How do I know what size shortboard to drop down to?

Question

I have been surfing for a while and am looking to go down to a short board soon. I have 7 2 board and wanted to get an idea what i need to take into account when looking to get a shortboard, wanting to not go too short (that I would need to work heaps to get used to) but to get a better more exciting ride.

Answer 1

how about a 6'4 or 6'6 fish?

The Surfboard Man

http://www/thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 2

basically the shorter the board the better you will be able manouvre but it has to do with your height, weight and ability. go to a shaper or surf store and they will tell you. depending on height around 6'5 is probs a good start, depends on size of waves too.

Answer 3

Ask the surfing dude at the counter.

Answer 4

usually when you wanna go down, you go down your shoe size.

i ride a 8'3, and i'm a shoe size 9.

so i went down to a 7'5.

Answer 5

There are three basic factors to consider, your weight, your skill level and the type of waves you surf. I can't make a fair judgment on those factors on line, but I know that if you go to a good local surf shop (a REAL surf shop, not a bathing suit store that sells some surfboards) the surfers who work there can recommend the right board (or boards) for you.

Weight/buoyancy ratio and skill level are specific to you, no matter where you surf, but the conditions at your local breaks can vary significantly from, one place to another, so be sure to do business with the folks who surf the spots you do. the Fish design is exceedingly popular these days and you may want to ask which fish would be right for you.

I have been surfing since '66, and I rely on good advice from the folks in the shops where I surf. Good luck.