Should I get a longboard or a Fish?

Question

I'm 6"0 male and snowboard, skimboard, and skateboard. I'm getting my first surf board, and I want it to be transitional. I don't want one too long because I know i'll pick up on it quick. What was your first board, and should I start with a longboard or a fish?

Answer 1

"i'll pick up on it quick," haha. the real way to find out which one you want is to ride them both.

my first board was a 6'3" al merrick only because it was free. not for a beginner. get a 7'6" or so fun board.

Answer 2

seeing as u skate and sh*t get a 6'4 or 6'5 fish. But make sure it is really thick.

Mabe have a few surfing lessons first just to make sure u have got the basic turns right and can confidently stand up without going on your nees.

longboards r good for like 3 or 4 surfs when your leaning but when u get the basic turns and can stand up in one hit they get sh*t boring.

my first board was a 5'6 fish.

dont get a long-board they r really g*y!

Answer 3

The other board sports are good for balance, but don't have to much else to do with surfing. To surf, you have to be at home in the ocean, good ocean swimming (not pool swimming) skills are essential. I don't know how old you are, or whether or not you have friends who surf. I recommend lessons for folks who don't have surfer pals to teach them. You need to learn surfing etiquette as well as technique.

Your weight is far more significant than your height. You need a board that will float you well enough for you to take off (paddle and catch a wave). Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. Long boards are ideal for learners. While I really like fish (I have a custom made twin fin fish that's one of my favorite boards), I don't think it is a good board to learn on. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. You can always trade in a board and by a new one when you are ready for a change (or keep your long board. I bought a new long board about 6/7 years ago, and there are some days that it's the perfect board for the conditions).

I started surfing in '66 on a 9'6", but that's what we all rode back then. Like most of the guys I surfed with during the 'short board revolution' we traded in for shorter boards every summer. I ended up with a custom made 6'4' twin fin (that's as small as I went, but I had lots of friends riding boards in the 5' range). Today I four have boards from 9'4" to 7'8" that I ride all the time. I change up depending on conditions or my mood.

I suggest you go to a local surf shop (a real surf shop, not a bathing suit store that sells some surfboards). The folks there will help you pick a beginner board that is right for your weight, skill level (beginner) and the type of surf you have at you local break. Once you get the hang of it, you will have fun for life!