Transition From Longboard to Shortboard?

Question

I've been surfing every week ever since surfing school was over, on a 8' longboard. I've pretty much gotten used to catching the waves, doing a couple switches, and surfing backwards. I've been thinking of switching to a shorter board right now. Maybe a 7'? 7.5'? I have no clue how long the board should be.

There's also surf board rental shop across the beach. So I was thinking of just going there. Except, I never really like the foam boards because of my prone to skin irritation.

So... Should I just buy a certain length board. Or should I just start off renting boards.

Answer 1

HA HA! Founded youzzzzzz..................................

Yeah. I need an answer too.

Answer 2

John F is on vacation, so I'll use his line:

'Try before you buy.'  Renting is a good idea. Rent a 7' one day and see how you do.

Answer 3

What I did to go from longboard -> shortboard.

Is I surfed an 8 footer much like you. Then I got a fun shape 7'2. Then got a fairly standard short board at 6'6, then I got a 6'2.

Also realize you'll have a bit of a learning curve on the new boards because scaling down does change a lot of aspects.

Answer 4

since you get skin irritation, i would say get a rash guard. anyway, i would get a fish becasue you are used to riding longboards. fish paddle like longboards and perform like shortboards. i would say to get a 6'6" fish. it is a great size. but make sure it is thick and tall enough for you. i ride a 6'4" shortboard and it is a great size for me. for the best results, go to a surfshop and talk to the guys there. they will get you the right board and equipment for your skill level and the breaks at your beach. if i left anything else out (which i migh have done lol) i will wright it later

have fun surfing and good luck

Answer 5

Try to find a friend that has a board around 6'6 and try that. You may want to buy a shortboard fish as a transition board.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 6

go ahead and buy anywhere from 6'6 to 7