how long does it take?

[Quiksilver54]

Ok, so im not some kinda wealthy kid that can buy a longboard and then a shortboard once i get the hang of it, i really dont wanna learn on a longboard because they seem slow and not agile but everyone says shortboards are alot harder to ride? but i really wanna get a shortboard but not if its gonna take forever to get up. so i mean what do you suggest i get? and how long will it take to get up on a shortboard?

[RJD]

Longboards wont seem slow when your out there in the lineup catching more waves than the shortboarders!:D

I havnt tried leaning on a shorty, but theres a huge difference in difficulty just between my 8 ft and 9 ft boards.

What point is it having a board that'll turn quick if yu never catch waves, never get to your feet?

You can always sell the longbaord when your moving down in size.

Ofcourse if your in your teens , fit & can get in the water most days then a shorty may be worth a go.

[WooD]

I dont get where people think longboards are slow. You get into the right wave on a longboard, and you'll fly.

[Driftingalong]

You can pick up a 2nd hand BIC or NSP to learn on and then sell it to get your next board (they retain there value pretty well).

[Sar]

Compromise and get a minimal. If you get a longboard I reckon you'll get used to how easy they are to paddle and then will find the move to shortboard harder.

As for how long it takes - there are so many variables in the answer to that question its kinda pointless.

[bluesnowcone]

my first board was a shortboard and i found it almost impossible, everntualy i got fed up got myself a longboard and iv been longboarding eversince. it is possible to learn on a shortboard, but if you were going to try it get a big shortboard thats thick and wide

[surferdude_scarborough]

wheres drowning when you need him?

[dondiemand]

it also helps if you're patient

[tautologies]

There is a shortboard that is easy(er) to learn on for people who wants a shortboard. It is a 6'6'' hybrid, looks like a longboard, only it is pretty short. Shaped by Harold Iggy www.naishsurfing.com dunno if thats what you're looking for though...but it would surely help to find something a little bit bigger than a regular shortboard to get going early.

a.

[Otter]

If you live anywhere near the San Diego area, get a real potato chip. Something short and thin, that submerges when you take it in the water. Live anywhere else, do yourself a favor, learn on a longer board. Worry about finances after you've learned to surf.

[tautologies]

Worry about finances after you've learned to surf.

everything you have of funds will funnel into the sport anyway...

a

[tomcat360]

Yup, if you like it enough you won't care how much you spend.