Starting to surf.

[LucasG]

I have decided to start surfing and making it my primary sport as well as compete one day. I am 19 years old. As I live an hour and a half from South Padre Island I decided I could fulfill this necessity. I plan on taking surf lessons or doing a surf camp in the next following days. Then, getting my own surfboard and starting to practice myself. What type of longboard should I start with?

I just wanted to share that and receive suggestions/comments. I am around 5'10" and weight around 121 pounds.

[justloafing]

Don't start surfing. It sucks!!!!!!!!

9'0", 50/50 rail, 23" wide and 3" - 3 1/2" thick, not a lot of rocker and 2+1 fin setup. That would be a nice board to start on.

[isaluteyou]

Judging by your weight and height a longboard may not be the best option something like a mal 7'6+ would do. Best thing to do is rent a longboard try it then try a mal and descide from there.

I have decided to start surfing and making it my primary sport as well as compete one day.

Dont set your goals too high you will likely be sadly dissapointed. Just go out and have fun

[LucasG]

Judging by your weight and height a longboard may not be the best option something like a mal 7'6+ would do. Best thing to do is rent a longboard try it then try a mal and descide from there.

I have decided to start surfing and making it my primary sport as well as compete one day.

Dont set your goals too high you will likely be sadly dissapointed. Just go out and have fun

True that, in all honesty, what I want to do is surf and have fun, nothing more than that.

I'll see about that. After reading many posts it might be best to rent first and then buy. Specially for next week that we have a tropical storm tail getting here and looks like there will be nice waves to learn and practice on.

Thanks for the suggestions, the more the better.

[Milo]

5`8" board lots of rocker, do you just fine

[drowningbitbybit]

Specially for next week that we have a tropical storm tail getting here and looks like there will be nice waves to learn and practice on.

Is it me or is the level of self-delusion getting higher these days?

[parrysurf]

I am 19 years old. As I live an hour and a half from South Padre Island I decided I could fulfill this necessity.

How much is gas in TX?? You must be a enterprising youth!!

With that said I have a plan for you to reach your goals:
1. Move to Hawaii.
2. Use your enterprising nature or independent wealth to get a room and transpo.
3. buy board
4. surf every day
5. become the best guy in HI.

good luck

[LucasG]

It will be expensive, but for sure worth it.

[RJD]

Ha, you want to do comps or be a pro? Quiet a difference.

If its the latter I think you've missed the boat by 10 years +.

[rich r]

Dude, if you never surfed before, don't be going out into tropical conditions.

Start with nice calm waters. Find some tanker waves.

[LucasG]

Dude, if you never surfed before, don't be going out into tropical conditions.

Start with nice calm waters. Find some tanker waves.

When I had read about the tropical storm it didn't look like it would get here, it would just create bigger waves than 0 - 1', but as you can see it now turned into Hurricane Dolly and I am sitting home making sure everything stays fine.

[billie_morini]

LucasG,
I participated in a surfing competition clinic in Santa Cruz on Saturday. It was hosted by the Big Stick Surfing Association (http://www.bigsticksurfing.org/). I have no interest in competing, but learned many things, including what actually goes on in the water during a contest. It was kind of strange to feel the pressure to catch waves within a short period of time. You should try to find a clinic like this. It was a lot of fun.

[LucasG]

LucasG,
I participated in a surfing competition clinic in Santa Cruz on Saturday. It was hosted by the Big Stick Surfing Association (http://www.bigsticksurfing.org/). I have no interest in competing, but learned many things, including what actually goes on in the water during a contest. It was kind of strange to feel the pressure to catch waves within a short period of time. You should try to find a clinic like this. It was a lot of fun.

Sounds very interesting. I might speak with some surf instructors to see if they hold anything like this. Thanks for the info!

[Rico]

9'0", 50/50 rail, 23" wide and 3" - 3 1/2" thick, not a lot of rocker and 2+1 fin setup. That would be a nice board to start on.

No, it wouldn't.

Depending on your physical strength, go between 6'6'' and 7'6'' for your first board, less rocker, wider nose range, over 19'' wide.

[tomcat360]

Dude you're a stick, I can see your ribs from here.