What board shall i get?

Question

hi,

I am looking to start surfing and can anyone tell me a good surfboard and what size to start learning on.

cheers.

Answer 1

this will tell you everything you need to look for in a starting surfboard

http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su...

Answer 2

Start on a short board. They are the easiest.  Then if you want, You can get a longer one.

Answer 3

I don't know what that other girl is talking about.  Longboards are MUCH easier to learn on.  Their larger surface area and weight make it a lot easier to catch waves, to stand up, to balance, everything.

....Well, not EVERYTHING.  It can be harder to paddle out in large surf, because you can't duck dive a long board.  But, since you'll just be learning, you shouldn't really be out in bigger surf anyways.  

Other than that though, a longboard is definitely easier to learn on.  If you have any doubts, go ahead and rent a short board.  You'll have trouble finding your balance and you'll be really wobbly on it.  You'll sink deeper in the water when you lay in it and that will create more drag and make it harder to paddle out.  You'll have a hard time finding the center spot to sit on and keep your balance, and you'll keep tipping over.  You will struggle to catch the wave because you really have to paddle hard to pick up enough speed.  Once you do catch a wave, you'll REALLY have to balance and move quickly to get to your feet.  

After you've "had fun" with the short board.  Go rent a longboard.  When you lay on the board, it will float you above the water, so it will be a lot easier to paddle out.  Then, because the thing is so huge, it has a much bigger center spot that you can sit on and balance while you're waiting for a wave.  When you turn around to catch the wave, you won't have to paddle as much.  The weight and size of the board make it easier to catch waves.  Once you feel the wave grab a hold of you, you'll be able to slowly and gracefully get to your feet.  There's not as big of a rush as on a short board.  Then, just keep your knees bent and have fun surfing!

Depending on your size, I wouldn't get a board that's TOO long.  An 8' to 9' board is usually a nice size to learn on.  They're not too big and not too small.  Sometimes, if the board is too big, it's hard to turn, to control, to turtle (that's a term used for when you flip upsidedown on your board to get out past the white wash, e-mail me if you want a more detailed description).  

Definitely try renting or borrowing a few boards of different sizes before you go ahead and buy one.  If you rush into buying your first board, it will almost always be the wrong one for you.  Take your time, and find the perfect size for you.

Answer 4

The longer and more buoyant a board is, the easier it is to learn on. I'd suggest getting a longboard or a fun board and then transition down to a shortboard later.