What size shortboard shoud I get?

Question

Im 6'0 and have never surfed. Im moving to California soon and want to buy a board before i get out there so i know that I will have enough. Although I have no surfing experience im a skimboarding fanatic. I have heard starting on a shortboard is very hard but i guess I would rather have a sweet looking board that will be harder to learn on then have a goofy looking long one and getting right up. Also reccomended brands and places to buy from would be very helpful.

Answer 1

Wait until you get out here and get yourself a used longboard, (9' and up). Believe me, you will look like more of a kook trying to learn on a shortboard and you may even get so frustrated that you give up learning altogether.

Surfing may look easy but it ain't!!

Here's a great article titled 'Learn How To Surf in One Day' that has some great beginner tips:

http://www.beachtrading.com/learn-how-to...

Remember to show respect to the locals in the water... don't snake and don't bogart...

Good luck!

Answer 2

9ft long board

Answer 3

Wait to buy one.  You can probably get it cheaper there plus you won't have to pay excess baggage fees on the way.  Start with a big board.  Long board or fun board, its up to you.   Easier to learn on and you will be more likely to stick with it if you can get up and riding quickly.  Plus you can surf on much smaller days with a bigger board, which means you get more time in the water.

Check craigslist when you get there.  You can find a board, a job, a girlfriend and a place to live.  Brilliant!!

Answer 4

wait to buy a board. I would go with a longboard at first. you will be able to get more waves and thats the whole point. surf for a year on a longboard then move to a shorty

Answer 5

If you plan on enjoying surfing, don't start on a shortboard. I know you think that it wont be as cool but floating out in the water and not catching a single wave is even less cool.

I think a great place to start would be with either a 8ft minimal or like a 7'6" funboard. When you're learning to surf its all about wave count. The more waves you can catch the faster you will learn.

If you will start on a longer board and get the hang of it you will be able to move down to a shorter board like maybe a retro fish or something faster.

I know that's not what you really wanted to hear but trust me surfing is an art and has a soul, not about looking cool. And besides that some of the coolest surfers I know ride longboards.

There is a great surfboard buying guide available out there. Go to the following website and request it; there is a form on the home page that will let you get it.

http://www.stokedsurfboards.com

Cheers

Answer 6

I know you think it might look "cooler" to surf on a short board, but trust me when I say that as a beginner you will not look "cool" at all when you fail to even get up on a board simply because it's too short.  A guy that is as tall of you will really benefit from a long board . .  I would suggest a gun longer than 9 feet.  Epoxy is a good brand.  Also, you might consider a soft board.  If you are surfing in an area with a lot of rocks  and such, a soft board will last longer and also I found (when I was learning) they're a bit easier to stand up on.  A 9"6 Epoxy Gun is around $800.  A pin tail fun gun might also be  a good choice.  Also, you won't look lame surfing on a long board.  A LOT of people, even "experts" surf longboards.  I've been surfing for 11 years and I still use a longboard, just because I like them better.  Also try checking out Al Merrick surfboards.  

Good luck, stay safe, and have fun!