Hi,
I have just got into the awesome sport of Surfing and am thoroughly enjoying the whole experience.
I started on my mates old foamy and decided to take some lessons. I booked a 4 day course in Perth WA, which I have just recently completed.
The teachers at the surfing school said that I am progressing really well and that I should buy a fish as a first surfboard (instead of a foamy), so then I have a board that I can progress on and not have the need to upgrade in 6 months time.


So this is when it gets really tricky for me and any help would be much appreciated.

I am about 1.7m's tall and weigh about 55kg. With this information, I have came to the conclusion that a 6'6 fish would have enough volume for me to easily stand up currently but also would have the room to be able to progress and to be able to carve as I progress in skill level.

I am eyeing out the Ocean Critters Retro Fish, which are locally designed boards (Designed by Karl Tenger). A 3D computer image of theses boards are sent over to Asia, where these boards are made, and then they get shipped back to Perth WA.

Image;
www.facebook.com/alkimossurf/photos/a.670023876424653.1073741838.624435807650127/670024116424629/?type=3&theater

Usually these boards go for about $440 and are made for Perth's mushy conditions with a quad-fin set up which can also be used as a Tri-fin.

What are your thoughts about this?
I don't want to spend any more than $450 for a board as this will be my first board and as it will get knocked around a bit as I'll be cycling with it.
Any help or advice would greatly be appreciated