What surfboard do i need?

Question

I'm 18 years old just moved to san diego and am going to pick up surfing, I'm 6'3" about 175lbs. I wanted a board that I can grow into but something I use to get good on, not looking for a longboard. If I cant get what I need, how hard would it be to learn on something like a 6'6" shortboard?

Answer 1

The best thing you can do is go to a local surf shop. If you can, get lessons and then advance to getting your first board (lessons will give you a good idea of the sport and if you actually want to continue it, and your instructor can help you get your first board). In absence of that, the best thing to do is get the advice of a local surf shop, they know the local waves best and can better assert what type of board is right for you. Using the advice of some people on the internet who have probably never even surfed to buy your first board is a waste of money, and if you're going to do that, well, you might as well send me the money 'cause you'd just be throwing it away.

Answer 2

Harder than a longboard/fun shape obviously but it can be done.  The learning curve is just a lot steeper because a shortboard has much less stability, float, a smaller "sweet spot" (the area where your feet are situated while riding.  Too far forward and you will pearl the nose.  Too far back and you'll sink your board and lose speed), and is harder to paddle into waves.  That being said, I learned on a 6-8 that I bought off of a buddy.  I'd say it took me a good 6 to 9 months before I felt truly comfortable on it.  I am a bit bigger than you at 6-2 200 though so I need a little more foam under me.

Answer 3

If you want to start off on a shortboard, it will be easier to start off on something a little more floaty. I'm about the same size as you weight wise (5'9, 175 lbs), and started off on a 6'8 at 2 3/4" thickness. Something around those dimensions will be floaty enough to help you as a beginner (more float = easier paddle), and you'll also have some room to grow into it.

The board was made for a 205 lb rider, which at your frame would be a likely weight for you in a couple years. Even if you stay lighter than what the board was made for, that's not a bad thing. I still use that big shortboard on smaller days and have a blast with it.