Can a 300lb.+ Big Guy learn to surf in the Northeast?

Question

Hampton, NH specifically would be helpful.

I am VERY comfortable in the ocean and respectful of it's power and unpredictability.

I am in or on the water as much as possible all summer long.

I am an avid boater, and grew up on the beach.

I am and advanced/expert skiier, with good balance.

I dabbled in surfing when I was younger and want to ride the waves again. I'm 45 now.

I believe I will nedd a VERY buoyant board, something like...

Board Height: 6 feet 8 inches

Board Width: 20 inches

Board Thickness: 4 1/4 inches

Rails: Very Hard

Tail Shape: Thumbtail

Am I crazy?

Answer 1

you can o anything you want

Answer 2

Sure

Answer 3

If anyone says you're too fat, like that ignorant Homer, tell em to go to h**l. I'm a big guy and I never let anything get in my way. Except, one year I was at an amusement park and it took a couple of guys to get me off of this one ride because I was too big. Very freaking humiliating. My brother had a good laugh, though.

Answer 4

h***s yeah anyone can do anything!

Answer 5

Well, im not sure where you got those dimensions from, but a 4.5" thick board is more like surfing a raft. What provides bouyancy is more in the lenght and width. As far as that, I would reccomend a longer board. One between 7.5' and 10' would be good. Those will be long boards, the types with round noses and big fins. These are the right boards for anyone to start on. As the guy who I got my first board from said: "Learning to surf is like learning to drive - you dont start off in a brand new Ferrari. You start in your Mom's big old station wagon and move up from there." Speaking of new boards you should look into the used board market. There are plenty of longboards for sale for less money in exchang for minor wear. That would be a good idea to start since you may not stick with it and dont want to waste money. Some people never buy new boards. If I were you I'd get to the nearest surf shop and have them fit you to a board. As long as the person surfs themselves, they'll find the right borad for you.

Answer 6

I've knows big surfers they usualy use a long board.

Answer 7

Hey neighbor!  Try Jenness Beach in Rye.  There are usually less intense surfers there.  People tend to fight for waves near the Wall.  

You are certainly not crazy. Go to Cinnamon Rainbows, rent yourself a big Bic Sport, and take a lesson.  You don't need anything fancy.  They are wonderful there.  And the lesson really helps a lot.  

Have fun!

Answer 8

sure you can!

Answer 9

LOL, No your not crazy! I say go for it! You can do anything you put your mind to. I don't know much about surfing, but I don't see any reason why you couldn't do it. Have fun and good luck!

Answer 10

i'm not sure but i think you gonna need a long board for better stability to put it simply big guys need big boards.

Answer 11

Now,....For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question at least once every ten days! Well, maybe not the weight part, but can they get a surfboard, or what size surfboard should the get. Let's look at some facts.

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). But, you say you have that part well in hand, That's good (that's great!). 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,except for adolescents or young adults 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 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. Being such a big guy you are best suited to a longboard. That is something 9 feet long or more. I would venture to say at least three (+) inches thick,and 22/24 inches wide at the wide point. You need a board that will float you well enough for you to paddle and catch a wave (take off). At my worst, I have weighed in around 240, and been able to surf (Really badly!! but I still could surf). II have ballooned up to 240, and still been able to ride my 7'6" Action hybrid (sort of a rocket/fish design). I don't ride that any more, I have three newer boards that I ride pretty regularly, including a pretty great 7'8" Allison Fun shape and a great 7'8" Allison custom made twin fish. I have a great 9'4" Allison, and believe me, I get lots of great rides on the longboard on the small days, while everybody else is just staring at the knee high surf.

I'm around 210/215 now, and a bit on the porky side, but I am fine on even my skinniest board. There are guys bigger than you who surf, so get yourself to a good local surf shop, and talk to the pros there about what is going to able to float you, and be fun.

As a beginner, your 'estimates' are way out of the ball park. Thye are completely unrealistic, if you don't believe, ask in ANY surf shop. You need to start on a longboard (perhaps even more than would be the case for a little guy), and I don't  believe they make foam blanks thick enough for you to even have a custom made board at 4.5 inches thick. My fattest board ever (in 42 years) was only 3 3/16". Don't be bashful about checking out a good local shaper, who can make a nice thick board that will suit you size and the local breaks.

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

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

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

You are a big guy, and need enough surfboard to float you so you can paddle and take off. I have been surfing since 1966 so you can see, it isn't just reserved for young guys. Good luck, and have fun. Did you got those dimensions from a website calculator?