Can I start out with riding a surfboard with a shortboard?

Question

I'm a beginner and i was thinkin to try out a rusty shortboard. Is there any other brand that might be better for me?

Answer 1

This same question keeps coming up. Keep reading grashopper, there seems to be a lot for you learn about surfing.

Surfing is an ocean sport. before you decide to surf, decide to know and understand the ocean. Learn to be at home with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes BIG waves. The original surfers were watermen (and women, both men and women surfed, but certain waves were reserved for royalty).

I spent almost all of my teen years, swimming, sailing, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. I even surfed in different places the Navy sent me, when it was possible. I have been surfing since 1966, and spent most of that time surfing in Cape May and Atlantic counties in New Jersey.

Surfing is an ocean sport, to do it right, you have to be at home in the ocean, with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes big waves. I don't just mean being good at swimming in a pool, the ocean can be very unforgiving. I have seen lots of really good pool swimmers have to get rescued. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave.

Lessons are usually the best way to start, unless you are an adolescent or young adult with lots of pals who surf who can teach you. Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board ( usually a LONGBOARD!) to learn on. Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything.

Be careful of what you read here on line. There are lots of really well meaning young folks who have neat answers about surfing, but at 55, I tend to classify anyone under 25 as a kid. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop, where industry professionals earn their rent money selling surfboards. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention.

Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. There are NO RULES that say you have to learn on a Longboard, but unless you are a very talented person, that is really the easiest way to start.

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. The pros there can give you the right answers!!

Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the 'right way') you'll have fun for life.

http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su...

Take the time to check out the links, especially surfingforlife.

http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...

http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t...

Answer 2

Don't go too small or thin. From 6'10" to 7'2" is a good range depending on your size. Around 19-21" wide is solid but be sure the board has plenty of thickness to float you. If you want to turn with shortboard quickness then avoid a fun shape (don't go too wide). if you are changing to a shortboard after a long board. So start with a long board and then a short board.