Starter surfboard?

Question

I know how to skateboard and i'm considering surfing. i've heard a longboard is easy to learn on. i am about 5'7" and 135 lbs. would a 6'8" shortboard be an ok beginner/intermediate surfboard?

Answer 1

We're the same height and weight, but I've had some surfing experience on longer boards (around 8'6") and I recently bought my own board, a 7'9" and it's been tough adjusting and getting used to it. So I'd go with a long 8 or a shorter 9 footer to start off. Surfing and skateboarding are in the same vein, but they are still rather different.

Answer 2

Everybodies Telling you to go with a long board but they are wrong.

I never Skated at all and i bought a surfboard because it looked fun and honestly shortboards are alot more fun.

I bought a 6'4'' funboard and it was fine for me to learn on. and i'm about 6' 130lbs and am only 13. (bought the board when i was 10)

Goodluck, anything over 7' 6'' is stupid

Answer 3

Go w/a longer board at least 9 feet long so it will float you and be easy to paddle.  Be prepared to fall and get tired from paddling and getting pounded by the waves.  If you stick it out and start finding it easy to get waves and manuever on the board you should look at going to a smaller board.

Stick to the longboard and don't let your friends steer you into a shorter board.

Answer 4

If you are a starter then it is probably smart to start with a long board because it is easier to catch a wave with a long board, because you can get speed easier, and in tern catch the wave easier.  It is also easier to stand on.  But if you are looking for a short board that should work for you, because i am about the same as you and i have a 6'2" board.  So good luck learning, it is a great sport to get into.

Answer 5

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. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. You can always trade in a board and buy 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, like I said, there are some days that it's the perfect board for the conditions).

There are no RULES for learning how to surf. Go to a good local surf shop and talk to the surfers there. They will give you good advice for what works in the local breaks you will be riding.

Surfing is an ocean sport, to do it right, you have to be at home in the ocean, with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes big waves. I don't just mean being good at swimming in a pool, the ocean can be very unforgiving. I have seen lots of really good pool swimmers have to get rescued. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave.

Take the time time to learn about the ocean. Go swimming, body surfing and body boarding. When you are really comfortable with it, it's time to start surfing.

Some folks have said that skateboarding may help. Well, any balance improving activity can be helpful to improve your surfing. That could be skate, snow, wake or skim boarding, working out on a Indo board, or doing the balance beam. HOWEVER, surfing is nothing like skateboarding. You have to paddle and catch a wave. First, and most important, you have to be at home in the ocean. You need to learn the mechanics of surfing, paddling out, catching a wave and standing up on the surfboard. It is after you have gotten all that down, that your balance becomes important, and if you have good balance (because, perhaps, you skateboard), that will only help you ride better

Lessons are usually the best way to start, unless you are an adolescent or young adult with lots of pals who surf who can teach you. Go to a real surf shop. A real surf shop is not a bathing suit store that sells some surfbaords. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on. Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything.

I have been surfing for 42 years, and I am sure you will have a lifetime of fun, once you learn, the RIGHT WAY. Good luck!

Answer 6

Surfboard Size

No matter what type of board you buy it should be at least 6'' longer than your own height.

The wider the board, the more stable on the waves

The thicker the board the more buoyant it will be, making it easier to paddle and catch waves

A ultra thin, light shortboard will make learning to surf harder - why do you think that performance boards are not used by surf schools

Type

The best type of beginners surfboard depends on different factors. How often you will be surfing, your fitness levels, whether you need to look cool etc. Best go back and read the both the beginner board pages again.

Soft boards, longboards, minimals and pop-outs are all great beginners boards

Shortboards are not such a great beginner board for the average surfer.

New or Old

This depends on a number of factors including budget and availability of boards

Buying a new soft surfboard is a good idea if you have children or you do not intend to go surfing regularly. If you progress quickly in your surfing you will soon need another board more suited to your ability - these boards are for the novice only. A cheap second hand board might be the best bet

Good second hand surfboards can be hard to find, and if you are new to buying a surfboard you might want to take a look at our surfboard buying guide

.With a beginners board you are going to have to replace it soon, you need a board that you can resell

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 start on any board you like. Surfing this regularly should see you quickly out of the 'novice surfer' stage

good luck

Answer 7

You have skate experience so I would suggest a board around the 6'2 mark. You want a board that will give you good buoyancey so it should be about 19" wide and close to 3" thick. Buoyancey is the key as it is easier to catch a wave when the board places you above the water. A long board will also do this but it will be harder to turn. Being a skater you will want to turn so go for the wider and thicker short board.

Anyway get a board, get out there and enjoy.