Surfboard?!?

Question

ok so im 57kg and 166cm tall. would a 7'2" surfboard be alright? ive only had a couple of surfing lessons

Answer 1

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.

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.

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 2

I assume this is your first board. The best thing you can do to make sure you get the right one is to visit a real surf shop, not just a surf clothing store, and they can help you pick out the right board. If the person who gave you lessons also comes from a surf shop, then thats perfect. They should be able to most accuretly pick out the right board for you. At any rate, the only thing you can do to make sure you don't waste your money is to get advice and feedback from someone who works at a shop.

Also, pro surf has no idea what he is talking about, those guidlines are terrible. He's a kook.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

two words : foam board

not kidding it'll make learning easier!

Answer 4

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