What Should I try next???

[mmarra]

Hello,

I'm new a surfer, probably been about 10 times now, and was using a 9'4" longboard (Bic Sports Nat Young). I'm also a snowboarder so in my opinion once I catch a decent wave I'm pretty solid riding it out. I guess snowboarding helps a bit because it's kind of the same motions but catch the right wave a whole new ball game and really hard.

I just want know what would be the next step for me? Should I continue on the 9'4" board or move to something small? The last couple of times I've been out there with 9'4" board I was able to surf with no problem...I don't really want to say it was easy but easier.

Thanks.

[Sykes]

The difference between snowboarding and surfing is that when surfing, the mountain chases you.

[O_Danny_Boy]

the hardest part of the learning curve for surfing is catching decent waves, if i was u id stick with the log for the time being

[phillwilson]

long boarding as a discipline, as I understand it,has a lot to do with "cruising" and with the pinnacles of the activity being long rides, longer rides...hanging 5/10 and developing a slick style that feels natural. there are "moves" to be done but due to the size of the board these moves tend to be mainly centred around facilitating a longer ride.

if you think that you are missing out on moves, cutbacks, airs etc then maybe a move down to a shorter board could give you the challenge you are after.

how ever, im not a short boarder so cant really comment on what that feels like.

good luck either way

phill

[IB_Surfer]

What next? I would say a funboard or california gun, at least 7ft to 8ft or inbetween.

Save some money and rent a shorter board before you go out and buy one, or borrow one. You might like it better, you might not, but as a begginer you still have a lot to learn...

[oldgrom]

I say keep doing the log it will be the easyest to catch waves and that inturn will give you more ability and time practicing the pop ups, standing,turning etc. which will allways transition over to a shorter board and help greatly with the know how plus while doing all that you'll learn that close to snow boarding but only in some movements, ie ( you dont have to paddle a snow board to the mountains speed.) you'll learn to read the surf,tides,wave timeing, etc. Who's the best surfer ? The one catching all the waves riden em. on a log aka. Aircraft carrier you can be the one catching a great many more too and progresing faster. Now as for adding to your "quiver o' boards" I'd say somthing in a 7'-8" funboard / egg or one of my favorites a mini mal say a 8'-5" or so and then your movement capabilities will increase little better match to snowboard movement and closer to a short board but will still be able to surf it in a huge amount of different conditions.

[mmarra]

thanks everyone I'm going to stick with the 9'4" board for a bit longer...maybe I'll rent a shorter one to compare.

[oldgrom]

No prob my farther up north surf brudda, good luck and have fun.

[mmarra]

It's too bad I'm not good enough to get this board:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/spo/897098770.html

Seems like a good price if it is in decent condition.

[Sillysausage]

depends on height and age and what you want to do in the future, whether its longboarding or shortboarding (possibly both).

[mmarra]

I would like eventually to progress to a shorter board but I really enjoy longboarding too.

I'm 5'7" and about 135 to 140 lbs. I was thinking of picking the board up if it is in good condition in order to challenge myself on days I feel it's to easy with the the longboard.

If I wanted to try a short board would should I be looking at for my height and weight.

Thanks.

[twerked]

i'm about the same size. i ride a 6'2" shortboard. you may want to start out with something in the 6'4"-6'6" range though for your first shortboard. thickness and width also play into effect. i forget the thickness and width of mine because there is a bunch of resin art over the penciled dimensions

[oldgrom]

yep 6'6" to a 6'4" is prefect for you to experiment on twerked has it down ... damn I just read it twice .... scratch all that and I'll just reverb all that twerked said it's perfect!!!! Just pay atention to the thickness like stated from twerked...

[twerked]

i'd also add just go to a local shop and ask the guys there about what's on the racks and tell them your situation. you don't need to worry about getting one custom shaped, as you don't really know what you want from the board yet. don't forget to check the used racks too

[mmarra]

Thank all for your help, it is greatly appreciated. I was actually looking in that size range keeping in mind volume and I will be going second hand as I cannot afford brand new.

[RJD]

Go snowboarding again.

This time strap into the board at the botom of the mountain,lie down & drag yourself up to the top with your arms.

Then, still lying down, close your eyes.

Drag yourself down the mountain untill you've enough momentum to keep going, now move from lying down to stood up on the board and open your eyes.

Ofcourse do this in deep powder not on groomers... And dont worry about collecting a few other boarders on the way up or down or an avalaunch...


Snowboarding, especialy in pow is very similar, but you get nowhere without knowledge of waves...

[Aloha]

It is possible to start out on a short board. Most guys I know started out on short boards. I don't know when learning suddenly required people to ride mals and longboards it must be a surf school thing. Balance isn't the hardest thing about surfing, it's reading the wave and learning where to pick up speed. Try a short board mate. If you snowboard or skateboard etc then really you should be able to stand up on a short board first go. I have faith in you! Now go carve it up!

p.s. If you are in the UK maybe a big board is a must as I'm guessing the waves aren't very powerful so don't quote me if you are.

Oh I just read your other replies. I'm similar height and weight and started on a 6'4" x 19" x 2&7/16"

Do lots of lap swimming when you can, that should get your paddling strength up a little then the shorty should be no problem.