Help with surfboard types?

Question

I really want a surfboard, and I'm sorta a beginner. I live in Florida a block from the beach, so I can use the surfboard almost everyday. But I'm not sure which type to get. My sister who is a really good surfer on a highschool team says I should get a longboard since I'm a beginner.....

I want a board that glides easily, is good for white wash that starts about 20 - 30 ft. out or just a normal wave, turns okay, but doesn't need to be a trickster type one. I'm age 13, 5'2, and 118 pounds.

Any ideas on the lenth and type and such?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

hi sammy,

I would recommend a 6'0 softboard. You can get a well designed one from elnino:-

http://www.boogerking.com.au/p/554081/el...

This is a great board for your level, my sister uses this board. She can trim and ride the board in whitewash, the whole lot. You can also use this board between the flags allowing you to get some great waves without other surfers.

Good luck with it all.

We have a new site launching soon that you may be interested in to help improve your surfing.

www.mesurf.com.au (will be ready end of August).

mesurf

[e-mail]

www.mesurf.com.au

Answer 2

If you live in Florida there is probably a surfshop nearby.  Go there and talks to someone about what would best for you in your conditions.

Avoid buying foreign made popout boards.  Support your towns economy and buy something locally, or even better yet locally shaped.

Funshape or longboard would be best for the type riding you're talking about but a fish might be a good choice too, especially if you can already stand up.  Just realize that fish tend to very "loose."

Answer 3

I think a board around 7'2'' would be perfect for you.

NSP (New Surf Project) is a really good brand for beginner surfers.

By the way, I surf here in FL too. what part of FL do you live in? I live in Jupiter (near Juno beach)

yea, that board looks good   :)

Answer 4

Your sister may have a good point. Don't forget, you live in FL, with lots of small surf days, and a longboard is the best small wave treat there is. I have ridden what were just about ripples on a longboard.

However, a nice little fish will do you almost as well in small stuff. Even though you are fairly small (and remember you have lots of growing to do) a 6'6" funboard or 6' fish might be the right thing.

Talk to your sister, and the folks she surfs with, and the folks in the shops she frequents. You'll get some good advice. Good luck and have fun.

Also, I can't stand popouts, but they do have a place in this world. They are good for beginners and rentals (ONLY). You should take time to look at what the local shapers make, and if you can't find anything, the 7S fish might be a good fit for you (ARGH!!! I can't believe I just recommended a Chinese board).

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

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

Answer 5

Have your sisters shaper make you a 5' rocket fish. they catch waves super easy and you can ride them like a normal shortboard.

Here's my reasoning--if you already know how to stand up and you are starting to learn to do turns a fish will be beneficial. They are thicker and wider, they catch waves easily, and you dont dig rails as much. Plus its a board that you will have fun with (and keep) even after you get alot better. Your sister should have at least one fish in her quiver you could borrow....

Answer 6

If your sister is an experienced surfer, I'd take her advice. I'm sure she can not only recommend the right board, but also with her contacts, will find you one at at decent price.

A 6'6 would be easier for you to learn on. Your sister is right. I live in Florida too, and with the summer mush, I usually ride a 6'2 fish, or my 6'6 funboard.

Answer 7

I'm 13 and I started the beginning of this summer.  Umm if you can stand up and such you could go with a longboard but a shorter board may be funner if you get the hang of it.  Don't get me wrong, longboards are fun, but there are hard to turn. It depends if you want to do long carving turns (longboard and some smaller boards) or quick snaps and cutbacks (shoartboards).  The first board I rode was a  long board (officially.  I rode a friends shortboard a year b4 and almost stood up).  My first board was a 6'4 NSP fish which I got the hang of pretty good now.  6'6 should be a good size... your sister probably knows what she's talking about.  So listen to her, and do some research, go to surf shops where you got experienced surfers to ask Qs and such.