New to surfing, need help on starting new sport

[jxkim89]

Hey my name is Jason and I wanted to start surfing because I realized how fortunate I am to live near great beaches. I wanted to start on a short board, and I wanted to know what kind of brand and size is good for me. I am 5'8" tall. How much would I need to spend for everything, and what are some good stores around Southern California or online where I can order from. Thanks for the help.

[Laguna]

Hey, welcome to the forum. Read here about getting your first surfboard, if you have any questions just ask

[SDCali]

There are surf shops all over southern california. As a general rule for locating them, go to your nearest beach, find the pier, then cross the street (away from the beach), more ofthen than not, you'll be standing in front of a surf shop or not very far from one.
Which beach are you closest to?

[jxkim89]

I am very fortunate enough to live next to Huntington Beach, but I am not sure if they have good prices on boards. Thanks for the help!

[Dec]

Dude..your'e starting on a shortboard? Thats not a good idea!!

Rent a longboard untill you can stand up, and then make the transition.

Also there are millions of posts on this very same topic. Just look

[SDCali]

I am very fortunate enough to live next to Huntington Beach, but I am not sure if they have good prices on boards. Thanks for the help!

Then my directions are precise for you, as there are two surf shops right across the street from the pier. There is also a small surf shop on the corner of Warner and Bolsa Chica, they did a pretty good job fixing up the 28 year-old shortboard I inherited, and cheaper than one of the 2 shops by the beach. They have a house brand board and sell used boards too. Also if interested in used boards, there is play it again sports on Beach Blvd, don't know the cross-street though. There is also an American Legion post on Beach where there is always this guy selling used boards.

[ET]

Try some surfing lessons one weekend and the instructirs will be able to give you a precise idea on what board to get.
My tip is go for a pretty big second hand board (at least 7ft) because their cheap(ish) and it won't matter as much if you accidently ding it now and then 'cos you didn't fork out a lot of money!
Good Luck

[Driftingalong]

What's your weight?...come on now, don't be shy.

More weight needs more volume/thickness in the board.
I would say...at least 7'8" to start.

[jxkim89]

o i am 5'8" and i am 135 lbs thanks for the help

[temptations_wings]

check out play it again sports in costa mesa. sometimes some nice things find their way thru there. i picked up a merrick m4 in pretty damn good contition there for 300.