I am 5'10" and 170 lbs..learning on an 8' now...what size shortboard should i eventually get (6'?)?? thanks!!!

Question

I am 5'10" and 170 lbs..learning on an 8' now...what size shortboard should i eventually get (6'?)?? thanks!!!

Answer 1

are you riding the board well!>?? try a fish , do you know anyone that rides a board that is a 6'? maybe you should try it out and see if you like it

Answer 2

If you can stand up and ride the unbroken part of the wave, try a 6'10", otherwise stick with a longboard for now (9'0" or longer).  

Sincerely,

Sam

www.hbsracks.com

Answer 3

Funny, I'm about the same build as you, but add another ten lbs.  I have a 5'10" Retro-Twin-Fin Fish that I used to transition from Longboarding to Shortboarding.

I would definitely get a retro fish if I were you.  There's a bit more foam in the board, almost as thick as a longboard.  And when I say foam, I don't mean that the board is a soft board.  I mean that there is a thicker blank of foam used for the shape.  You won't get frustrated as much as riding a thruster if you're learning on a retro fish.  They're well-known for their ability to ride loose and sail effortlessly (and quickly) - even in smaller waves.  Even in some crumbly and soft waves, you can ride the fish.  Twinnies or even quads are FAST on almost any wave.  The extra thickness kinda makes the board have more float, and makes it easier to paddle.

A traditional thruster usually can't get enough push from a weaker crumbly wave.  I ride a 6'0" Merrick MBM as well, and I got the feel better thanks to the fish.  Short boards are squirrely.

But with your bodyweight and depending on your style, you might want to ask your local surfshop (NOT SunDiego or any chain like that) or get a shaper to find out how thick of a board you will need for whatever lineup you go to.

Different boards perform better at different breaks.  The thickness of your board will be affected by your weight more than the length.

You never mentioned how long you've been riding, but I would definitely go for a retro fish first, then go to a thruster after.