by Otter » Wed Jan 17, 2007 2:40 am
I'm 51, I've surfed Shortboards and Longboards since 1967. Sure, most older guys will ride a Longboard, and most younger guys disdain them. Wait until the younger guys have their metabolism slow down and they put on some extra poundage, they'll be happy to ride Longboards because their Shortboards won't float them any more. Not wanting to offend, but this is the reality of growing older.
I haven't put on alot of extra weight, I'm 6'4" and weigh 230lbs, but I'm not the 180lbs I was out of high school, when I did most of my Shortboarding.
The main thing is, all surfers should respect other surfers regardless of what they choose to ride. We are a very few select people, those who have struggled to learn to surf, that put forth the effort to get to the beaches and seek the perfect wave, regardless of their age. This in my opinion commands respect.