What size fish ?

[Hsrb25]

I’m new to surfing and about to buy my first new board. I started surfing last summer with a hand me down board, it was a 6’5 natural art short board. I did ok and by the end of the summer was able to get up on about 50% of the waves. Now I’m hooked and I’m looking to buy my first new board this year. I surf in NY so the waves aren’t really that big most of the time. I was looking into getting a 7S super fish. I found a website that is having a blow out clearance sale and I can get a brand new ’09 super fish for about $100 less then the new 2010 boards. The boards are identical except for a new sticker that they started putting on the ’10 boards. In 2010 they make a 6’6 but in 2009 they only made a 6’3. I guess I don’t really mind spending the extra money on the 6’6 if it’s truly necessary but I was told that since I’m still new that I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a 6’3 and a 6’6 anyway. I know that it is probably based on preference, but since I’m still new I don’t really know what my preference is yet. Any input anyone can give regarding the size I should get would be greatly appreciated. Being new I don’t really know much about the benefits of one size over another. I’m 5’9 190 lbs and pretty athletic. I’m leaning towards the 6’3 ’09, but don’t want to regret my decision after I buy it, hence why I’m posting this.

Thanks,
Mike

[brett]

Typically if you are looking at a retro fish, you want to go a few inches shorter than your standard short board as there is more volume.

Are you looking at a retro fish or hybrid fish? A hybrid fish may not have as much volume and may need to be closer in size to your standard short board.

[Hsrb25]

It's not a retro fish, it's a 7s super fish. The dementions are Length 6'3 width 20 1/2, and thickness 2 3/4

[brett]

I would say downsizing a few inches to a 6'3" from the 6'5" is OK then as there is a lot of volume in the 20.5 and 2.75 dimensions. That should work well I would think.

[Hsrb25]

Yeah thats what I was thinking, thanks!