and digging as you make turns along the wave. In fact, the bottom, rocker, and rails all benefit the begining surfer greatly in that they aid in speed and transitioning from maneuver to manuever.
Additionally, The board flaunts a rather wide swallow tail. If you are to the point that you are completing sharp (radical) turns, you will enjoy th swallow since it allows quick turns with very little recovery time. The wide opening of the tail gives under pressure of a turn but then catches the wave surface instantly. This is an asset in smaller surf since the scant wave face gives no room for full arching turns. For my size, the length was a bit much for small waves, but if I had a little more girth or the waves were larger, 6'8" would be an ideal size.
Overall, the 6'8" fish from Seven worked on all levels. The board arrived timely and safely, was built with quality, and performed very well.
The next board I tried was an 8'6" Long Board from New Surf Project. This board arrived in the same manner as the fish; however, it was packed with some bonus material. The distributor creates a turn-key operation for the beginning surfer in that you receive a leash and traction pad in the package. This is nice for someone wanting to cut straight to the action. Get some wax and you are surfing immediately.
Interestingly, the board was built using epoxy and graphite which added a little weight in this case but also added significant strength. I couldn't imagine a surf situation that could ding this board. And I believe the weight was an asset for beginners but sucked out a little life from the board for me.
