How to find my surfboard SIZE?

Question

i just moved to a chile, south america and i live right on the beach i figured i'd learn how to surf.

WAT SIZE BOARD SHOULD I START OUT WITH?

i'm 16, 100 pounds and 5ft 3.

any surfing tips are also appreciated.

Answer 1

It is foolish to make recommendations for size and design of surfboards to people on line. It is even more follish to take those suggestions seriously. You need to go to a good local surf shop, where they can help you find the right board for your weight, skill level, local wave conditions and your budget.

I'm 5'10", 215, and at about the same size, I rode a neat 6'4" for twenty years. I have been surfing since '66, and at age 56, the shortest board that I still ride regularly is 7'8".

Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on. (and, it's going to be either a longboard or a funboard [mini-mal]). Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you haven to learn on. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops). Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything. And, please don't waste your time (or money) buying something on line. Don't be in a rush to buy a board! TRY before you BUY. Rent a variety of types of surfboards, or borrow them from your friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.

And if you are curious, yes, I cut and pasted part of this answer, because people keep asking the same question, and the only right answer is always the same. I have been surfing since 1966, and I know to get the right answer from the professionals at the local surf shops where I surf, not a teenager old on line.

Lessons are the best way to start, unless you are a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach you. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don't join their ranks.

Like I said, I have been surfing for 42 years, and it is the greatest stoke of all. Take your time and learn the right way, and you will have fun for life, too.

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

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

http://hbsnakesurf.com/

http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...

http://www.surfline.com/travel/index.cfm...

Answer 2

a 5'8 - 6'0 shortboard should be good. You don't really wanna go much smaller than 5'8 bc you'll start to lose some of the speed.