Surfboards: Long vs Short??

Question

I'm 17, about 6 ft tall, and a novice surfer.

I'm heading to Bali in just over a week and wondering what would be the better style board for me to hire while I'm over there?

Answer 1

6'10" semi - gun.

Answer 2

I would suggest you just rent the same design and size there that you use now.  You don't want to change boards drastically and then spend a day or two adjusting to something new when you could be catching waves instead.  I recently went to Hawaii and decided to try a little different design.  Had to fight off the crowds and didn't catch many waves.  Next day I rented a board close to what I'm used to and got all the waves I wanted.

Answer 3

No questions asked...a min mal is the way to go.

Fun Fun Fun....to many surfers forget what its all about. They try to do the biggest and best tricks and forget that its all about having fun.

Answer 4

go for a board that is 6' 3" or larger for now, and if you are going to rent, then try several out over the first few days and get whichever you are most comfortable with.  The waves and breaks will be different so don't hesitate to switch up the boards.  Have fun Rip'n em Bro!

Answer 5

Without knowing any additional info, I would recommend that you get a 7' egg.  The added length will allow you to catch more waves and the shape will be fun enough to do some good turns.  But really it depends on several factors.  How much do you weigh?  The board dimensions for someone who is 6ft/150lbs is going to be different than for someone who is 6ft/200lbs.  Bigger people need bigger boards.  Also, what kind of surfing do you want to do?  Are you aspire to be a ripper/barrel rider (short board) or a toes-on-the-nose cruiser (longboard)?  As far as Bali is concerned, it is mostly reef/point breaks with a few beach breaks.  It can be very crowded and competetive in the water there, so make sure you get a board that will allow you to paddle fast (either longer or thicker).  You also have to consider the wave size.  It can get pretty gnarly at a lot of the breaks if the waves are big, so since you are a novice I would recommend not getting in the water on the big days.  Good luck, have fun, and I hope you catch some great waves!  If it's flat, go to Ubud and the monkey forest (and buy some bananas for them!)!!