What surfboard should I get?

What size surfboard should i get?

• i'm tryin to get my first surfboard and i dont know what size to get. I'm 5'8" and about 115 pounds. anybody know whats a good size board to start surfing with at my height/weight?

• Answer:

  Lessons are the best way to start. Lessons can come from a professional instructor, or surfing family members or experienced surfing friends. 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. The last thing experienced surfers want is for inexperienced people to just grab a board, rush into the surf and get in our way. Lessons shorten the learning curve significantly. And they help keep ignorant, un-prepared kooks out of the water and out of the way of more experienced surfers. Bottom line is that MOST folks learn lots better on a long board. Over the years, I have seen lots of kids start out on a short board, and they mastered it in time, but, a long board significantly shortens the learning curve. But, there are NO RULES about how big a board you learn on. Just let me warn you, if you start on something too small, you'll just end up frustrated, and may likely give up. Beginners should take advantage of renting boards and wetsuits while taking lessons. If it turns out you don't like surfing, you haven't wasted a whole lot of money on gear that you are not going to use. When you are ready to buy, don't waste your time on line, go to a good local surf shop to discuss your size (weight is important, height isn't), skill level and local wave conditions. After over 43 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice from good local shops in the places where I surf. http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm Only a fool would give anyone specific advice on what surfboard to buy to a stranger on line, and only a fool would take that advice. Take the time and start the right way, and you will have as much fun as I have had in the last 43 years.