What surfboard should I start with?

What is a good length surfboard for me to buy and start with? (I am 6'2)?

• Answer:

  Well, welcome to surfing. You could have saved me a bunch of typing by checking the resolved questions. But, that's okay. This question, or a real close variation of it gets asked two, three times a week. No matter what, there is only one right answer (although it is very often not the one one the asker's want to read). Lessons are the only sensible way to start surfing, either from a professional instructor, or surfing family or friends who are experienced surfers. There are way too many dangerous people in the water now, who THINK they can surf. Please don't join their ranks.The VERY LAST THING the rest of us experienced surfers want is people to take silly on-line advice, and go down to the beach, grab a surfboard, and go out and get in our way. Most people start out best on long boards, but I have seen plenty of surfers start begin with a short board and master it in no time. It just tends to be more difficult. The bottom line is there are NO RULES as to what kind of surfboard you learn on. Certainly a longboard usually is more user friendly. Since you are a Texan, it is fair to say that most of the ride-able days in the Gulf are better suited to longboards, but that also isn't a RULE. Most professional instructors will rent you a board to learn on. Beginners shouldn't even think about buying a board until they master the basics, and decide they really want to keep on surfing. As far as what type surfboard. this question comes up a lot on YA Surfing, and it is impossible to answer it accurately on-line. Although I am sure you will get lots of "advice" the real BEST ANSWER is to go to a good local surf shop and discuss your skill level, your size (your weight is very imporatnt, your height is fairly irrelevant) and local wave conditions with the folks there. they will give you much better info than ANYBODY out here in cyberspace. When you are finally ready, you should really think about buying a decent board, and avoiding popouts , and boards made in sweat shops in China, unless that's just all you can afford. And don't forget, there are always used boards for sale in every surf shop. After almost 43 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice at good local shops in the places where I surf. And, I know there are lots of nice kids who want to share information with you on line. But don't take the advice from youngsters, who may know even less than you do about surfing, a surfboard is a big investment. I suspect at 19 you are mature enough to read through the BS that lots of people throw at you on line. Don't waste your time on line, go straight to the source, a good local shop. Anybody, on-line, who gives specific advice on what size board someone should buy is foolish. Anyone who takes that advice is more foolish. Good luck!