I want to learn how to surf, and I already own a short board, about my height. Will it be okay to learn on?

Question

I already know how to snowboard. But maybe that does'nt make a difference.

Answer 1

I would highly recommend you get yourself a longboard, (at least 9' long).

You can rent one, borrow one or get a used one. They're the easiest to catch waves with and to stand up on.

The snowboarding should help with your balance but the distribution of weight is the opposite so that may throw you at first.

Here's a really good article called "Learn How to Surf in One Day" that I always recommend to to beginners;

http://www.beachtrading.com/learn-how-to...

Answer 2

If you know how to snowboard, you are well on your way, snowboarding, windsurfing, skateboarding and surfing have all the same maneuvers and balance requirements you need, but just to be on the safe side, I would start on a long board at first. Then when you feel comfortable enough and good enough, then you can use that short board.

Answer 3

i would start out on a long board first thats how i learned and also just getting a shortboard that is ur height is not how u find a good shortboard you should talk with a local shaper to find out what board or size would be good for u but i wouldnt start out on a shortboard personally

Answer 4

I Started out on a minimal (mid-length) board/.

it took 2/3 months before i started to use my shortboard,

its 4 inches bigger than me so if your going to get a shortboard use one that is a bit bigger than you.

Also snowboarding will help your control in the water, its an advantage to skate or snowboard before you surf.

good luck mate.

p,s i suggest hiring boards until u use your shortboard.

Answer 5

how tall are you and what are the dimensions of the surfboard? those will be fairly important in determining how easy or hard it will be to learn on.

in all regards, learning on a shortboard will be much more difficult than a traditional malibu, mini-mal, or funshape board. but it's not to say it can't be done. if it is thicker and wider than a normal shortboard, those will provide better buoyancy and stability; two criteria crucial to learning surfing.

Answer 6

It's always easier to learn how to surf on a long(er) board. There are lots of people however, who start out surfing on a short board. It can be done, it's just harder. If your board floats you well enough for you to take off (paddle and catch a wave) you'll be okay, but I would recommend learning on a big, wide board with lots of flotation. Like Santa Cruz Sol Surfer said, fun shapes are great beginner boards. Back in the sixties we all started on long boards (that's all there was), and I think long boards are ideal starter boards. Put you short board in your bedroom until you master a long board. Before you start to surf, I hope you have good ocean swimming skills.

I also suggest taking lessons, you'll learn surf etiquette and get bad habits corrected before they become automatic muscle memory.

Answer 7

it may take you longer since you are on a short board  

but nomally when you first learn to surf you want to be on a board that is at least 14 inches taller than you and about 20 inches wide      

though i dont know if it helps that you know how to snowboard

Answer 8

Most likely it will be ok unless you are very heavy. If you are average weight, it will be fine. However, it is always easier to learn on a board that it bigger then you. But, since you already know how to snowboard, you will probably pick it up very easily. It's very similar to snowboarding in deep powder. Except the mountain is moving. :-)

Answer 9

I believe  you would be better off on a bigger board.  It will make your expierence alot more easy and fun.  If you were to go ahead and use your shortboard, you might find its hard to stand due to its size (width, thickness ect.)  I would recomend you get a board at least 7'5" with thicker rails.