Potential longboarder

[Jellylegs1968]

Hey,

I'm new to surfing and i like the retro look of longboards.

Also i'm a big guy, 6 ft 3 15 1/2 stone.

One question i have, are longboards easier to learn on?

[Luke]

Hiya, and welcome.

Yep, longboards are big and floaty, which makes them easier to paddle and pop up on.

Do a search on beginners boards, and get reading.

[Surfing-Innovation]

A longboard is certainly a good starting point for you - and I'd say the bigger the better. That isn't me being rude, just that you'll need a board with plenty of volume to make the paddling and catching waves part easier - and something nice and stable will be easier to stand on.....

I would try a few (surf hire places) before you think about buying - see what works for you and then take it from there.......

[bluesnowcone]

yh, definately try out the feel of a bigger board befor you buy one, and if you havent had any lessons already there definatly worth it, just take a couple just so you the basics.

retro longboards are all about cruising and getting on that noes and big long turns, i remember the first long ride i got on a 10ft foam board i rented out and its such a great feel

[RJD]

IMO as a learner and a big guy look for something 9'6" 3 inches thick, 23 wide minimum.

Big single fin if you can find it, dont worry about turning just yet.

Or a good classic old skool 10fter with glassed on, ace!

[Driftingalong]

Yes, longboards can be easier to learn on.

But, PLEASE be careful were you decide to go surf. Longboards are big and are generally a lot heavier than other boards. Also they can be very difficult to turn when you are just learning; making them especially dangerous.

[Jellylegs1968]

Once i have had a few lessons, i was thinking of using Saunton as my main practice beach as i have read it is a good consistent begginner's wave

[drowningbitbybit]

Once i have had a few lessons, i was thinking of using Saunton as my main practice beach as i have read it is a good consistent begginner's wave

You cant get better than saunton for learning, particularly on a longboard.

Only problem with saunton is crowds

[Jellylegs1968]

Any recommended surf schools in either north devon or north cornwall?

[Surfing-Innovation]

Too many to list I would say......

Used one on Gwithian a few years ago - not bad, but didn't really learn anything due to the student to coach ratio.

Have had one lesson off Lee Ryan - learnt a fair bit in a short space of time, due to it being a 2:1 lesson. Costly, but far better..........

[Bewilderbeast]

Any recommended surf schools in either north devon or north cornwall?

Try Nick Thorn in Woolacombe N/Devon.

Good luck with it all and stay with it!

[drowningbitbybit]

Any recommended surf schools in either north devon or north cornwall?

Walking On Waves is at saunton. Never used it (maybe should've done... years ago...) but Ive seen lots of happy people coming out of the water with the instructor Sarah.

[Otter]

So in pounds (not Sterling) how much is 15.5 stone?

[Jellylegs1968]

About 215 pounds

[Otter]

Thanks Jelly.

Yeah, definitely want to learn on a longboard. You'll experience a great deal less frustration, you'll learn quicker and have a bunch more fun to boot than trying out a potato chip to learn on. The bigger the better. I'm 6'4", 230lbs myself, and I ride a 10' single fin. Thick as a brick and very little rocker. Ride on all size waves. Keep the stoke Brah!

[Surfdoc]

I have to agree that the log is gonna make your learning experience much more fun.

I am not a big guy and frefer long boards. My boards range from 9-10 foot. Modern and classic. My new years tradition is to paddle out my 1965 Gordon and Smith, its heavy, hard to turn and sucks to carry but it's exudes mojo.

Good luck and stay with it!