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I started surfing 4-5 moths ago. I've been using a foam-top 8' longboard with a lot of good progress. When conditions are good I have an easy time getting up and can manage to do some trimming turns but still working on carving out a nice bottom turn. My problem is that most of the time conditions are not good. Most of the days I go out, I'm the only one on a long board or the only one surfing at all. At this stage I'm just going after whatever I can get whenever I can get it but I would like to make it a little easier on myself. Most of the surfers I've met have different boards to match different conditions. My question is...Does the same apply for beginner boards? Are there beginner boards to match different conditions OR do I just need to suck it up and master the longboard in all conditions before moving on?

[Mayday]

You should be good to go on a longboard for a while. I have a friend who rides 9' + boards in ankle high to overhead. On the other hand you can check the classifieds or CL for cheap alternatives and get yourself on a different shape 

[wuster]

I am no expert, but I found that after a summer, switching to a 7'6" helped in the Rockaways, perhaps because the waves can be steep


You can try renting one at 67th St. and seeing you like it

[navara]

Im not an expert of foamies but I'd imagine a fiberglass board would have better rails and fins that would allow you to carve out a bottom turn better. Its been 13 years for me and i still struggle with back side bottom turns. Thank god most of long island brakes left.
But definitely pick out the better days. Its tough to get a consistent wave to practice on and going out on bad days makes that almost impossible. Sure you can still go out on crap days and have fun just realize that fun is about all you should expect....maybe some paddle endurance too

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[jeffbhall]

...do I just need to suck it up and master the longboard in all conditions before moving on?

Yes.  Seriously.  You will be happy you did.