Learning to Surf on a Shortboard?

Question

I've been wanting to learn to surf, and my brother's friend just gave me a 5'10" (I think) board that he wasn't going to use anymore. I've heard that it's really hard learning to surf on a shortboard, but I got it for free. I also think this is a relatively short board even for shortboards. Is it possible for me to learn on this board? Any advice on what to focus on?

Answer 1

how tall are you?

My boards 5'11 and im 5'8 118 pounds

rent a long board or something

Answer 2

yeah, keep the board but go for something a bit biggerto start with. Basically the smaller the board the less buoyant and harder to paddle it is. Really a 5'10 would be used by the pros due to their improved agility in the water and the speed you can get. But you'd probably want to be staring on something bigger, my first board was a 6'7 which was stableenough to be able to get standing up easily but also manouverable enough to start getting turning

Answer 3

a 5 10 would be pretty small to learn on.  it may be possible to eventually learn to surf on it, but ideally you would want something more forgiving so that you can develope your balance and muscle memory more quickly.  try and get a smaller fun board or large fish to learn on.  these will still be small enough to make an easy transition to the 5 10 but also be easier to learn on.  if money is an issue you could always try trading the 5 10 for something larger, just make sure to ask your friend if that would be cool first, i dont want you to start any fights  over a very generous gift.

Answer 4

I would suggest holding onto that board, but learning to surf on something bigger. After a couple years of surfing on a larger board you may be able to use the shortboard.

If you try to start out on the shortboard you are going to get frustrated and stuck in a rut.

Answer 5

well it's possible to learn on it but you will waste alot of time and you will get very frustrated. but if you can learn on a short board that small you might end up pretty good. but by all me4an the right thing to do it to get a longer board. maybe a fun shape.