Getting my first longboard

[Hagiraf]

I want to buy my first longboard and I don't really know what sizes or types I should be looking for. I have been surfing for the last 8 years on a 6'4 shortboard and I know the basics of moving on a wave. I am interested in a longboard because it seems like a more calm way of surfing, and I also live in an area which is considered to be a good place for longboards (I live in Asturias, in the north of Spain).

My problem is that I have already spoken to some surfers here but no one can give me a really specific answer on what type of board I should be looking for. Another thing to have in mind is that I don't see myself buying another board in the next few years so I want a longboard with which I can have a good time for as long as possible. I have tried a "Classic" longboard for half an hour and it felt quite hard to maneuver it (if I'm right the classic ones require more movement in order to turn them while the modern longboards are easier to control).

I weight around 91 Kg (200 ibs more or less) and I'm 1.85 meters (between 6 and 6.1 feet). I could really use some help and any tips you can provide .
Thanks

[dtc]

All longboards will feel harder to turn after a shortboard - its not a totally different technique (weight back etc) but a shortboard can let you get away with just leaning or grinding a turn, a longboard wont. So dont expect to find a longboard that is as easy to turn as your current board

In any case, a 'modern' longboard (I assume you mean a high performance one) arent aimed at a 'calm way of surfing' - they are more shortboard style in a longer board, light weight, more rocker, maybe harder or thinner rails. Whereas a traditional log is designed to be relaxed, able to cruise past sections and so forth. Heavier, flatter rocker, soft rails, thicker etc.

Most people ('most'!) prefer the traditional style, although nowadays there are a lot of boards that are sort of in between eg slightly narrower or slightly lighter (eg epoxy construction) . But up to you what kind of style you want; it might be that moving from a 6'4 to a longboard for the first time makes a longboard seem very strange; after a while you might find the issues will go away

I dont know what you can get in Spain. The Torq boards are generally a good lower priced choice eg http://www.torq-surfboards.com/long-90.html or something that is along those lines (eg 9ft x 22 or thereabouts, low rocker). NSP make some good ones as well; but obviously there are heaps of other manufacturers or shapers - everyone does a longboard and most of them are fine.

Probably just try to avoid a specialised nose rider at this stage; most other 9ft or so boards will be fine

[Oldie]

At the beaches I was at, the Torqs and NSPs seem popular and I saw very good surfers riding Torq. They cost around 500€ and are Epoxy sandwhich constructions, so they should last a while. For a little bit more money (~700€), you can get a good allrounder custom shaped for you, i.e. from Fatum in Peniche http://fatumsurfboards.com/product/boards/ze-don/. Give them a ring, they are very helpful and wiill be able to tailor any of thier models to what you want to do.