What kind of surfboard should my son get?

Question

He's 5'2 about 105. I think a funboard around 7' would be good? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

it depends on what he wants to do on his board. if he just wants laid back cruising on the waves and slight turns, a 7' is great. but if he wants to take it up to the next level (cutbacks, sharp turns, floaters, pumping for speed and landing huge aerials) then he should get a shortboard or fish. i would suggest getting him a fish because they paddle like a long board and perform like a shortboard. so if you want to get him a fish, i would suggest getting a 6'6". shortboards are a bit harder to ride, takes more time to  learn how to ride, has late drop-ins, and takes more effort to paddle. but once you learn how to ride the shortboard, it is like the greatest thing in the world. they perform a little better than fish too. i am 5'6" and 130lbs and i ride a 6'4" shortboard. i like that size board so i would suggest getting him a 6'4" or a 6'6" shortboard if you want him to get a shortboard. i hope this helps! good luck getting a new board!

Answer 2

How old is he? How much does he know about surfing? How much do you know about surfing?? 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. He has to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown him), 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 let him join their ranks.

Lessons are usually the best way to start, unless you are surfing parent or he has older siblings or pals who surf who can teach him. Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook him up with lessons, and even rent him a board to learn on. (and, it's going to be either a longboard or a funboard [mini-mal]) Just work on his 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, or from a "big Box' store like Costco. 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  friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.

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 have 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). Also, kids grow, sometimes very quickly. A board that is "just right" in Auguist of 2008 might be "all wrong" in May 2009.

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! Be careful of what you read on line. After he masters his ocean skills, get REAL advice from a surf shop, where industry professionals earn their rent money selling surfboards. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention.

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. The pros there can give you the right answers!!

Good luck. Once he tries surfing (and learns the 'right way') he'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 3

A board around 7'0 would be good. Costco sells a softtop for $99 and that would be a good starter board for a super cheap price.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/