Surfing Waves

I’ve just started to take up surfing and have a few questions. I am about to turn 15 in a week or so and I am looking at a 6ft softboard wondering if it is the right size? Also another thing I want to know is if you have a grip pad on your board and you was to wear boots as well, would it start to tear over time?

have a read through this article

https://surfsimply.com/surf-coaching/vo ... ht-ratios/

given your age I would probably use the 'level 2' ratio from the above (even though you are a level 1 surfer). Just because youngsters learn faster and so forth

How tall and heavy are you? 6ft is generally shorter than a beginner would want (esp a 6ft softboard, which will probably be designed for advanced surfers to surf in shallow water rather than for beginners). However, you are pretty young and I dont know your height and weight.

Surf booties shouldnt create issues with softboards or grip pads. But if you used (for example) some of the scuba booties with hard soles, then I guess it could catch on the foam.

1) If you "just started" surfing, I would recommend (at minimum) a board at least 2 feet over your head. So if you are about 4 foot / 48 inches tall / 122 cm. tall, a 6 foot would be okay.

2) Typical Traction / Tail Pads made by name brand manufacturers last very long. I use winter boots on mine and so far no problem. But the traction pads on some China made soft boards are weak.

Question:
1) Are you planning to put a after-market traction pad onto the deck of the soft board ?
2) What size board did you take lessons on ?
3) What is the make / model of the 6 foot soft board you're looking to buy ?

I am about 5’5 and weigh at about 8 stone

The board make is Alder, it’s the Alder comp softboard and no I wasn’t thinking of putting a pad on my softboard since I don’t think that would work

I have been out a few times on a soft board a bit taller than six foot and I was comfortable with how it felt

I suggest at least the Alder comp 6'6. You will probably still be growing quite quickly and there is no disadvantage in getting a board that is bigger. there is a lot of disadvantage in getting a board that is too small. Surfing is a sport where people get ahead of themselves, imagine themselves ripping on short boards within a few weeks. All that does it delay their progress.

I actually would encourage you towards one of the Alder 7ft boards (or 7'6 boards, although you seem opposed to a longer board). Surf it for 6 months or 12 months until you are comfortable in catching waves, turning etc. Then sell it (it will retain value) and buy a hard board of about the same length. Or even buy a hardboard now.

If you surf, you will end up owning a lot of boards. There is no point jumping 3 steps ahead with board purchases; all it does it delay development and reduce enjoyment.