I want to learn to surf and need to buy a board, i am 5'6 about 130 pounds..do i need a long or short board?

Question

and what height? i really dont know anything about them, can anyone suggest?

Answer 1

Start out with a long board 9' and up, they are more stable and it is easier to learn to stand-up, which is the hardest part.

Later you can get a performance egg shaped board which will be challanging and you will still be able to ride most of the waves.

I have a 7'10" New Surf Project Board and it was tough learning to surf with but at least I don't have to buy a second board as I get better.

Short boards are for the more skilled surfer.

Answer 2

If you are learning, the answer is simple

You need a longboard - nothing under 8 foot

You will not have a lot of fun on anything smaller until you are confident standing up, turning the board, riding on a clean face and taking off on waves at least 3 feet.

Longboarding is also great for developing a really smooth style, which is important for shortboarding too.

I think one of the best ways to really mess up your surfing is to try and "progress" to a shortboard before you are ready, and this takes time (ie a few years)

Answer 3

The length of the board is used to determine what kind of waves you'll be surfing.  If I were you, I would go to  surf shop in your area and talk to some surfers.  Also, read all the surfing magazines you can.

Answer 4

Depends where you wanna learn to surf, You'll be seeking for small waves to kick off with then chase bigger and longer riding waves, a long board will get you and follow you for the rest of your life........... then again you may wanna also be agile with a few kick backs or faster turns to carry out re-entry's into a wave , a Long Board wont get ya that their great to learn and also ride small surf........ a smaller board can also have a Fin Box so you can tune the board/fin for the surf or the way you want.

Another Board you could try/own is a mini Mal sorta half way between a long board and short board their great for ya all round surf !

Consider a short board only if ya keen to get a bit more speed, agile and more maneuvers.

Over all any board is a good board to learn on ! just remember ya get what ya pay for and it also pays to shop and talk to Board makers or surf shops and get the vibe of what your needs then go shopping.

The Billabong Junior surf classic is on at Maroubra Beach just outta Sydney and all the girls I saw from 10's to 17's were all on short boards. New surf boards are now made of even extra light compounds and foams so  any one any size can ride and carry their own board.

Have Fun !

Answer 5

if you are learning i suggest a long board for you it will be easier to stand on but it wiill be hard to controll