What kind of surfboard should I get?

Question

I want to start learning to surf. I am 115 lbs and 5'6'' (so rather slender) and I'm 19 years old. I'd be a beginner, but I want something that is going to last after I get the hang of surfing (so not a foamy thing). Any ideas from surfer's out there of some boards that might be ideal for me?

Answer 1

Get the foamy thing.  Do it!!  (Then you sell it to one of your friends for the same price you paid for it originally, so you basically got a free board.)  You're welcome.

Answer 2

get a "mini-tanker"  7-8 feet with a rounded nose

they have the stability long board so they are easy to get up on and they are easier to turn than a long board giving you the feeling of a short board.  

It will be easier to surf a short board after learning on a mini tanker rather than a long board.

Answer 3

It really depends on what type of surfing you want to do.  If you intend to change to a shortboard later on i would reccommend a 7'0 hybrid.  This is a cross between a longboard and a shortboard.  They are thicker, longer and wider than regular shortboeard to provide stability while you learn.  However, they have a pointed nose and narrower tail with smaller fins than a longboard.  This type of board will allow you to practise core shortboard skills such as duckdiving, and carving up the wave.  With a board like this you will easily be able to progress onto a shortboard.  I started on a board like this and was standing up within 2 weeks,  within a year i progressed to a 6'4 shortboard.    

If however you want to stick to the longboards, i'd reccommend the longest, widest board you can find.

Answer 4

I would recommend a 7ft board. Your not that tall (no offence) so anything bigger is not needed and your quite light so it may be hard to maneuver a larger board. Go for a width of 21inch max, but this will depend on how broad you are and around 2.5inch in thickness will do fine. I would go for an epoxy as they are more durable and you wont notice any difference to a fibreglass board at this size and skill level.

Good luck and enjoy... it is hard but very rewarding.

Answer 5

Anything between 7'6 and 9 ft. If you surf in a place where the waves dont get very big I would try a long board but if the waves get relatively big go for the shorter 7'6 I own both these sizes and they are excellent. 7'6 might be a little tougher to balance on but not impossible. The 9 ft will be super easy and its very fun and relaxed. Anyway im 5'2 and 130 and both work very well for me so any of these 2 should be great for you. Have fun surfing.