Hi everyone.
I know this may not but the first topic like this but I wanted your advice about the SHAPE for a beginner. If you have any models to recommand, I will appreciate .
Slightly longer rail line to allow for easier paddling. Just like surfing. A slightly larger board.
Thanks for the quick answer. What do you mean by rail line ?
From both shape, wich one will you recommand ?
( One is 2nd hand, cheaper, the other one I have to buy almost at full price..)
First one is 4’10 x 21 x 39L / Second one is 4’9 x 19 5/8 x 42 L
Board are for a friend of mine who is a good
intermediate surfer and wants to start prone foiling
That’s an easier question. The cheaper one. It’s always the cheaper one 
Longer rail line, meaning longer overall length. But 4’10 to 4’9" isn’t a big enough difference to matter learning. Just don’t go under 4’5".
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If you’re a good surfer who rides shortboards and has a good pop up you can start on anyting, no surfing background or intermediate surfer definitely stick to a slightly bigger, wider board. lifetime of surfing, I started on a 4’6" x 19.5" 30l board no issues at all. both of those boards should be fine, I’d go with the 4’9" it’ll likely stay in your quiver longer and have better resale. Plus I don’t like wide boards they don’t paddle as good.
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Most of the guys who prone out here have switched to longer boards(midlegths). Easier to paddle into waves and back out to the lineup and there isn’ t much of a difference in terms of performance. I switched my tow boogie board from a 3’6" to a 5’9" because of this. I can pump that board just as long and get just as tight turns but it paddles way easier and gets up to speed easier so I save more battery.
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Thanks all for your answers
Just wanted to add that if I could have done it all over I would have loved to have the option of a mid length board. Foiling is already an awkward feeling at first but with a longer rail line and parallel area for your feet it makes it a lot more forgiving. I would say just don’t go bigger than 55 liters or over 5’6 in my opinion.
If a tricky beach break, then a mid length would be helpful to give more time.
A recess in the deck helps a ton to get foot planted while becoming used to that lift.
Speaking of “lift”, those forward geometry Armstrong boards are a bad idea for learning. I wasted months of time when an inch back would have made it easier.