Anyone know about surfing?

Question

I've lived in Florida my entire life and I've never really surfed. I want to start a new hobby and I absolutely love the beach and being in the sun, so I think surfing would be a good hobby for me. I know surfing can be dangerous and I'm very well aware how to swim out of currents and all that stuff.

What kind of board would a beginner like myself want to buy? And about how much would it cost?

Any other information is welcomed.

Answer 1

To start off surfing you might want to get a training board from the local surf shop. The training board is grippy so you dont have to worry about waxing it and the fin gives you move support so you can stay balanced easier. I first used one of these and it worked great. i greadually moved to move advanced boards.

Answer 2

when you're just starting you want the longest, thickest, widest board you can find. generally:

longer boards are easier to paddle

wider boards are more stable (easier to balance and stand up on)

thicker boards are more buoyant

if you learn at a surf school (which is a good idea) you'll probably start on a foam board. after you pick up the basics, however, you'll want a board of your own. when you're ready to buy one, buy it used. check craigslist.

talk to the people at a local surf shop as they'll be able to set you up with a good board for your height, ability, local surf conditions, etc. depending on your height, i'd say a good starting board would be around 7'8" or so and between 20" and 22" wide and about 2 3/4" thick.

Answer 3

Im an Australian ex surfer.

Your local surf shop can advise you as to what you need.

I started on a pretty big board in 1969 so i learnt to get the feel first. From there i progressed to smaller boards.

Surfing is pretty addictive but its a great way of life.  go for it!

Answer 4

a board will cost you anywhere from like 200-650 depending on how much you want to spend.......a god beginner board is a longer one above 7'6'' all the way to like 9' be sure to get one that has a rounded tail and top called an egg shaped board. if you want to there are thing called "fun Boards" they are foam toped instead of epoxy or fiberglass depending on the age of the board. they are good to learn on becuase the go much slower but you can learn on a normal board to its really just personal preference i suggest renting one of each type and trying it out and seeing what you think then make ur descion before buying one.

Answer 5

Well, contrary to popular belief, there are three types of surfing.

Body Surfing - Requires no equipment, Strong swimmer, your body is the board

Body Boarding - often mislabeled "boogie boarding." boards range in price from $5-$200+ depending on make and quality. Many more tricks can be done on these boards than long boards (normal surfing)

Surfing - standup type made famous in Gidget. Boards are generally more expensive, and like body boards, they come in different lengths. A beginner will want a longer board made out of a softer foam, not fiberglass or wood just yet. The longer length makes it easier to balance.

Good luck! I learned to board in Cocoa Beach. Whereabouts in Florida are you?

Answer 6

I would start with a longboard.  Most beginners do.   Youd wanna start on a mellow break, which Im guessing it mostly is.  Most of Florida doesnt have huge waves.  You could get a fun board which is versatile and you could use it up to the time you transition to a short board.  Longboarding is allot of fun though.  Its like a Cadillac in the water!