Should I start longboarding?!

[Jemimah123]

Hello,

I have been surfing for a while now and have been using a short board, which I really enjoy but my local spot is the witterings in the Uk which is infrequent and often has small waves. Sometimes when I go down to the beach the waves are just impossible to ride on a short board but all the long boarders do really well. Surfing on a longboard looks like great fun and just a tad easier as well!

I have recently bought a modern fish so I don't particularly want to go straight into getting a new board but if I decide to, I would like to know what the cheaper option would be (if there is one) and what size, I am 14, I am slim and about 5'4"

Thank you xx

[jaffa1949]

Nice and welcome Jemimah, don't think cheap about a longboard at 14 I can understand that but slowly get yourself a good quiver. A longboard has a the advantages you stated and will help your shortboard skills too as you will have more days surfing and a smoothed out style.
You could look at the models in the NSP or Global Surf Industries range I think something no bigger than the 8ft mark but without any strong nose and tail rocker.
But if the money for the board is difficult, see if you can borrow or hire a longboard and get a feel for the length.
Another way would be to join a local surfing club and that can allow you to meet and share the surfing experience, if you surf the Witterings a lot people will start to notice you and there are chances there.
Good luck enjoy your journey!

[Jemimah123]

Thank you so much for you help I will look at the boards in those companies, money's not too much of a problem but I'm just one of those usual skint teenagers!!!

[drowningbitbybit]

Wittering is definitely more suitable for a longboard (or at least has more days suitable for a longboard than days suitable for a shortboard). A fish will also work pretty well there, but a longboard will give you the most/longest rides.

[Jemimah123]

If I went for a 7'6 - 7'10 would it still be possible for me to cross step and maybe even hang five or ten, and other longboard tricks?!

[jaffa1949]

Hi Jemimah, a board in that range will do,it , I'd suggest though that you look for a board with a little less nose and tail rocker than a short board.
Part of nose riding requires less nose rocker, more rocker tends to lift the tail,out of the wave and you lose control as the fin breaks free.
Get a board that can be a single fin and if you want side bites , side fins, as an option. Read my fin primer a single fin is small Witterings type wave will allow nose riding and other long board moves.
Think more the 7'10" board but the other will cover you for a while!
You will go well whatever !

[beachbumuk]

The witterings has some beautiful lines when it's on, I always always take my longboard as a back up as more often that not, it's not big enough for anything else (I'm a touch bigger than you ) though recently brought home a Fish from Oz that works beautifully!
Bear in mind the material of the board as they can take a beating on the stones, groynes and random washed up concrete.
To me longboardings not about catching more waves, its about the relaxedness compared to shortboards

[jaffa1949]

The witterings has some beautiful lines when it's on.
To me longboardings not about catching more waves, its about the relaxedness compared to shortboards

Absolutely nice thought!