What is the correct length of board for my weight?

Question

Obviously it depends on the width and thickness of the board and also what style i surf, but anyhow..... I am 86kg's and currently surfing a 6'6. Now, I'm used to surfing very small boards and I suspect 6'6 is too small, especially in big waves.

I have been surfing for very long, so I don't want any answers by groms/kooks/bodyboarders who think they know something, furthermore, this is more of a discussion than a question...

Answer 1

I don't think a 6'6" is too small.  I would expect that you could ride a board down to about 6'4" to tell the truth.  Obviously when the size increases you need a different board though.  6'6" would proabably be a good size for you though.

I have a friend who is 6'3" but the same weight, and he rides boards that are SO short.  He's getting a custom stretch, and Bill convinced him to get a 6'1" quadfin battail.  That guy knows his ****, and insisted that board would be a good fit.

I guess you never know until you just go for it and try that size board.  Why don't you borrow/rent a board that size and see how it works?  Good luck brother.

Answer 2

I am 210lbs and I ride a 6'6 epoxy Al Merrick...Best board I've ever owned. A lot of people talk down on epoxy boards but it floats really well and catches waves easily. It is really fun on big surf because it sort of slides down the face of the wave when you're going down the line. I live in Pensacola, Fl. so our typical swell isn't bigger than about 5-8 ft. but the hurricane swells are amazing!

Answer 3

I think the board selection depends on the conditions.  My regular board is 5'7", I am 6'2" and 180 lbs.  Once surf reaches a little overhead, I switch to a 6'3".   I think it comes down to comfort, ability and conditions.

Answer 4

i'd go for a 7 foot funboard

Answer 5

I have a 7'8" funboard that I love for bigger swells. It's perfect for me and I find it pretty easy to ride (although I don't enjoy hauling it around so much sometimes haha!)

Good luck!