NEW TO SURFING. ABOUT TIME!

[LetsGetToxic]

I'm 26 years old and I feel as if I'm a little older than most people who pick up surfing. It's funny because I've lived near the beach my entire life and never took it up. I live in Newport Beach, CA and want to learn. I love the ocean, as I've been Scuba diving for 2+ years now.

Anyways, I came across a Bic Sport Mini Malibu 7'3" x 21 1/4" x 2 1/2". Is this a good board to learn on or should I look elsewhere? A local surf school instructor said that I should be learning on a longboard instead. Is he correct or would the board I already have suffice? I'm 6'0 and 180lbs (though I plan to lose 10-15 of that).

And a question on wetsuits. It's pretty damn cold out here right now and I'm not touching the waves without one. The same instructor recommended an O'Neil "Psycho 2" Wetsuit. They are pretty expensive but if it will keep me warm and help me enjoy surfing better than I'm all for it.

I'm going to take lessons to get the basics down but I want to start with the right gear. Your help is appreciated!

- LGT

[gdude335]

i live in your area (somewhat, san francisco)
for a wetsuit get a 4/3, oneil is a good brand
the bic boards are great!
i dont know if your a big guy or anything but i recommend you learninng on the (if you can find) bic 7.9 or 8.4.
You might wanna take a couple lessons before buying a board.

[isaluteyou]

3/2mm wettie. (san fran is a lot colder than newport beach )

Oneil phyco 2 is probably one of the best wetsuits around.

[fenix07]

Toxic, don't fret about your age, I'm 23, and I only started just last summer. If you're the type who is not bothered by cold water, then go for a 3/2, like the oneill psycho; if you freeze easily, then go for a 4/3. It all depends on your body. And don't worry about younger surfers out there, there are surfers of all ages out surfing, and 26 years old is not old at all. Hey, if 70 year-old men can get out there and surf, then surely you can too.

I can't really help you with which surfboard to choose since I'm a bit of a kook myself, I'll leave that for other more experienced surfers to help you with that decision...

[justloafing]

I just started at 48 this year. From what I have read on these boards. You may want to rent a board or boards to see what you want. A long board would be easiest to start with and get the basics down in order for you to go shorter. Wet suites if your water temp does not get colder than 57 or 58 a 3/2 would work, anything colder I would look into a 4/3. JMHO

Have a blast

[Driftingalong]

The board may be a tad short for trying to learn, but if you're dedicated you can probably make it work.

A 3/2mm full suit will probably work just fine. (maybe some boots too)

[jethrodog]

For what it's worth:

I use to surf Santa Cruz in a 3/2. I froze my ass off. I now have a 4/3 for there. Much better.
I found that learning on a longer board was better for me, easier to catch a wave, easier to get up, which meant easier to get the hang of it and to learn faster. And, I like having a longer board for those smaller days or for longboard spots.

[dondiemand]

i would go with a longer board than 7'3", maybe 7'8" or close to 8"..also, get a used board, u might be wasting your money getting a new one..if you think you like it, then that's the time to get a new stick..and, i would recommend to go with an instructor the first few times u go out..it would help u a lot with wave knowledge, do's and dont's(surf etiquette)..and you should be fine with a 3/2mm..and oh, dont worry about your age, i started when i turned 27..i'll be 29 in a month, and i think i improved a lot..surfing takes patience and dedication..go out and have fun..goodluck!!

[LetsGetToxic]

Wow thanks for all your input guys. I appreciate it. I'm going to get some lessons through newportsurfschool.com. Has anyone heard of them before? The guy seems to know his stuff as he told me pretty much what you all just did; get a longboard and a 3/2 Psycho 2 Wetsuit. I'm going to buy the wetsuit but I think I'll rent the longboard for my lessons and then decide on buying one.

[justloafing]

Perrrrrrrrrrfect. Have a blast

[justloafing]

I'll rent the longboard for my lessons and then decide on buying one.

Do you know if the surf school has boards they use for lessons? You may not need to rent one if they have them. I know a lot of schools use soft boards. After a lesson or two go rent a glass board and have at it.

[SDCali]

Wow thanks for all your input guys. I appreciate it. I'm going to get some lessons through newportsurfschool.com. Has anyone heard of them before? The guy seems to know his stuff as he told me pretty much what you all just did; get a longboard and a 3/2 Psycho 2 Wetsuit. I'm going to buy the wetsuit but I think I'll rent the longboard for my lessons and then decide on buying one.

Never heard of them, but I stick more towards Huntington with the occasional trip to La Jolla. 3/2 is probably perfect to start with here. its' what I have, but not brand name, you may want to get booties as well. I don't wear them because my feet always get too hot when I wear them, besides I don't like having to wear shoes in the first place.
Longer board is definately better, but proportionate to your size, see what they give you for your lessons and try to stick to around that size. I took lessons using 8-9 ft boards, and currently using a 7'10".
Have fun

[klhoskins]

I wish I would have started at 26... I'm almost 39 and just started 8 months ago. I'm 5'11" and started on an 8'0" fun shape which I think was perfect. I switched to a 7'4" gun shape a month ago and it's been downhill since so I may be taking the 8'0" back out for a while. As far as the suit, the last 2 months or so I have been damn glad I bought a 4/3 and booties.

It's sort of weird for me as well, I have lived in San Diego my whol life. For almost 2 years 3 blocks from the beach and am just now learning to surf.