What should i get as my 1st surf board?

Question

hi

ive just started surfing and have had some lessons and have got to the point wher i can consistantly ride waves into the beach. I statred surfing on the 8 ft swell boards and have rented a smaller softtop board.

i want to improve my surfing and start to learn how to cut back and manover the board more effectivly.

I want ot get my own board now and i am unsure which type i should get. I dont know if im ready for the shortboards but i dont want to get a longboard which i will not want anymore when i get more advanced at surfing

what type of board whould you recomend me?

Answer 1

You definitly should get a retro-fish styled surfboard.  I don't know how tall you or or where you are located, but those are my favorite boards and I have been surfing for 4 years now.  If you are average sized, anything ~5'10" ==> 6'6".  Make sure it is at least 2 7/8 " thick, 3" is better.  It won't matter if you are riding ankle biters or 1.5X overhead.  I'm on the central coast of california where the waves aren't always that consistent and I have a 6'6", 21 1/4" wide, 3" thick.  Channel Islands make pretty nice ones, although they are pricey, they are worth it.  Check out their website,  http://cisurfboards.com/sb_cifish.asp  -- hope that helps.  (another tip is that, unless your sponsored or competing, it is definitly 100% not going to hurt to have more foam under you.  You will paddle faster, catch more waves, and stay warmer [since more of your body is out of the water].  You can surf circles around those pro-wannabees sitting in the water up to their necks on their little keychain surfboards)

Answer 2

My friend and I worked on a small web application that you may find somewhat helpful....of course we hope you find it very helpful and get in the water and have fun!!!

http://www.db-surfaces.com/selector.htm

feedback is always appreciated...

Answer 3

A long, at least 6' 8'' Channel Islands. Work up to shorter boards and try out different boards as you proggress.

Answer 4

well it depends on your height and weight but try a mini-mal, around 7 foot or slightly biggger, with a slightly pointed nose so it manoevers well but still big enough to catch waves easily. of course it depends what type of waves you'll be surfing as well and where, but one like this should be a good first board and as you progress to a shortboard, it can be used for smaller days but they also have good resale value

like this sort of shape

http://www.newsurfproject.com/f72.html

Answer 5

long they are the easiest to learn on

Answer 6

a soft top longboard

Answer 7

A long soft foam board, short boards go extremely fast down waves but u might slip of because of fiberglass.

Answer 8

Get a mini-tanker. They are smaller but still have a lot of buoyancy