Help choosing a longboard for 5'1 female surfer

[rita83]

Hello everyone

I'm a new member who is considering purchasing a longboard and would really like some advice. Because I'm petite (5'1, 95 lbs), I know I need to be careful not to go too big or heavy.

I currently ride a single fin 8'2 board (a brand called Soul Surf). I'm a beginner-intermediate and I've been surfing almost every day for about 6 months. I catch about 80% of waves now and can do turns and cutbacks (but can't yet cross-step properly). I generally surf 1-4 ft waves, point and reef breaks.

I love my current board for turning, but it's very light and thin. I'm looking to transition to a board that might make it easier for me to cross-step and noseride. However, when I recently took out my friend's Bing Pintail Lightweight 9'2, I struggled to handle it in the water, because of the bulk and weight (19 lbs/70l compared to my board's 11 lbs/60l), and also to get in deep paddles because my shoulders aren't very wide.

So I guess I need a board that's somewhere in the middle. I'm considering the following Takayama models:

Kassia 9'0 (22 1/8" x 2 9/16")
Noah.Comp 9'0 (22 1/4" x 2 9/16", 62.6L)
M-2 9'0 (22 1/2" x 2 11/16")
In the Pink 8'6 (22 1/2" x 2 7/8", 64L)

In terms of size, I'm thinking 9'0 because that's what a traditional longboard is and also I've taken out 9'0s lighter than the Bing Pintail and managed just fine, but I've been told that I should consider getting an 8'6, because given my size, "it would be like a longboard".
I'm not sure if this is true, but if so, then they already do In the Pink in 8'6, so that's an option.

I would be very grateful for any thoughts and recommendations.

[IB_Surfer]

When wanting to noseride the bigger the board the easier it is. However, one thing that my female friends have always looked for is how it fits under your hand and how heavy it is to lug into the water. I like all your 9ft choices, I would not buy an 8'6 for noseriding. If you can go hold one it will sway you. And of course, the prettiest board wins...

[alex_k]

You may wish to consider a custom. Many stock boards are made with a medium to larger sized man imagined, and for you who weighs much less, a thinner or leaner board can help. A shaper can tell you much more about this, and you can collaborate to make the decisions on just how to adjust the board for your height, weight, abilities and (crucially) the local waves.

Marc Andreini, a legendary shaper, talks about this on his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVPnp4nl5E/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVQibxnS6l/
That said, the Takayama Kassia is according to their website is stock designed for ladies, so that might be a good choice.

Depending on where you are, there may be shapers who would make you a custom board for prices comparable to a new major brand board. Santa Cruz CA is like this, customs from some local folks may be cheaper than firewires or Takayamas. If you're in northern CA, feel free to send me a DM and I can recommend at least one specific person who is top notch and affordable.

[waikikikichan]

Because I'm petite (5'1, 95 lbs)

I too am on the smaller side at 5'3" 125 lbs.

I love my current board for turning, but it's very light and thin. I'm looking to transition to a board that might make it easier for me to cross-step and noseride. However, when I recently took out my friend's Bing Pintail Lightweight 9'2, I struggled to handle it in the water, because of the bulk and weight (19 lbs/70l compared to my board's 11 lbs/60l), and also to get in deep paddles because my shoulders aren't very wide.

In the Pink 8'6 (22 1/2" x 2 7/8", 64L)

In terms of size, I'm thinking 9'0 because that's what a traditional longboard is and also I've taken out 9'0s lighter than the Bing Pintail and managed just fine, but I've been told that I should consider getting an 8'6, because given my size, "it would be like a longboard".
I'm not sure if this is true, but if so, then they already do In the Pink in 8'6, so that's an option.

So if you don't have wide shoulders and struggle to control boards, then the In the Pink with it's super wide "trash can" nose won't be of any benefit. Both the Donald Takyama Kassia Meador and Cori Schumacher don't have as wide noses as the In the Pink.

514b1B1AsaL._AC_SY450_.jpg (13.45 KiB) Viewed 1724 times

HPD Cori Schumacher model. Fun board that my friend owns and I got to ride.

I do sort of agree with a 9'0" not fitting with our Gate / Stride us smaller riders do with our feet/legs. My favorite board is an 8'8" Southpoint Carl Schaper Bonga Perkins model. But that's not legal for competition. But if you're not doing contest, than no worries.

Here's me on the 8'8".

3 feet over your head is plenty. You should be able to nose ride your 8'2".

[rita83]

Wow, this is very helpful, thanks so much guys!

However, one thing that my female friends have always looked for is how it fits under your hand and how heavy it is to lug into the water.

I agree, and I wish it were an option for me to try out different boards. Unfortunately, where I live (Sri Lanka), there are not many longboards to choose from.

A shaper can tell you much more about this, and you can collaborate to make the decisions on just how to adjust the board for your height, weight, abilities and (crucially) the local waves...Marc Andreini, a legendary shaper, talks about this on his instagram

Based on your recommendation, I reached out to Marc Andreini, and he was great.

I do sort of agree with a 9'0" not fitting with our Gate / Stride us smaller riders do with our feet/legs. My favorite board is an 8'8" Southpoint Carl Schaper Bonga Perkins model. But that's not legal for competition. But if you're not doing contest, than no worries.

Yes, an 8'8 seems to make sense, at least to start with, and Marc Andreini suggested the same. And no competitions on the near horizon, so I should be fine with an 8'8 for now

[ConcreteVitamin]

Stoked for you - Marc was great to talk with. Which model did you settle on?

[rita83]

Stoked for you - Marc was great to talk with. Which model did you settle on?

The Magic Sam

[ConcreteVitamin]

Looking forward to your ride report in ~5-6 months!