short board for a newbie

[SurfinGatNYU]

My short board is a 6 foot and I'm about 6 myself lol I have never heard of a fat boy flyer but I will check it out. What size do you recommend?

[alimac2411]

My short board is a 6 foot and I'm about 6 myself lol I have never heard of a fat boy flyer but I will check it out. What size do you recommend?

only my personal opinion and it depends on your weight but 7foot or perhaps just over, here's an example https://surfing-waves.com/Browse/surfboards/fish/ , i found it no probs to learn on, u just got to give it a bit of time, you'll get the hang of it alright and it can do u for a bit longer. When u move onto the shortboard it'll be like almost starting again though but u need to crack the basics 1st!

[SurfinGatNYU]

Are fatboy flyers normally sold in the UK only? I cnt find a site where I can get them here

[alimac2411]

Are fatboy flyers normally sold in the UK only? I cnt find a site where I can get them here

I would've thought u could get them anywhere but not sure. Maybe a fellow american could let u know! Keep getting other folks opinions though and their experiences before making your mind up what you're after! That's my recommendation, i'm more or less the same height as u and i weigh 10 and a half stone.

[garbarrage]

6ft is way too short.... think ideally you want a board that's 1/3rd your height again to start on, but a fat boy flyer could be an option... will take quite a bit longer to learn on tho... also depends on what type of waves you'll be riding...
if you are going to get a new board i'd recommend something in the 8ft region... minimal (round nose)... you'll progress a lot faster and have way more fun (which after all, is why you're doing this).

[surf patrol]

OShea Surfboards - currently with free boardbag, leash & delivery.

[kitesurfer]

OShea Surfboards - currently with free boardbag, leash & delivery.

Shame on you SP for such a blatant plug! Anyone would have thought you owned this site!



KS

[stuzzy07]

I haven't been surfing that long, but if all you can make do with is a short board to start with then i say give it a go and see what happens. It would be ideal to have at least one other person that knows how to surf out there with you though, just to make things a little easier because learning on a shortboard is hard enough as it is. Let alone trying to by yourself. But i think 6' is a bit too short considering you are the same height. I learned on a 6'4 for a month and then switched to a 5'11, so it's not impossible, just isn't very easy either. But good luck and enjoy the crappy east coast summer waves.

[rich r]

I'm an advocate of learning on a shortboard, as well.

At least for your age and fitness. Older folks just don't have the fitness to paddle as needed, or the quick balance adjustment.

25 years ago when I started surfing, everyone learned on a shortboard. So, hey - it's completely possible. And I know a few guys who started in their 20's on shortboards.

Once you get it, you progress much faster. Skateboarding will help, as well.

However, you should look to get a board that is at least a few inches taller than you are to start out.. I started with a 6-2, and I was 5-10 or so. When I maxed out at 6-1, I was riding a 6-6 and a 6-8.

Of course, width and thickness all play into the equations, as well. The thicker and wider the board is, the more you can sacrifice on the height.

What the Brits call 'fatboy flyers' are typically called hybrids, eggs and funboards over here. All 3 are slightly different, but generally, they are a 'fatter' version of a shortboard. Hybrids preserve the overall nature of a shortboard while funboards and eggs round off the shape and have a bit more longboard influence.

Last week was a good time for waves on our East Coast, and I suspect towards the end of this week we should be rockin again.

watch the pearling!