Do I need a bigger board?

[rrstein82]

Started surfing about 3 weeks ago on a 7'2" funboard. Not exactly going so well. I can catch maybe 2-3 waves each session, but either freeze when popping up or fall off before I get to my feet. I know need to catch more waves to practice popping up, because 2-3 every two hours isn't cutting. Does anyone think I'd be getting better if I was on a bigger board, say a 9'0"?

[twerked]

it wouldn't hurt to go to a bigger board. it will be more stable and easier to learn on. but it also depends on your size. assuming you're of average size and not a 10 year old, a 9 footer will probably be easier

[esonscar]

You know, this sort of question always puzzles me.

Not the question asked by rrstein82, but by my own intrigue as to where people surf who need a bit of help from us here.

We could be giving some advice to some dude who we think needs a foamie because he is having difficulty catching waves at his local beach when in fact his difficulty is due to the lack of power of his tow in jet ski !!!!!

So rrstein82, I hope we do help you at least a little in our answers ………

ANYWAY, my thoughts are ……..

I reckon you need a (few) lesson(s) – simple as that.

A few pointers about body position and wave selection would help you loads.

If you have the perseverance to stay in and get a wave an hour and still be keen, I think this is your only real option.

And its loads cheaper than a new board !

Give a lesson a go, you might be pleasantly surprised .

[drowningbitbybit]

We could be giving some advice to some dude who we think needs a foamie because he is having difficulty catching waves at his local beach when in fact his difficulty is due to the lack of power of his tow in jet ski !!!!!

Well, yeah, technically I s'pose...
But I reckon most tow-in surfers probably arent asking for advice on the surfingwaves forum...




...they're all on MagicSeaweed

Anyway, as for the 7'2 question - depends a bit on your height and weight, and where you're surfing.

A 9' would be easier, but you should be able to master it on a 7'2. It just takes a bit of perseverance and commitment.
Take it in slow steps - ride the whitewater laying down, until you're comfortable with how the board moves.
Then try popping up. You'll fall off. A lot.
So do it again... and again... and again.... (you get the idea).

And really paddle. Dont expect the wave to do the work for you. Paddle like there's a great white behind you (but without the panicky flappy arms)

[isaluteyou]

patience and dedication. With experience comes proficiency. Almost all bad habits and learning curves can be conquered by repetition

[IB_Surfer]

For better advice please post your height, weight and how athletically fit you think you are.

[rrstein82]

forgot about height/weight: i'm 5'9 180lb at the moment so i'm about 15lbs heavier than normal (knee surgery in november helped add the weight). Consider myself athletically fit, swam/polo in HS, currently run about 30 mi a week.

[drowningbitbybit]

Okay, at 180lb, a 7'2 might be a touch small for a first board, a 9' would certainly be easier.
But definitely acheivable - it'll just take some time and practise. Surfing takes a lot of both.

[esonscar]

Ahhhh, now we know your height and weight and you water past - I'd still go with a lesson or two before opting for a different board to be honest.

I’m about the same weight and height as you are and I rip it up on a 6’2” thruster.

You would surf eaaessyyy on a 9 footer quite quickly though (I also ride a 9foot gun and a 9’6” longboard).

BUT once you get to the green waves you should be able to surf the 7’2” board quite quickly too.

Choices eh – nice to have them !

[justloafing]

I swim too but never played polo. I would think the horses would be the ones in shape

Since you have the board take a lesson or two. You would have been better off starting on a 9 footer + if you wanted to feel he rush of surfing quickly.

[esonscar]

I swim too but never played polo. I would think the horses would be the ones in shape

hahahahahahahahahaha !