What type of surfboard would be right for me?

Question

I'm 5 7' and 130lbs, I've only surfed like twice and both times i really didn't stand up buuut it was really fun and i want to learn. i dont know what type of board to get and we're buying it on ebay so idk what price i should be going for. pleez help!

Answer 1

Hey Kristinie,

must you get your board from ebay?  If thats your only choice, then thats fine, but there are better places out there. For one, you dont get to look at your board and feel it before you buy it.  Well, here in Hawaii, the best bet in finding the used board for the best prices is craigslist.  Hundreds of people are constantly on CL selling or buying surfboards in Hawaii.  Craigslist is a community based website for people to sell their used things in their area.  I'm sure theres a craigslist in your area.  Just go to http://www.craigslist.org.  Or, go to local surfshops in your area, they often have used boards on co-sign and you can bargain w/ the prices of them just a little.  Craigs would be cheapest, local surfshops would be second cheapest.

Now as for finding the right board I don't suggest foamboards not because they are easy to catch waves with, but because as you get better you're probably going to want to get something else. Just getting a plain old longboard is perfect.  The bigger the better.

I have a story of my friend that caught waves with a really big long board and he caught everything even when he didnt want to.  He caught waves when he was trying to duck dive, and even when he flipped the board over trying to get passed the wave.  But nope, he was riding the wave under water holding on to his dear life.

Also, I'd also recommend funboards.  A funboard is a surfboard that is made for beginners and combines the best of both worlds of longboards and shortboards.  They are thick so its easy to paddle and catch waves with and they are manueverable like the short board.  Funboards are also made for begineers and small 1feet to around 6ft surf.

an example of funboards can be found here:

http://localmotionhawaii.com/Surfboards/...

You can find good used boards typically between $100 - $350 here in Hawaii depending on the condition.  Im sure its the same in you're area.

Oh, and also, dont forget to get 3 finned surfboard system, not 1 or 2 because the 3 fins are more stable.  

Hope this helps!

Do not buy surfboards that say they are guns, thrusters, shortboards, fishes, hybrids, eggs because these are made for advanced surfers or big waves.

Answer 2

Surfing is an ocean sport, to do it right, you have to be at home in the ocean, with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes big waves. I don't just mean being good at swimming in a pool, the ocean can be very unforgiving. I have seen lots of really good pool swimmers have to get rescued. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave.

Lessons are usually the best way to start, unless you are an adolescent or young adult with lots of pals who surf who can teach you. Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention. make sure they know you want lessons.

That is what worries me when I read some of these questions. Lots of folks just don't know what they are getting into. The more times inexperienced people s***w up, and have to get rescued, the stricter anti surfing ordinances get passed, and it makes it tough on the rest of us. There are enough dangerous people in the water already, don't make yourself a statistic (or a pest). Get Lessons!

Be careful of what you read here on line. There are lots of really well meaning young folks who have neat answers about surfing, but at 55, I tend to classify anyone under 25 as a kid. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop, where industry professionals earn their rent money selling surfboards.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy a board on-line. You  want a decent board, so do yourself a favor an go to a good local surf shop. The folks there will help you find a board that matches the local breaks, your size, your skill level and your budget. depending on where you live, there might be great local shaper who has made (or will custom make) just the right stick for you. I I have been surfing for 42 years, and there is d%#n little surf gear that I would trust buying on line.

Take the time time to learn about the ocean. Go swimming, body surfing and body boarding. When you are really comfortable with it, it's time to start surfing. Have fun!

Answer 3

dont buy a surfboard off ebay. buy a used board from your local shop!

Answer 4

You can learn to surf on whatever board you like, but some surfboards are more appropriate than others. To maximize the rate at which your surfing progresses you need to get started on the right board. You did not start your driving lessons in a Ferrari, you do not want to learn to surf in a Ferrari (you know what i mean!). So what is the anti-Ferrari in surfboard terms (confused yet?).

  

The Soft Surfboard

If you have ever had surfing lessons with a surf school you should already have a good idea as to which surfboard is best for the beginner. Is is a soft surfboard. Sometimes called 'Foamies', these soft boards are ideal because the soft foam construction means the boards are incredibly buoyant, enabling the beginner to catch waves easily. Their dimensions ensure that they are very stable in the water - making it much easier for the novice to stand up.

Answer 5

The right one for you would be one that is about your height or a little bit below and wide. The wider it is the more control and stability you'll have on the board plus it won't go that fast when riding the wave. This is if you just starting to learn.

Answer 6

I agree with John again.

I began with a 5'8" quad fin and a 6'3" tri fin.

still have them both, will give them to my son.  

The tri was faster and sometimes too fast in the beginning, the quad was very easy to pop (stand up) with and stable to stand on.  

Be honest and sincere every time you go out.

" I'm new, Can you give me a pointer or two?"

Go to the smaller waves at the end of the action so as not to cut anyone off and chum sharks with your nose blood.

I am 34, when I was learning 20 yrs ago, if you weren't completely inept, you could get some of em to help if they see that you're sincere.  Don't fake any lingo or act like you know S*** and you will fare much better

Answer 7

8-6  to 9-6  thick  and wide dont spend over $200 good luck have fun

Answer 8

I'm a surf coach at a surf school and what we recommend for beginners like yourself is about 8'0 to 8'6 soft board or Fiberglass if it is buoyant enough to float you.

the reason being the more buoyant, the more waves u'll catch, in turn the more fun u'll have and the quicker u'll progress...

it may seem big to someone of your size but trust me you will progress much quicker with a board of this size being able to catch more waves.

most important though do yourself a favour and go get a couple of lessons from a reputable surf school, you will learn the proper techniques which will get you up and riding much quicker.... have fun out there!!!.

Answer 9

one that goes in your bathtub. I have surfed all my life and the water is getting to crowded. Stay on land