Can I ride a shorter surfboard?

Question

Okay i'm 5'7" 200lbs. Right now I ride a 6'8" 2.3" thick shortboard and I want to go shorter to about 6'4"-6'6".

I know most surfboard companies sell a Big guy Tri Shortboard but they are usualy too big considering i'm.... well... shorter than most big guys lol so Im stuck....

So i guess my question is would it be okay for me to buy a shorter shortboard if I got it a lil thicker?

I've been surfing for 4 1/2 years now. Im not saying I can rip like Mick or Kelly but Im definitely experienced.

Answer 1

I am 5'10" and have floated around the 200  lb mark since high school. I have been surfing for 42 years, and right now, my shortest board is 7'6".

I rode a 6'4" for over twenty years, and I had a great time on it. It was custom made, and it was built on a little bit fatter blank, that gave me more flotation without sacrificing length.

Most of the big name manufacturers will custom make you a nice stick, not to mention the hundreds of great local shapers out there who know the type of breaks you ride, and can put together just the right board for you.

Think about 6'4", or even a little less if you can handle it, but think about a fatter blank. At 200, you are talking at least 23/4 or 3 inch. I have a 7'8" Lost SDII on a three inch blank, so there is plenty out there (it is an off the rack board). But think custom made. I have owned dozens of boards, but two of my favorites were custom shaped for me.

You might also want to think about a nice fat little fish. I have a custom made twin fin fish that I have been riding for about a year, and it is great!.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Yes you can definately move down to a smaller board. It may be difficult to adjust at first, but once you adapt you will find you have a lot more turning ability and control. I was in a similiar situation and decided to go smaller and it worked for me. I have 2 years experience and you have 4 1/2...what do you think.....BTW, you could always try a buddies shortboard and see how it feels.

Answer 3

try a fish, it is a longboard in a short board size. it has thick rails and its wide. so it is great learning to stand up and paddle

and once you sttart to get good it is also GREAT for learning how to turn because it is SOO loose.

it also teaches you good smooth turns

Answer 4

yeahh deff. you can move down to a shorter board

but make sure it has thickness to it, for more stability and buoyancy

go for maybe a 2 1/2 or 2 1/4

thick this time

good luck!

-sierraaaa[:

Answer 5

Yes, but try out a similar board before you buy a shorter one.

For additional Surfing information  check out my website.

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 6

Be best if you lost some weight, like 50 or 60 pounds.

Answer 7

Yes, you can. Considering it's an epoxy, which is more buoyant than fiberglass, or a 3+" thick fiberglass fish. You're most likely confined to the 6'6 due to your weight. Speak with someone knowledgeable at your surf shop.