What Size Surf Board Do I Need?
Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I am just learning to surf (so easy to ride is essential). I am 5′1″. . . on a good day. I weigh about 137lbs, and I would be surfing near the beach at Ocean City, MD. I heard the bigger the board the better, but is a 9′ or so board really needed because I’m so short? Thanks.
Category: Learn to Surf
January 16th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
you could probley get away with learning with a 6′1 but to be easy as possible i would go with anything 7 foot or over
January 17th, 2010 at 12:27 am
17 foot
January 17th, 2010 at 3:16 am
if i were you i’d go with a fun board about 7′6″-8′6″ about 2 1/2- 3 inches thick
January 17th, 2010 at 4:11 am
something 7′1″ +
January 17th, 2010 at 4:17 am
I am 5′2 and weigh 140. I learned on a 9 foot. The only problem with it is that its heavy but its was a great learning board worth the struggle. However I now ride a 7′6 which was a little bit tougher but not impossible so you might look into anything between 7′6 and 9. 8 footers are usually pretty good but it does also depend on the board shape. Do not get a gun (pointy board). Just go to one of the trusted local surf shops and get some info. Hope this helps.
January 17th, 2010 at 6:14 am
8 footer, a real longboard starts at 9′.
January 17th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
8 ft board to start you want a board about 3′ taller than you are
January 17th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I learned on a 6′4″ board and I’m 6′4″ tall. That board was probably too short to learn on, but it worked out fine.
It’s easier to learn on a longer board. You also might consider renting a foam board until you get the hang of it. That’s safer for you and those surfing near you.
Most of my friends have learned on 8′ – 9′ boards, but because you are so small, I’d recommend maybe an 8′6″. I have one of those in my quiver and it gives you the benefit of a longboard without being too unwieldy. I can actually make cutbacks on mine.
Eventually, if you want to learn to ride a shortboard, you’ll probably want to start in the lower 7′ variety of funboards. It’s a totally different deal than longboarding though. Much more maneuverability and fun in my opinion.
Whatever you do, don’t buy a NEW board right away. Get a used board until you get a better idea of your surfing style then you can plop down the bigger $$ for something that really works with the way you surf.
Learn the rules, be safe and paddle out every chance you get.
Best of luck.
January 17th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
to learn well, you probably shoould start on a foam board since they are easier and safer. since you are about 5′1 i suggest a seven to 8 foot board since they are very easy to lern on. anything shorter is too short and anything bigger is way to big and heavy. dont give up too.
January 18th, 2010 at 3:36 am
I always recommend beginners get a long board, (9′ and above).
They are easy to paddle, easy to catch waves with, easy to balance on and easy to stand up on… all the things you want to make as easy as possible.
Also, don’t forget to do some push-ups to build some upper body strength. You’ll need it for paddling and pushing yourself up to stand. Tired arms are the usual complaint from beginners.
Here’s a great article for beginners that I found at this blog called ‘Learn How to Surf in 1 Day’: http://www.buy-rash-guards.com/rashguard…