Good beginner surfboard to buy?

Question

Hi everyone I'm thinking about learning how to surf this summer as I will be home and near the beach most of the time. I'm a good longboard skateboarder, not that has anything to do with surfing necessarily, but I know how to balance and I have gone surfing in the past and done all right. I'm just looking for a good board that handles well, is sturdy and lasts.

Thanks!

Answer 1

"usually" there are good local places that make custom boards. I wouldn't really but faith in brand name c**p, sometimes, they aren't made with love/care.

if i were u, i'd go to the beach and just ask around, see what others are using.

gl dude

Answer 2

First I would recommend getting into shape because surfing uses very specific muscles you may not be using now.

You need to do push-ups and bench presses to build your chest muscles, (pecs), so you can push yourself up to stand.

Next you need to do pull-ups or lat pull-downs to work the muscles along your sides, (lats), that you will use to paddle.

A little running will build your cardio and legs muscles.

Then I would take a couple of lessons to get the basics down.

After that it's just going to take time in the water.

I always recommend that beginners get a longboard, (at least 9' long), as these are the easiest to catch waves with and balance on to stand up.

And finally this site has a great article called 'Learn How to Surf in One Day' that I think is terrific:

http://www.BeachTrading.com

Good luck and have fun!!  :-)

Answer 3

You need a board that will float you well enough for you to take off (paddle and catch a wave). 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 intermediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. You can always trade in a board and buy a new one when you are ready for a change (or keep your long board. I bought a new long board about 6/7 years ago, and, like I said, there are some days that it's the perfect board for the conditions). Although I really oppose popouts (see link), I think they are acceptable first boards for beginners. They tend to be cheap, and 'floaty.'  http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

There are no RULES for learning how to surf. Go to a good local surf shop and talk to the surfers there. They will give you good advice for what works in the local breaks you will be riding.

Learning to surf is more than just standing up on a surfboard. If you are going to surf, you should be a competent ocean swimmer. Not just good in a pool, but able to swim in the surf, and when the undertow and rips are strong. I have seen lots of good pool swimmers get rescued.

Once you get that far, I would recommend some surf lessons. Go to a REAL surf shop (not a bathing suit store that sells some surfboards). The folks there will rent you a board and hook you up with some lessons. If you are fairly athletic with okay balance, you will learn how to stand up fairly easily. Much more important, is for you to learn surf etiquette. A good instructor will make sure you understand the "rules" so that everybody else in the water doesn't want to kill you before you get good at surfing.

As far as skateboarding compares to surfing, both activities require some good balance and flexibility. Beyond that, they are apples and oranges. Surfing is an ocean sport, and athletically speaking, you need to catch the wave, as opposed to pushing off with your foot. Catching the wave can be one of the hardest things to learn. However I am sure that the conditioning and balance skills developed skateboarding sure can't hurt.

It is not hard to learn to surf, but it is important to learn all the elements. Learn how to handle yourself in the ocean. We don't want the beach patrol and Coast Guard searching for your body. Learn the mechanics of surfing, and most importantly learn surf etiquette.

I have been surfing for over forty years, and some days, I'm not a good as I used to be, but it is the greatest stoke there is.