How do you determine what size surfboard (short) is right for you?

Question

How do you determine what size surfboard (short) is right for you?

Answer 1

It all depends on where you surf.  Smaller waves work best with a long board.  Big waves with short board.  I started with a long board, and that was much easier, so if your starting i would consider that.  I you have been surfing for a while then it all depends on you height and weight

Answer 2

Go to a reputable shop and talk with a salesperson.

Answer 3

well, definetly go to a surf shop, even if you don't plan on buying the board from there.  They should have a weight list (i.e. 120 to 140 equals this size board).  If they don't have a weight list, ask the sales associate, they should know, if they don't, they don't belong at a surf shop.  Short boards vary with different widths heights, and material.  If you're just starting out, don't go crazy with the awesome board that cost an arm and a leg, you may not like surfing very much.  Go for a cheaper board, and if you do like surfing and get the hang of it, sell the board on ebay, or sell it back to the surf shop and get the better board.  Anywho, good luck, I hope you enjoy, if you haven't experienced it before.

Answer 4

if it is shorter then u then it is to small if it is the same size then u can try but i suggest to get it about a inch or two tall then u

Answer 5

I was taught beginners use long boards.

That's what I started out on.

Answer 6

A short board is more maneuverable and takes considerably more skill to do ride a wave then a longer board. Once you have gotten proficient at riding a wave there is no right board except what is determined by whatever style you choose to ride. There are things you can do on a tanker that you can't do a short board and things you can do on a short board that would be impossible with a long board.

If you are just starting out, something 7' or longer will be easier to learn on, but just because a long board is easier to learn on doesn't mean that they are just for beginners.

Answer 7

i would say go to your local surf shop and ask or look online at some surfing websites. But if you are just starting out i wouldn't recommend starting on a shortboard cause those are harder to learn on and you will get frustrated a lot, but if thats what you want then go for it.