Beginner Surfer, need advice on first board

by **J_skyrme** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:00 pm

hi guys,
something ive always wanted to get into is surfing. So its about time i buy my own board and learn. obviously a beginner, so i was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what board would be best and the size? i am a 5ft11" male if this helps...

Thanks

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by **tony g** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 12:04 am

Hello J_skyrme,
It is best to start on a longboard or a bigger funboard. Bigger boards are more stable and float better, and therefore are much easier to learn on. If you get a longboard make sure it is at least 22" wide and at least 2 5/8" thick. You do not want a narrow thin big board you want something that has some width and thickness to it so you can easily progress. Good luck!

by **fashionistaqueen** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:20 am

Hi, I fell in love with surfing. My sister introduced me to her favorite water sport, she rented 8ft board with instructor for me. I tried it, instructor said its too easy for me to ride bec i am thin and light. after that, I havent surfed for 3 years. Now I am back to surf and thinking of buying 6'3 shortboard, do you think its good enough for me? Im 5ft 3 or 4 and 105 pounds.

by **tony g** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:57 am

I would get a bigger board for learning from what I know now. Bigger boards are more stable, they float better, and are much easier for beginners to learn on. I learned on a shortboard, but I should of learned on a funboard, or longboard. If you are set on a 6'3" shortboard try to borrow, demo, or rent one first and see how you do. If you are completely against a mini mal, or a longboard how about a fish? They are wider and thicker and therefore more stable. It is possible to learn on a shortboard, but it is much more difficult and many get frustrated and never learn to surf. Good luck!

by **fashionistaqueen** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:19 pm

Ok, Will try it. Thanks Tony

by **ripcurl9485** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 9:37 pm

Well number one rule of surfing is being a strong swimmer but if you feel confident in that than you want to start with a longer board with a soft tip so if you fall and you take the board to the head it wont bash you up too bad. Once you have mastered that you can move onto a shorter all conditions board that will be able to get you going on any wave.