Surfing and weight?

Question

My friend Melissa asked me to teach her how to surf this summer. I'm about 130 and pretty short. My friend's like 260 or 270 and like 5'10"(i guess) She asked me to go buy a board with her next week and I don't even know what to get. If she's just learning and her height and weight are a little above average, what size board would be good for her to buy?

Answer 1

The link below is to a weight/surfboard chart

http://www.7thstreetsurfshop.com/145.htm

Answer 2

Don't go and buy a surfboard.  borrow one or get a used one or something, but don't buy one!!!

Melissa might not like pearling and drinking salt water.

Answer 3

Bic and NSP boards are great to start off with because they are very durable, and inexpensive. She should get a big board though probably anything over 8"

Answer 4

I know a lot of people answered to get a 10' board or something super big like that, but having a board that length is going to be really hard to maneuver.  She'll have a super hard time turning around, paddleing out, everything (except catching the waves).  She doesn't nee that big of a board.  My husband is 6'1" and he was 225lbs (lost some weight since then), and would ride a 6'4" Al Merrick.  I don't think you should take your friend out on something like that to learn, it's just an example to show that although weight and height are something to consider, it's not the most important thing.  

Make sure you take her to an easy beginner wave on a medium small day.  She won't have any fun if you're trying to paddle out in 8 foot faces at HB pier.  :)  

I'd say go with a 9 foot board instead of 10+.  That extra foot will make a difference.  Anything 8-9 feet would be comfortable and fun.  

I also agree that you shouldn't buy a board.  Renting is a great way to get started.  Most places charge by the hour, but you can also ask about daily rentals.  However, if she really does want to buy one, I'd go with a soft-top or foam board.  They're super easy to learn on, they hurt less when you fall, and they won't get pressure dings like a regular fiberglass board will.  You can usually buy these used for relatively cheap, too.

Remember, the most important thing when learning to surf, have fun!  :)

Answer 5

Hi.

For a longboard she needs a 10'6" to11 ft board at about 4 inches thick.

Try Infinity Surfboards in Dana Point, CA as  they do great job for the big person

Answer 6

Hi  you are looking at a long board for that weight (over 10 foot)  also check out the volume or thickness of the board - at least 2 3/4"

I would suggest you get your buddy to a surf school first with a long foam board and see if they like the sport before they decide to go buying gear. They are the most manouverable boards starting off for the less supple surfers amongst us.

Answer 7

long at least 10' and really thick at least 3"

Answer 8

I too wanted to ask the same question,how did u guess?