Will 6'0 shortboard work??

Question

I just started surfing again and i am riding a board thats around 8', i ride it pretty well and now want to transition to a shortboard, i have a 6'0 oneil rocket and i am wondering if it is too short of a board for me i am about 5'8 and in the mid 120s for weight i got the boarder when i was a bit shorter probably like 5'4 or so would it be too short to learn on or would work fine??

Answer 1

Given your weight, 6'0 would be a good size. But transitioning from an 8'0 to a six foot potato chip will take some work. You may feel that you're starting all over again; and in a sense, you will be. With that in mind, be patient with yourself. You already have the basic skills, so give it time. And if you really want to ride the 6', stick to it and resist the temptation to revert back to the 8'.

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Answer 2

Well, you do have your work cut out for you. I am sure that in the 120s the board will probably float you enough for you to take off on (provided its not on a super skinny blank). I rode a 6'4" board for years, and I hadn't weighed in the 120s since about 4th grade.

I don't know what an O'Neil rocket is like (O'Neill with L's , the wetsuit company doesn't make any boards that I know of. I even checked on line). Your ability to paddle and take off on a board that size makes all the difference.

Over the years I have seen some folks start out surfing on short boards, and master them in a few weeks. It is tough, but not impossible. So, if you are already at home on your 8', you will be able to do it. Just practice, practice, practice.

Answer 3

You are pretty small, so 6'0" is probably an ok board for you eventually. (I'm assuming it's a standard thruster setup, about 18.5" wide and 2.5" thick or something), and not a fish or anything.

It is a massive leap going from 8 foot to that though. I'd recommend getting a 6'4" or 6'6" with a bit of thickness first. Maybe even a bit of volume in the nose as well. You'll still be able to rip hard turns on that and surf it the same way you would the 6'0", but you'll paddle into way more waves and get up a lot easier. It won't be such a setback in your surfing as if you try to more straight to the toothpick

Answer 4

dude you're tiny a 5'8" would work but get a transition board first. Try like 6'2 x 18 with a lot of volume  and then move down to the fingernail.