Is It Possible To Learn How To Surf On A Short Board?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 at 10:45 am

ok my sisters husband gave me a surfboard and its 6′1 and im barely 5 feet would it be possible for me to learn how to surf on a short board? my friend did it and she does surf competition, just need more info thanks

Category: Learn to Surf

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7 Responses to “Is It Possible To Learn How To Surf On A Short Board?”

  1. Seasidel Says:
    December 30th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    it is possible but you will have a really hard time in the beginning. Basically you will hate surfing, You won’t catch a lot of waves, get frustrated, etc. Trust me i am a surf instructor.
    I recommended starting on al ong board and working your way down to the 6′1. Surfing a long board is way easier to learn.YOu can catch waves early, catch small waves, its more stable, etc.
    good lot.
    PS get a good wetsuit for winter!

  2. John F Says:
    December 30th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Somebody asked almost the exacty same question 4 days ago. here is what i said then:
    Sounds like somebody gave you a board? Well, that isn’t always the best “starting Point”, and getting a bad start can leave you discouraged. Surfing is way too much fun to pass up, if you take the time to learn the right way.
    Surfing is an actvity that should only be practiced by someone who is comfortable in the ocean, with its rips, currents, and sometimes BIG waves.There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don’t join their ranks.
    Lessons are the best way to start, unless you are a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach you . You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don’t want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. Be very careful of what you read here on line. Some of the folks who answer on this site are very nice young folks, but not really very experienced surfers. In fact some of the folks who are giving you advice may not know as much about surfing as you do. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the ‘good news’ of surfing.
    Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you have to learn on. A board has to be bouyant enough to float you well enough for you to paddle and take off on a wave. A surfer’s board preference depends on three things: Their size (what will float them how much you weigh is what is important, not how tall you are), Their skill level (beginner to advanced) and the type of waves usually encountered at their local breaks.
    I have been surfing for 42 years, and I get my surfboard buying advice from good local surf shops in the places where I surf. Beginners shouldn’t worry about buying a board. Renting a board (either from the instructor or shop) while taking lessons is the best way to go. Since someone has already given you one, that changes the circumstances.but you may only end up disappointed starting on a board that isn’t right for you. Once you have mastered the basics, try a couple different types/styles of boards, and then decide what you want to ride.
    I wish you the best of luck.And if your friend really is all that good a surfer, she maybe able to help you as you learn.

  3. Jessica Says:
    December 30th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    its possible! i myself am learning on a short board that is 6 ft 3 inches and im 5 ft. 4 inches. If you have good balance to start off with then you can learn quickly on a short board. So if you do other board sports you will do fine, it just takes time and practise! and don’t give up when the going gets hard!

  4. corel Says:
    December 31st, 2009 at 3:15 am

    yea i learned on a 6′3 anacapa. its a nice board and i stood up on my first wave. i feel like you just have to know how to do it and have a good athletic ability. im pretty good at picking up things quickly. surfing is fun. do what you love

  5. thomas b Says:
    December 31st, 2009 at 3:46 am

    i learnt on a board that was 5″8 and im 5″10….its more difficult.. but when you love what your doing.. my biggest bit of advice is not to take it too seriously..if your getting angry or frustrated just stop for the day? surfing is about fun

  6. The Surfboard Man Says:
    December 31st, 2009 at 6:13 am

    It is possible. However it will take 10x longer. I would suggest taking some lessons on a longboard first.
    The Surfboard Manhttp://www.thesurfboardman.com/

  7. cayden k Says:
    December 31st, 2009 at 11:33 am

    i did and i rip now