What size surf board should I buy?

Question

I want to know what size board I should to start with. I know I want to buy a used board since they are cheaper and recommended for beginners. I'm 6'2", 185lbs, and know how to body board pretty good. The size of waves that are in my area are about 1" to 5" waves. So im not sure if I should buy a short size board or a long board. Does anyone have any good advice? What to do?

Answer 1

You want a longboard maybe 7 feet to 7' 4".  Ask and see if they have any frenchi boards there are very easy to get up on and are very easy to handle.  My first board was a frenchi.  Longboards are easier to get up on.  Every year if you surf a lot try and get a new board that is about 1-2 inches smaller than the one before it but stop at a certain point because you don't want it to small.  Also becareful about you height if your growing you don't want to take to much of because at the begining of summer it will be perfect but by the end it will be to small and then what happens?  You have to go get a new board.

Answer 2

I'd say about a 7'2'' but try to rent one and see how the size works with you.

Answer 3

You're a pretty big guy,so I would recommend a long-board,to learn on. Why?If you jump on a short-board right away, you will lengthen your learning by a year, at least. Try getting up to your knees on your body-board and you will see how tricky it is. 1)A long board will help you learn your wave knowledge,timing,paddling and a list of other things to learn before you start ripping.2) Longboards are easier to catch waves on. As you improve, shorten your boards length.3)Stay off to the side of the peak until you know what you're doing and LOOK BEHIND you before you drop-in.4)Go out in all kinds of conditions: windy,sloppy...no waves? go out and paddle up and down the beach and build up your paddling muscles.There's more paddling than surfing going on in a session than you realize.After six months, come back here and ask some more questions.

Answer 4

I would suggest for you to get a 7'0" to 7'5" (max) board if you are a beginner and get a thicker wider board. Also a mini Mal would be another option.

Answer 5

as a former surfer you might want to start off with a long board.

Answer 6

im 6'3" 185 and and as long as the board has decent thickness then length doesnt matter too much. a 3" thickness on a 6-7' board is nice for starters. Id suggest a fish for the small waves tho if you wanna have real fun with it.