What's considered "long"?

[jblucat]

im getting my first longboard...ever...and im torn between an 8'6 and a 9'0.

me = 5'9" 170lb

im totally new to all this and i hear conflicting views (ie. 8'6 isnt LONG, etc)...

basically i was hoping to get anyone's input on what's easiest to get into, use, etc. thanks SO much in advance.

(as if THIS post hasnt been heard 1,003 times)

[Dec]

Mate, if its 8 or 9...Women will definately think its long!

Nah, seriously anything over 8' is long. In longboard competitions I think they have a regulation of 8'6 or 9'.

[jblucat]

thanks Dec...can i pick yer brain a sec?

what would YOU recommend...given my height n weight. thx

[bmth.longboarder]

isn't 9'1 competition length???

[rich r]

Yeah, I think 'officially' people consider 9 foot and up a longboard. I'm riding an 8-6, myself these days and I don't really consider it a true longboard.

[jblucat]

thanks guys--SUPER nice people here.

(me = long time reader--first time poster)

i appreciate the input. seriously.

[eastcoastsurfshop]

9'0" and above is considered a longboard. To enter a longboard comp it has to be 9'0" from nose to tail on the deck.

Anything from between 8'0" and 9'0" is considered neither a mini mal or a longboard kinda in betweeny. Mini tankers seems to be the description used mostly! They are neither a mini-mal nor a longboard, thus don't really perfom like either as well!!!


Given the choice between a 8'6" and a 9'0" I'd go for the 9'0"

[jblucat]

East--you ever make it down this way? to either side of florida? (trust me, in asking you that--i aint braggin about the waves ..) just curious...

particularly THIS side (Captiva)...i see NO one around here in the surf--but i cant help but think its do-able...even if its 1-2'.

[Otter]

1' - 2'?

You are in my prayers...

[bmth.longboarder]

im mostly surfing 2-3 at mo.

[justloafing]

1' - 2'?

You are in my prayers...

Otter, That's hardcore. Ya gotta really want to go. The only problem with 1-2 is that it is usually breaking in 4 inches of water.

bmth.longboarder, That's about my speed too. any where from knees to stomach.

[Dec]

otter! Didn't think he caught on with that one!

[jblucat]

1' - 2'?

You are in my prayers...

those of us in the Gulf need ALL we can get...so keep it comin in spades, O...hehehee...

[9.2]

Longboard is considerer over 9´1 (included)
Good luck

[Farno]

Will there be much difference for me learning?
i currently use a 7'6 mal and was looking for a longboard around 9'6 or 10' for the summer.
i'm 5'11 and around 80kg, that around 176lbs.

Like i said i'm still learning, been out around ten times and have managed to stand up once. Can catch waves all day long, but standing is proving to be difficult....i'm not put off, because ii love it so much, but would a longboard help (much more considering it will cost me around £400 for one is that money well spent?)

[RJD]

I started on a borrowed 9'2"

Bought an 8' mini mal.

After 6 months I also bought a 9'2"

Difference IMO is huge.

Wavecount, ability to paddle, get & stay on your feet, actualy just get out back and catch clean waves, the mal has it in spaces oevr the mini.

A foot or so makes a lot of difference.

[Surfing-Innovation]

If you struggling to stand up, then maybe a lesson or two might be money well spent?? It might just be a technique thing that an instructor could sort out for you??

If you're still struggling after that, then yeah, go a for a log that's really stable.......

[dougirwin13]

I'm sure that over here 9'0" and over are technically long.

-doug
Compsand.com - The Composite Surfboard Cooperative!

[Roy Stewart]

Over here 13 feet feels short (ish). . . board finished yesterday, here are the first few waves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk4E_B25BEQ

[9.2]

9´1 included and over is an oficial longboard