What size longboard should I get? (6'1' and 250 pounds, south Florida break)?

Question

longboard surfboard for beginner, what size would be the absolute minimum?

Answer 1

I'd go bigger than an 8', with your weight and height go for a 9' board.

Answer 2

Agreed with your answers so far, definitely no smaller than 8'.  You really should consider the 9' instead, however, it'll probably be a lot easier for you to use.

Here are some links that might help:

http://surfing.about.com/od/surfinstruct...

http://www.ehow.com/how_2570_choose-firs...

http://members.cox.net/swcsurf/articles....

http://www.surfer-guide.com/how1_1stsurf...

And here's one that'll teach you to MAKE your own board:

http://www.surfersteve.com/resin.htm

Answer 3

Agree with mpoppapump, you should go bigger than an 8 footer, particularly since you are a beginner. Find someplace that will rent you a 9'6" board and see how that feels.

I recently had a friend learn to surf on a 10" Softop foam board, which is a great beginner board. Then when you get the hang of it you can get a real board.

Answer 4

Everyone  is telling you to buy this size or that size.. Whats more important to you is the width of the surfboard and the thickness. The  thicker the board is, the more flotation it will have.  

The length of the surfboard doesn't mean a thing if the width and the thickness of the board is not suited to your ability or weight.

Answer 5

What?  Everyone recommending minimum  8 ft as a longboard?

The guy is 6-1, minimum 9 ft.  It depends on what you want to do.  9-6 to 10-0 is common.  If your break has some pretty lazy waves, you can go bigger (up to 12 ft) for that easy paddle.

Concentrate on thickness for your weight.  It all depends on what you like.  If you don't know how to surf, get something you can handle.

Look through the annual board issue that Surfer usually puts out, or pick up any surf mag to see different styles.  Its all a personal choice and how fit you are (or want to be).

Answer 6

where ever you are renting or buying just ask most surf shops have knowledgeable sales people, If not try Ron Jon's.Com

but yes 8 ft sounds right.

Answer 7

The absolute minimum I'd go is 8 feet, but I'd recommend a 9 foot board.  Definitely try a few out before you buy.  Good luck!