Surfing Thread?? Looking for knowledge....

[toofun]

OK So I realize this is waaay off pro touring topic, but hey it is the OUTHOUSE so I figured there must be some pro touring die hards that also love to surf??? So here's my question. My son is 15, 5-11 and 130lbs. He took a couple of surf lessons and is so hooked its scary!! He has gone a whole lot this summer and is surfing in New England waves that range from knee high to chest high. Like every beginner he has been surfing on a long 8 ft softtop foam board(blacktip) that he rents from the local surf shop. He is popping up very well and is riding the waves very nicely, surfing "greenies"(his term) and making some turns but nothing too aggressive. So now my question. Renting is nice but it is starting to take its toll on the wallet. Scored a BODY GLOVE wetsuit in excellent condition for $25 bucks so my next step is getting him a board he can grow into. I realize that many make the mistake of jumping into a short board and I think from what I gathered in New England he may be better off with a funboard 7' 6" or bigger long board? But I just dont know. I want him to have a board that he can "grow" into as his skill increases but dont want to get him too advanced of a board but something he will quickly outgrow either. To make it worse I realize there are literally 100's of different brands and makes out there. I've been told that 7S, Fisher, Rusty, Firewire and Strive make some excellent boards.... Being an avid skier I realize that in time you get to know what you like but Surfing is all new to me.
Any suggestions on what brands to look for, what size board to look for, shape of the tail?(squash, flat, round, fish?) Also what brands, boards, will keep pretty good resale as well? I have been scouring the local craigs list looking for used boards and although they are not as expensive as the new ones they still run some money.

So... any pro touring surfers out there that can help me out??? Also, if someone is looking to unload a board that they think will fit my sons needs I am all ears too!! As always, thanks in advance!!!



Mark
TOOFUN