HELP! What board should I get? is it worth getting it custom?

Question

I want a shortboard but I was thinking about getting this grom board thats made by rusty but the size only goes up to 5'8 and im currently 15, 110lbs and 5'5 (this is the board) http://rusty.com/surfboards/R-SERIES/GROM...do you think it is worth getting it custom ordered or what board do you think I should get im an adverage to beginner rider........any recomandations if so thanxxx a bunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

well personally i wouldnt get that board because it is only 3 in. taller than and the shorter it is, the harder it is to ride. it will more than  likely take you much longer to ride on that board than a bigger shortbaord. i am 5'6" and 130 lbs and i ride a 6'4" shortbaord. it is a great size for me and i will probably not grow out of it. it will last me a long time. that board will only last a year if you are still growing. if i were you i would get a bigger board. maybe something around 6'3" to 6'6" those are great sizes. but it was smart to go with rusty (i love that board company) but anyway, for best results, go to a surf shop and the guys there will get you the best board size for you and then you can get your board and have fun and never have to worry about it getting too small. i hope this helps. good luck with your new board.

Answer 2

if i were you, i would go down to the local surf shop and find out who shapes their boards. talk to the local shapers--they are really cool guys. a local shaper is going to be able to tell you more about your local waves, and what you probably need then Rusty can.....but thats only if i were you.  

Answer 3

okay im dave ive been surfing for the best part of 5 years

im 15 and 5'6

my board is 6'0ft and im starting to find it small

i would say for a person of your size and surf stats that a 5'8 would be wayy to small

if i were you i'd be looking at 6'0 - 6'3

looked at the rusty boards if your going to choose one you should look at the PREDATOR II  

if they dont do that in the size id recomend then this is where you should look at geting a custom board

customs are usualy for surfers looking for a board

with the exact dimentions they need in thair board

but come at a much larger price $$$$

long story short look for a 6'2 grom board

Answer 4

Go to the resolved questions and find one of John F's responses to the million "what board should I buy?' questions.  Some of the answers you were given here were complete BS but in general you will be better served by getting a board from a local shaper.

Answer 5

I've been surfing for the better part of the last 20 years. I grew up in a beach/surf community and no one will be able to tell you better than the local shapers. The local shapers shape for the local surf shops for the waves that are typically in the area in which they shape.

You don't have to get a "custom" board. You can buy one off the rack that'll be ready to ride right now, and not waiting until summer to be over.

Answer 6

If you are just a beginner I would recommend a bit more thickness - maybe 21/2 inches. This will give you more floatation until you advance.

Answer 7

You need to get a custom board for sure, look up some local shapers and than go into surf shops and look for one used, it's about 600 bucks cheaper than new customs, and as a beginner you need a large shortboard about 6'2 or a longboard 10'.  I'm about your same body weight/and same exact height so we fit pretty perfectly, I'm 5'8 and 118 pounds so just make sure that you're not buyinga  board for a vacation, just rent a custom local board, they have em all the time.  Good luck.  Edit: By the way, I've been surfing 7 years and have a 5'10 whisnat, jacksonville shaper, it fits me perfectly but I've just been doing it for a while, don't make the mistake of getting a shortboard when you start, it makes learning harder than you ever need it to be.

Answer 8

I'm all about custom shapes... you help your local shaper stay alive... he/she makes you a board strictly for YOU and they generally don't charge as much as a pop-out from a big company.

I just got a custom board shaped for me from my local shaper and it its the best board i've ever ridden and i've been surfing for 4 1/2ish years. Completely different dimensions than i thought i could surf too.

Trust me you wont regret it.