Surfing Waves

I'm just about to buy my first hardboard. I've heard that a mimimal would be best, but I can't find any good deals. I've found a shortboard that I like the look of though. Does it matter if my first hardboard is a shortboard? Would it be a VERY bad decision?
Thanks,
Jay

P.S.
For a shortboard how tall should it be compared to you (or doesn't it matter)?

It all depends on your skill level.
And on the waves you surf.

For example i surf chest to head and a half beachbreak waves and i tried to start on a 6 5 shortboard. I did catch waves but very few.
Now im on a 7´0 hybrid (sort of in between a shortboard and a funboard) and im catching hell more waves and the rides on them are definetely longer.
Most of the guys around here learned on 6´5s or 6´4s yet they learned pretty young. Im 30 so i need an extra helpyet i bodyboarded for years so thats on my advantage.
Lousier waves need longer boards.

I would say if you are surfing to enjoy it and have the strong feelings of fun...go for a 8' plus minimal or even a full on longboard, dont worry about it being second hand or a pop out as it will be good enough for now...and believe me you will ding it up like xxxxx and hate yourself for every dent if its new !!!
get a nice stable longish board and you will have a whole world of fun.


if however you see surfing as an athletic endevour, something that must me worked HARD at and dues paid in terms of attention and bad days....you can learn on a shortboard, plenty have before. but i think you need a lot more grit and have a lot less fun in the early stages.

I went for an 8' then tried a 9'4 and am now a longboarder through and through, i think i will one day know enough about the activity to give something smaller a try and hell i kept the 8' for a challenge...but i just know i wouldnt look forward to finding out the next weeks surf half as much if i was struggling to paddle and catch waves etc.

i have a newbies guide for other newbies on this very thread if you want any more info on my experiance.

good luck and keep the stoke whatever you choose.

Phill

When you say you are looking to pick up your first board, I have to assume you are just starting out surfing. Unless you are experienced, you will become very frustrated if you buy a short board as your first one. The only way to learn how to surf is to catch waves and start working on your balance, judgement of waves, dropping in on a wave etc. A short board is hard to catch waves with and even harder to balance on. A board around 8' is easier to catch waves on. The more you catch and stand up on, the more experience you get. I suggest a used mini long, or long epoxy pop out board. This board will be fairly cheap and durable.

Suggest a mini-mal to up your catch rate/ride time. Once you get addicted, you'll buy another board anyway

Cheers Trev

Yep..8+ but I have a different theory than phillwilson. I can agree with a good second hand board fully but not a cheap popout. Get something you can do more than just learn on.

Everything matters in board selection. Every little difference in length, width, thickness and shape can make a big difference in the ride and ability to catch waves.

I learned on a 6'2" at 25years old in shore break. It took me 3 months before I was up and riding I didn't know any better at the time.
So it can be done, but it's more fun to be properly gunned for your skill level. If your ultimate goal is to ride a short board and you think you can't ever afford 2 boards, Just be ready for a challenge.

I would still chose carefully. Consider maybe a little bit longer of a short board a 6'8" or 6'6" with a good shape can still rip and get you going that much sooner.

Yeah, I second getting a mini-mal. If your personality is more aggressive and you go to short after time, you can still use the mini-mal for suck days.

Basically my break is mostly on the suck side, and I get frustrated when I've paddled halfway towards the beach just see the biggest wave of the day roll past under me. You will get this a lot if you are going to learn short.

And not just the longboarders, but the mals, the minis and even all the fish will be wiped clean after you've missed the wave.

The persistent shortboarders here who only have the one board have to settle for 3 second rides on the shorebreak usually.

I'm getting a shortboard also, but's my second board for the bigger days.