Tips and advice for a wannabe surfer?

Question

im determined to learn to surf this summer!

i live in ocean city md.

i have surfed twice before, once here and once in the OBX. it wasnt pretty.

i used a foam board and a crappy long board.

im female, 5'9, pretty sure i wanna stick with the longboard. what size would i need?

how much should i spend on my first board, where should i look for one?

any tips tricks advice etc is appreciated!! i dont wanna go to a random shop and pay for lessons if i can avoid it.

i used to skate, i thought that would help but it really hasnt.

oh and m bioggest challenge is getting up on the board...my legs always seem to get tangled and standin up is tough!

please help!

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

Get a girls long board.  They are shorter and narrower.  Yes I know width makes them more stable but your arms tend to be shorter which makes carrying a full sized long board hard.  The rest is just practice practice practice.  

Remember that on a long board you really want to be paddling at an angle for take off.  Long boards are hard to turn so if you're already aiming down the line its one less thing to worry about while your getting to your feet.  Remember to pop up in one one motion, trying to do it in more than one step will lead to more falls.

Answer 3

Yeah, practice. Maybe you also might wanna buy a couple surf mags to get to know the sport.

Answer 4

GO COWBOYS

ROMO "FOR THE HALL OF FAME"

Answer 5

Practice practice practice.  Kinda lame answere I know.  But that is really what will get you there.  It is kinda frustrating at first but just get out there.  practice your stand up on the board on the beach for a while.  get it perfect.  then take it to the water.  it will be much harder but it helped me.

Answer 6

use a 8'0" longboard and Practice A LOT  

get a board at any surf shop

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

Answer 7

i also live here in Ocean city maryland, so i can relate to you. there are few surf shops that are good, but endless summer surf shop on like 54th street is the best. ask for Salty. he will spend his whole day answering your questions and do everything to make sure you are on the right board, definetly stick with a longboard, but i would suggest taking a lesson with them first. they are amazing. they put you on a roam board, which makes it so much easier to stand up. and they are not that expensive. and if you buy the wrong board, Salty will let you trade it in until you find the board that you absolutely love.

Answer 8

I'd say something in the 7 to 8 foot range. Buy a good used board, nothing fancy, just something you can learn on that is in good shape.