5"8board - suitbale for 9 year old?

Plek Trum

Hi, looking to buy a very good condition second hand board as a christmas gift for a 9 year old. She is VERY capable, surfing on a 8ft board with no probs (borrowed) but its too big for her. I was advised a shortboard would be the best in terms of challenge and imrpovement.

I've located a 5"8 Southern Surf Expoxy Fish board. Can you advise if this would be suitable at all... thanks!

Enygma

Fish tend to be very wide and thick so it might still be a bit much for her. You certainly need a bit of weight behind you to throw them around on the wave and even to duckdive them. a 5'8 fish would be designed for an adult of medium build around 5'10 in height. If it's a keel fin fish then it'd also probably be a bit too fast for her too.

I'd recommend a small grom shortboard for her. I don't know what size boards groms are riding but I think I've seen them in the 4'10 mark! She's still growing so it might be a good idea to get something slightly bigger for her needs but not too big.Talk to a local shaper or pop into a shop and see what they've got. You might find a bigger second hand market in places like Tramore and Lahinch where there's a strong emphasis on younger surfers.

Plek Trum

Thanks a mill for the info, much appreciated. Will check out websites mentioned, hopefully nab something for Xmas!