Dont know what size surfboard to get?

Question

I use to have a an 8 foot longboard but then I sold it and got a 6'6 fish. I live in Santa Barbara, California and dont know whether I should get a longboard again or go shorter. Have been surfing on and off for a couple of years. Thanks

Answer 1

a longboard is never the wrong board

Answer 2

it is all up to how you feel on the board. if you felt really comfortable on the long board, go with it. I t you felt out of place and it was hard to surf with it then i would go with a shorter board. no one can make that discision for you. it is all about what you feel comfortable with.

Answer 3

I think you you should go for a shorter board. Maybe like a 6'1 to 6'2. I've never used a long board before, always a short board, but in my opinion short boards are more fun because you can do tricks on them. Especially if you are more experienced with surfing.

Answer 4

Santa Barbara has plenty of good days.  Many folks nowadays have two boards, one for small mush waves and one for days that the swell hits.  Since you have been riding a fish, you can probably go with a shorter board, maybe 6'2" to 6'4," and then get a longboard around 9' for small days.

Answer 5

If you're comfortable with your fish board, then you'll probably be able to go shorter.  Some people have a tough time making the transition from long to shortboard.  Choosing the fish was a good decision.  

I'm not too familiar with Santa Barbara, but if the waves are mush most of the time, you might just want to stick with the longboard.  I know everybody looks for the "wave of the day," but with the longboard, you'll catch more, giving you a better chance to find that wave.

Good Luck!