What kind of surfboard should i purchase?

Question

Im a snowboarder/skate boarder who learned how to surf last summer. i only got a couple days out in the water and picked up on standing up and riding really fast but still having to work hard to pick out waves and catch them. Im spending the summer in north carolina this summer and really want to pick up the sport, id like to get a shortboard but know they are really hard to learn on. when i learned i had an 8 foot something board and wanted to know if it would be best to buy a longer shortboard or just buy a longboard

Answer 1

The other board sports are good for balance, but don't have to much else to do with surfing. To surf, you have to be at home in the ocean, good ocean swimming (not pool swimming) skills are essential. I don't know how old you are, or whether or not you have friends who surf. I recommend lessons for folks who don't have surfer pals to teach them. You need to learn surfing etiquette as well as technique. You can already stand up, so you are ahead of the curve, especially if you are going to be at the beach all summer.

You need a board that will float you well enough for you to take off (paddle and catch a wave). Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. Long boards are ideal for learners.  There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. You can always trade in a board and by a new one when you are ready for a change (or keep your long board. I bought a new long board about 6/7 years ago, and there are some days that it's the perfect board for the conditions).

I started surfing in '66 on a 9'6", but that's what we all rode back then. Like most of the guys I surfed with during the 'short board revolution' we traded in for shorter boards every summer. I ended up with a custom made 6'4' twin fin (that's as small as I went, but I had lots of friends riding boards in the 5' range). Today I four have boards from 9'4" to 7'8" that I ride all the time. I change up depending on conditions or my mood.

I suggest you go to a local surf shop (a real surf shop, not a bathing suit store that sells some surfboards). The folks there will help you pick a beginner board that is right for your weight, skill level (beginner) and the type of surf you have at you local break. As a side note, I own some great boards that were shaped by North Carolina shapers. I have a great '7'6" ACTION, Rocket fish, and three different ALLISONs, a 9'4" longboard, a 7'8" funboard and a 7'8" twin fin fish (custom shaped by Will Allison). Once you get the hang of it, you will have fun for life!

Answer 2

al merrick.. epoxi is good... channel islands search it up

Answer 3

Get a really awesome one, dude. Rock on freaky bro!

Answer 4

just stay out of the water

Answer 5

I would recommend starting off by buying according to your ability.  That means starting off with longer and more stable boards.  Eventually, though, you want to enjoy riding waves in your own particular fashion.  If you prefer performance with sharp cutbacks and more maneuverability, then you should eventually move to a shortboard.  If you prefer more of a gliding and smooth sailing type of ride, get a longboard.  There are also several board types in between for styles that are in between shredding and soulsurfing, too.  If you want to charge big waves then you need a "gun".  

The bottom line is learn on the beginner boards to get the feel (seems like you've already done that), but eventually learn to ride a board that suits your style.

Answer 6

I would recommend getting a longer board, but get one that has the ability to grow with you.  Something that is good to learn on but still has some performance aspects to it.