Surfer Noob?

Question

I visited El Salvador and I when boogie boarding. First time out in the Ocean, and I loved it. Now I want to start surfing. I live in the San Francisco bay, and Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay is about 1/2 hour away from where I live.

What surf board should I get to start out with? I'm looking for a fun board or short board, that is not to costly and that will last me along time. And advise or ideas?

Answer 1

A fish would be good. You may want to start on a longboard though. As far as where to buy a board check out craigslist and ebay.

Have fun and good luck,

The Surfboard Man'

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 2

wow you live in cali and havnt gone inthe ocean yet.

Answer 3

i started out with a 7'4' NSP funboard and i still love it!

Answer 4

If your boogie boarding adventure was your first foray into the ocean, it is only fair that you carefully consider that surfing is an ocean sport. before you decide to surf, decide to know and understand the ocean. Learn to be at home with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes BIG waves. The original surfers were watermen (and women, both men and women surfed, but certain waves were reserved for royalty).

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.

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. 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. And, please don't waste your time (or money) buying something on line.

Be careful of what you read here on line. There are lots of really well meaning young folks who have neat answers about surfing, but at 56, I tend to classify anyone under 25 as a kid. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop, where industry professionals earn their rent money selling surfboards. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention.

Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you have to learn on. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards of fun boards (or even softtops).

I have been surfing since 1966, and I am always glad to see someone new want to start surfing. Be enthusiastic, but cautious too. Take time to learn the right way, and please don't buy naything until you have had a chance to try several different types of boards.

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. The pros there can give you the right answers!!

I hope you take the time, learn the right way, and have as much fun surfing as I have had!!! Good luck!

Answer 5

You can learn on a funboard...but the board dosent live up to its name until you get better with time. The longer the better. Try looking into a longboard or a mini-mal

Im not saying you can't learn on a funboard...or even a shortboard but it will be a long,tough..not-so fun experience.

Also read-up on hazards in the ocean since your new to it...not every surf break is the same..reef's and rocks hurt...and so does marine life.

Good luck man and be safe.

Answer 6

Wow!  California and no beach time!  I was just at the beach!  But anyway.........I would go to Costco and get the WAVESTORM board.  It's pretty long but it will ride just about any wave.  I DO have an experience with surfing so I'm not just making it up