Surfing Waves

So, been riding my 7'2 mini mal for a bit now. Getting alright on it and contemplating a new board. I know a few people who longboard and i love it for its mellowness - soul surfing right? But then, watching some shortboarding films with a pumping soundtrack with guys pulling airs and what-not makes me wonder if longboarding is for me..

Also, the amount of sh*t that longboarders get isn't that appealing...but i guess i shouldn't be letting that into the equation...

Anyone been in the same predicament?? Any thoughts???

Consider realistically what kind of swells your local spots get most of the time. If you only have a shortboard you won't be able to surf on small days.

surfing_cat wrote:Consider realistically what kind of swells your local spots get most of the time. If you only have a shortboard you won't be able to surf on small days.

thats not strictly true. the only waves you cant catch on a shortboard are very very small fat ones. ive ridden a 5'11 toothpick down to about a foot. im not being much help but its very much up to you whether you feel like being a cruisy mal rider or a shortboarder. if youve got the cash get one of each and have a board for any mood.

soul surfing right?

thats entirely a matter of opinion. I think its about time people ditched there conceived notions and broadened their minds. A shortboarder can be as much of a soul surfer as longboarder. Its down to attitude and has ZIP to do with what you riding.

Consider realistically what kind of swells your local spots get most of the time. If you only have a shortboard you won't be able to surf on small days.

Not true i ride my shortboards on just about anything within reason i.e if its only 1 inch then im hardly gonna bother on any water craft.

what-not makes me wonder if longboarding is for me..

Theres no reason why you cant do both in fact there are some really good benefits with being able to do both well. Personally for me longboarding benefits dont outweight shortboards but thats a matter of my opinion

do both myself... longboard better but then i'm only surfing a year. longboarder or shortboarder?
don't get the problem.... all out surfin...
if you're out on a longboard sit further out and leave some waves for the shorties and you shouldn't have a problem! don't be a wave hog..

Thanks for the advice...muchos appreciated. But, it's all well and good telling my i should settle with both, but considering my financial situation its gotta be either long or short right now. Obviously when i have a bit more cash to splash i'll sort out a proper quiver with a variety of boards but right now....being a student....you understand.
Location wise, that would be east coast uk, so pretty small the majority of the time. I'm leaning towards getting myself a log....but i guess garbarrage and isaluteyou are right - It's surf either way....it's about the attitude that makes it....
Thanks guys.

probably not the person to suggest this as i've got a bit of a board buying addiction....
but if you're a bit strapped for cash and getting on ok on your present board, why change?

ha ha i undestand the student thing for sure. i would probly have a longboard in my quiver if i could ride one with any vague competence.

Well, sure i'm getting on ok...the board i have now is a bic and i feel that i'm past the full on beginner stage and i'm looking for my first non factory built board. It's my gap year right now, and before i head off to uni i want to play around with a new board a bit.

I am in the same postition mate, I'm on a slightly longer mini-mal. The great thing about longboarding in my opinion is how easy it is too catch the waves.

So I guess it is an easy step to move to a longboard than a shortboard

if that makes sence lol