another first shortboard question for big guy

[btard]

hey everyone
I've been surfing for a while now on an 8'3" x 21 1/4" x 2 5/8" mini longboard. I guess i'm not to bad at riding it, I could ride waves up to around shoulder - head high, and could do some basic turns, but nothing too fancy. Recently however I started doing a lot of slalom and 'skurf' style skateboarding, and now when I try to surf I can't, because I'm used to riding boards that are much more responsive than my longboard. I feel like riding my 8'3" just doesn't cut it anymore so I decided it is time to start learning how to ride a shortboard.

My question is what dims of a shortboard should I look for? I've been told to look for a a big guy board, something around a 6'6". Is this a good starting point? I'm 5'11" and around 165 pounds. Paddling is not really an issue, I've paddled my friend's 5'9" around withough any problems (i used to swim competitively).

thanks for your help

[Driftingalong]

If you go often and "Paddling is not really an issue, I've paddled my friend's 5'9" around withough any problems (i used to swim competitively). "; you could probably go with a board around 6'2". (Just my opinion)

[Patrick__69]

Paddling is not really an issue, I've paddled my friend's 5'9" around withough any problems (i used to swim competitively).

Lucky wish I had arms of steel that never got tired but if you go everyday may as well try a 6'2 if u can paddle fast and not get tired at all.

[btard]

If you go often and "Paddling is not really an issue, I've paddled my friend's 5'9" around withough any problems (i used to swim competitively). "; you could probably go with a board around 6'2". (Just my opinion)

I was thinking of getting a 6'2", however I have been told that going directly to a normal sized shortboard can give you a bad style as opposed to if you gradually move down. Thoughts?

[gourou]

ya think some's gon give you points for style? keep surfing 4ever!

[mar1eylove]

If you go often and "Paddling is not really an issue, I've paddled my friend's 5'9" around withough any problems (i used to swim competitively). "; you could probably go with a board around 6'2". (Just my opinion)

I was thinking of getting a 6'2", however I have been told that going directly to a normal sized shortboard can give you a bad style as opposed to if you gradually move down. Thoughts?

style is all about how you look at it. who cares how you look to the next guy in the lineup if youre doing what you love.

[GowerCharger]

style is everything. doing something right is one thing, but being able to completely mess something up with style is much more, well, stylish.

[dondiemand]

im 5'7" and im riding a 5'11", so a 6'3" would do you just fine..goodluck!!

[btard]

im 5'7" and im riding a 5'11", so a 6'3" would do you just fine..goodluck!!

I actually got a little wider/thicker 6'3" lost speed demon from a friend for $50 two weeks ago

Its funny, on the first wave I paddled for, I caught it, stood up, and had an incredible ride. Best of my life (on a shortboard at least). Haven't been able to stand up since.

[trails surfing]

when i started i had no problem getting up the first few times, then for the rest of that sesh i kept falling when i would try to get up. the thing is the more i thought about the pop up the more i ended up in the water. what i started doing was thinking of something not related to surfing, stoped falling. from the sound of it you seem to know how to pop up, so that's why i shared my little story. hope it helps.

[gdude335]

im 5'7" and im riding a 5'11", so a 6'3" would do you just fine..goodluck!!

I actually got a little wider/thicker 6'3" lost speed demon from a friend for $50 two weeks ago

Its funny, on the first wave I paddled for, I caught it, stood up, and had an incredible ride. Best of my life (on a shortboard at least). Haven't been able to stand up since.

its really irritating when that happens, just keep on trying youll get it. 50$ for a board is a good price!