What kind of board should I use if I'm first starting surfing?

Question

I'm 11 and I'm about 5 feet tall and weigh about 90 lbs and I'm starting surfing for the first time. I've been boogy boarding for about... umm... i dont know but its been a while and I was wonder what kind of board i should use.

Answer 1

At your age and weight, I'd think anything over 8' feet would work.  But, it is always advisable to talk to a parent and a surf shop employee to help you with your choice.

Answer 2

does anyone find it weird that an 11 year old kid is asking a question.....but when i first started i was your age and i used a n 8'10 soft top board then ended and have a 7'3 narrow board...hope this helps and good luck on the waves

Answer 3

yo i hav a BIC longboard and a billabong ish one

ya digg?

BrAnDy OuT

Answer 4

bodysurf a lot and get used to being in the ocean without anything to grab, so if you lose your board you'll be comfortable. then, get a nice long longboard

Answer 5

ur best bet is to look into long boards, go to surf shops and ask around and they should be able to awnser just about any question you have, if u think you just want to go straight into shortboards then i would suggest an NSP fish, its a good begginers short board

Answer 6

Get a longboard 9 foot or longer.  Don't be afraid of the size and saw kids absolutely RIPPING on longboards a few days ago at San Onofre.

Answer 7

At 11, you need a lot a parental guidance. First of all, you shouldn't be asking questions on the computer...but I won't tell anyone. Since you have been boogie boarding, I hope you are really good in the ocean. Surfing is an ocean sport. before you decide to surf, decide to know and understand the ocean. Learn to be at home with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes BIG waves. The original surfers were watermen (and women, both men and women surfed, but certain waves were reserved for royalty). I don't just mean being good at swimming in a pool, the ocean can be very unforgiving. I have seen lots of really good pool swimmers have to get rescued. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don't join their ranks. Make sure your parents are comfortable with your water skills, too.

I swam in the back bays and ocean from around first grade. After years of body surfing and body boarding (we didn't have any such thing as boogie boards back then) I started surfing when I was about 13 or 14. I spent almost all of my teen years, swimming, sailing, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. I even surfed in different places the Navy sent me, when it was possible. I have been surfing ever since 1966, and it is GREAT! Now all five of my grandchildren (ages 5 through 9)are all at various stages of learning how to swim in the ocean, boogie board and surf.

Lessons are the best way to start, unless you have surfing parents or an older brother or sister who surf who can teach you. . Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on. (and, it's going to be either a longboard or a funboard [mini-mal]) Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything. And, please don't waste your time (or money) buying something on line. Don't be in a rush to buy a board! TRY before you BUY. Rent a variety of types of surfboards, or borrow them from your friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.

Be careful of what you read here on line.  After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention. Bring your folks along.

Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you haven to learn on. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops).

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. The pros there can give you the right answers!! And, get your parents involved. 11 is too young to be unsupervised in the ocean, even if you are good in the water.

Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the 'right way') you'll have fun for life.

Take the time to check out the links, especially surfingforlife.

http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...

http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t...

Answer 8

exactly what John F said. longboards are good to learn on but there are no rules to surfing. longboards are easier if you are looking to pick up surfing fast and just cruising on the waves. shortboarding takes a whole lot longer and to learn on but you can do sharp cutbacks, floaters, tricks, carve, and much more. longboarding is riding a board on the wave. shortboarding is more like riding the wave itself. most people learn on a long board but many people like me learn on a shortboard so that means so can you. i hope this helps. have fun surfing out there!