short girl...long board?

[OhmMani]

This is my first time posting...so i hope someone will be kind enough to help a girl out. I'm going to start surfing this summer - and i 've been reading up on everything i can to get me prepared...just a little problem... I'm 5'1" tall and i weigh 95 pounds...so i'm not sure of how long of a board i should get. since i'm not "average" height, should i get a kids board? or would a short board kinda work as a long board for me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

[Guest]

No to the shortboard, no matter how small you are a shortboard is a high performance board and is not meant for a beginner of any size to learn on. I suggest something around 7 ft. for you, a funboard with a tri fin system since turning on a single fin is hard. It is thick enough to float someone much bigger than you and is about 21 inches wide, it will be very stable and you will be standing up in no time, plus when you want to sell it you will sell it wuick and get most of your money back since it is impossible to find used funboards. Another plus is that it is manuverable like a shortboard, but can catch waves on those tiny little boat wake days. I know I am rambling on, but I tried to learn on a 6'3 and I am 5'7, it was hard, I moved up to a 6'11 and it was much easier and I could cruise around on it easily. Now I am going up to a 7'2 since the days here are flat, I mind as well catch waves in my pool.

[Left_Nut32]

You'll definitely need at least a 7 or 8 foot mini-mal... Doesn't really matter if you get a tri fin set up or not, single fin would be just as fine these days... especially if you're a longboarding. Doesn't sound to me like you'll be ripping waves anytime soon so you might want to stick with a durable board that paddles easy.

I'm guessing it'll be pretty difficult for you to paddle out, so I agree with the call on NO SHORTBOARDS for you... shortboards are a lot less bouyant and require a lot more skill to maneuver and require a decent amount of maintenance.

You might want to check out these sites for some ideas on mini-mals:

http://www.bamboosurfboards.com.au/shapes.htm

http://www.hobie.com/surfboards/#

http://www.longboardhouse.com/Showroom/index.htm

[sinistapenguin]

I agree - go long, thick and buoyant.

If you want something more manageable, go for something around 7 1/2 feet - as you're small, this will be more than long enough.

Something too big may intimidate you as they tend to really pull you back when you get caught inside.

The main thing is remember that this is fun, don't take it too seriously. The more relaxed you are about it, the better you are likely to do when you learn.

Get out there and go for it"!!

Cheers

Sinista

[iris]

hey, i´m exactly your height and weight (what a coincidence) and i´m a longboarder, i ride from a 9´0 to a 9´6... :lol:
since you´re begginer i´d go with all the ones here that said thick and long, it´ll make it easier for you! even an 8´5 would be good enough for you to start. i actually started with an 8´5

[OhmMani]

You guys have been so kind! i really appreciate all your feedback and advice. I think i've got a good idea now on what i should buy. Thanks again!