New surfboard question?

Question

I learnt to surf a few years ago, and have a 9' board currently. I used to go once or twice a year, but now am at uni down in Swansea by some prime surfing bays, and so i'm looking at getting a new board.

Specifically I'm looking at a shortboard, about 6'4 - 6'8, as I'm looking for a new ride. Is this a wise idea? I snowboard and longboard, and am used to the manouverability of those sorts of short boards.. and when I surf on the board i have at the moment, I find myself wishing it was more responsive, etc.

I am of average ability - I can catch waves, turn, fall off with style when I s***w up (lol), etc.

Additionally, being a student I would only afford to keep the one board so keeping both is out of the question!!

Does anyone have any ideas or views on whether it is a good idea for me to get a shortboard??

?!

Answer 1

i made a similar jump a few years ago.  i had been surfing for a long time, but only on weekends durring the summer at the jersey shore since connecticut doesn't get any surf. i was a pretty good long boarder, but wanted something a little more responsive, and easier to keep in my dorm room.  i went with a 6'4" stub fish which worked awesome for me.  im about 5 10 and 150 lbs so if your taller or heavier go with a slightly larger board.  when you first switch you will find that its alot harder to catch waves but stay with it.  it requires a new style of paddling and being able to read the waves better so you can get moving sooner to build up speed.  also shorter boards dont like to ride in the white water as much as long boards do so try and actually catch a real wave, not one thats already broken.  just stick with it and learn the rhythm of your new board.  good luck. if you could edit your question to include the size and type of wave you will be surfing it would be a little easier to give a more accurate answer (small beach break, hollow head high reef break, etc)

Answer 2

borrow a few short boards from friends and see what feels right

Answer 3

I ride a neat custom made fish. I have found that this new fish and  a hybrid fish that I don't usually ride anymore to be great boards, but perhaps not the best stick for a casual surfer. When I first started riding a fish, I think I did as much swimming as I did surfing for a couple weeks.

I also don't have a clue what your normal conditions are at the breaks you'll be riding. Go to a good local surf shop, and talk to the folks there who surf that area. they will steer you onto the right stick for your size, skill level and the local break(s).

Answer 4

cause you surf fairly recently, go with a board that fits your feel

Answer 5

hey

How Often You Surf

If you only surf once a year go for a softboard

If you surf intermittently go for either a pop-out, mini-mal or malibu

If you surf 3-4 times a week you can pretty much get on any board you like. Surfing this regularly should see you quickly out of the 'novice surfer' stage for a short boarder.

but if you really wan't a short board go for a 6'-6'5 if you are under 5'10 your self over 5'10 maybe a 6'6-7'

i;m not saying go for isle but think about getting one similar to these

big guy--http://www.islesurfboards.com/index.asp?...

small guy-- http://www.islesurfboards.com/index.asp?...