How do I buy a surfboard (Based on Height, Weight, and Skill)?

Question

Im new to surfing, Ive taken a couple lessons and am at the point where I can catch waves on my own. Ive used two longboards, a 10 ft and 9 ft. The surf instructor suggested an 8 ft board but Id like your opinions too. Im 5'6" 135 lbs. I did better on the 9ft but would like more maneuverability. Obviously I dont want a shortboard since Im just starting out, am I looking for a "funboard/mini mal"?

Answer 1

If it is easy to stand up and ride the wave, go for the shorter board. If you have not yet mastered going down the line and making some basic turns, stick to a 9' board and practice some more. As you go for shorter boards you will have an increasingly difficult time catching waves as as well. There is no reason you can't maneuver a 9' thruster (3 fins), they can be really loose and fun if set up right.

Answer 2

A funboard is perfect for beginners. I have 2 and I'm still learning- and I'm ajusting perfectly. This board's size is great for a person our heights- its made for practice and starting the sport.

Answer 3

since you are a begginer, i  would buy a biggerboard, a funboard and amini mal are going to be too small/

Answer 4

stay with the long board.  then when you figure out that tool then move down.  you have to be quick on your feet when you

go to a shorter board.  give it time......be cool in the water also repect the locals.

go for it.

Answer 5

I recommend a funboard for someone at your skill level.  The board I learned on was a 7'6" fun board.  It was great because it had the wide nose and large area to stand on.  It was easy to catch waves.  But, as I got better it was still small enough that I could turn and maneuver and do basic tricks with it.

Answer 6

The link below is to a weight/surfboard chart

http://www.7thstreetsurfshop.com/145.htm

Answer 7

u no i wud loooove 2 help u out, bt i cnt surf!i cant even swim so sory. hope u find wat u lookin 4!

Answer 8

I learned on a longboard. It is more room for you to move around on and jump up on rather than a short board.

Answer 9

An 8ft board would fit you well.  However, you also need to consider the thickness, width and shape of the board.  Since you're learning, you want a board that paddles well and can catch lots of wave (this will speed up the learning process).  I would suggest going with a big fish since they're wider, thicker and have a swallow tail.  All of these features help you catch more waves.  9 Fish Surfboards has a great 8'4" fish called the Koi.  I tried it awhile back and it was super easy to paddle and get into waves plus it turned really well for a board this size.  You can find more info at http://www.9fishsurf.com/koi.html.

They also have a 7'4" that would probably work for you since you're not that big.  The shorter length will make it a lot more maneuverable.

Answer 10

With your credit card and surf the internet.

Answer 11

7 to 8 feet are nice fun boards.  You start to get smaller the board gets.  The harder you have to work the board.   You are then talking down to 6 feet and under, but you can get a wide board that can be fun working.

Getting back to 7to 8 foot.   8 footer is fun.   I have not surfed in years, but I have own all sizes and types of boards rxcept for the newer ones that have these new surfaces.  Look for a board with a pig shape  meaning that it is wide.  You get sort of the cross between two worlds.  It is not a tank and it is not a short board.  You can cruise with it, and you can work it.  I would suggest 3 skegs so if you get in some bigger waves.  You have something to hold the wave with the outside skegs.

Answer 12

Just because you're not experienced CERTAINLY doesn't mean you don't want a shortboard! I mean, if your goal is to ultimately be a shortboarder, then a shortboard is EXACTLY what you're looking for. 20 years ago, when I started surfing here in H.B. my dad started me off (along with my brother, all of his friends, and all of my friends) on a 6'0 tall, 20'' wide, 3.25'' thick Glassic thruster shortboard. So that being said, at your given height and weight, and presuming that you destine to ride shortboards, I would suggest anything from 6'3''- 6'6'' tall by 19.75''- 22.25'' wide by 3''- 3.5'' thick. Make sure it's a thruster (3 skeggs or fins) for stability, and that it's a square or squash tail, for that 'maneuverability' without all the squirrelieness you'd get from a swallow tail. Just one man's opinion! Good luck! Oh! buy a used stick first, O.K.?