Surfing Waves

Hey guys. I'm new to this forum and surfing in general. I'm interested in buying my own longboard, but I don't know what would be best for me. Typical waves in my area (East Florida) are usually 2'-4' in the summer. I'm 5'4" and weigh 105lbs. What size/kind of longboard should I be looking for? If you need more information let me know, I wasn't sure what to give. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Annie

For your size I would recommend a shorter longboard, 9'0 would be cool. Something along the lines of 9'0" x 22" x 2 5/8"

What type of longboarding are you interested in?

Thanks for the reply. As for what type of longboarding, I'm not realy sure what you mean. I'm fairly good at surfing for kist starting out. Mainly I just catch a wave and ride it in, no carving or anything. I longboard on skateboards, too. So I've just been doing board tricks on the water, like cross stepping and stuff like that. Is that what you mean? Sorry, I'm a rookie:P

Since you skate, if you want something most like that I would go for some kind of performance longboard. It is more drivey, and you can surf it more aggressively (I think they are easier for beginners too). Looking for 2+1 fins, a pin tail and a touch more rocker.

The other type is the traditional board. I don't know much about these but they have wider tails (square mostly), less rocker, a single fin and the turning is more pivotal. Harder to ride, more footwork so I've heard, although better for noseriding and ridden properly looks really nice. People use them for trim and style, (but you wouldn't catch me on one).

I'll look for a boat like you've said. Something that turns easily and is like a skateboard would be great for me. Are there any brands you suggest?

Buy second hand, make sure to check the board first though for cracks & discolouration.

Alright. Thank you for all of your help!

I just skateboarded 7 miles home from the beach back into town, some on cliff paths and some on bicycle paths : sooo as far as I am concerned I reckon a good narrow 9footer single fin with slight rocker would keep you having fun forever (its what I have and I love it, and its fast as hell down the line !)

Thanks! That's what I'm looking into

I have a 9'0" Pearson Arrow Josh Mohr model. I absolutely love it and can stand up in 6 inches of white-wash--no problem

Would you guys recommend the boards from this website: http://www.brucejones.com/used.htm ?

I have a 7'8" Bruce Jones Hybrid that is great.

Ricky likes to give advice even though he is a newbie kook who throws his board away. He'll give you the standard line you'll hear at a surfshop though so you can't go wrong.

Roy, people are asking for advice not a one line statement of your opinions on the state of the surfing world.
Why not explain why you have that opinion and help the guy out.
You appear to like demeaning a whole genre of boards that are in your opinion "crap" and the many people who ride them successfully.

Your definition of a good successful ride differs entirely from what others wish to do, and that sums it up what they wish to do
So many of the question asked are from a beginners point of view and pedantic extreme views like yours does not help them
Bear in mind too, just how many would be able to afford the style and equipment to surf ala Roy.

Your style of posting is a bit like Escrima parry then riposte, hardly inviting in helping beginners learn.

Roy_Stewart wrote:Ricky likes to give advice even though he is a newbie kook who throws his board away. He'll give you the standard line you'll hear at a surfshop though so you can't go wrong.

Whereas you, Roy, post nothing useful ever. Pot, kettle, black etc.

I stand by my decision that performance longboards are easier for beginners.

As a beginner myself and I would be out now but am waiting for an emergency plumber , I would strongly recommend going to a few surf shops near where you surf and talk to them. It might be a little more expensive than ebay but they usually also want repeat business and will stock second hand boards and new boards that are suitable to the waves on the local beach. I think you would then be more likely to end up with a board that is appropriate to your ability now and for the next few years, and the local surf conditions.


Greg

Rickyroughneck wrote:

Roy_Stewart wrote:Ricky likes to give advice even though he is a newbie kook who throws his board away. He'll give you the standard line you'll hear at a surfshop though so you can't go wrong.

Whereas you, Roy, post nothing useful ever. Pot, kettle, black etc.

I stand by my decision that performance longboards are easier for beginners.

A performance surfboard is usually thinner and shorter, thus easier to carry, fits easier under your arm, doesn't toss you around in the whitewash as much as a big log. So maybe that is what you mean by easier.

As to catching waves, they are not better, a big plank is easier to catch waves in, but can cause problems for begginers as to holding on to them, turning them, not getting hit by them, but they would catch waves in a cruiser easier than a performance board.

Lastly, did anyone notice that this post is from July?

Big plank? you rae comparing apples with pears,shape with size.

The penny fails to drop once again .

big plank = longboard that's not performance, sorry to use the wrong synonym, didn't know the analogue police was out and about.

Pennies? Who uses pennies any more?

Roy is Onalogue police, nothing is right in the surfing world except his feudal system of Earls, Barons and Lairds.
There is no middle class with Roy's boards.
Any other board is of the corporately enslaved masses, unpleasant peasant that we are

Now about the real question, the good advice is there for you Annie95.
Just don't go soft on us
Let us know how your journey unfolds