Surfing Waves

So, i just transitioned from a 9' to a 7'4". I am male, 6', 175 lbs. I bought it used but it looks like it is in good shape. I did have to have it repaired at the local surf shop to patch up the dings.

Now, I am getting frustrated because I am not catching as many waves. I also notice that when I am sitting on my board, my board does not float as high on the surface as the others.

Am I doing something wrong? Is this board not the right size for me? Is there something wrong with my board?

board: 7'4" tony staples long board

Mate unless you rip going from 9 footr to a 7 is a HUGE change, I tried 9 to 8 ft an went back to a 9ft log after 6 months of wasted time, and I'm shorter and more likely lighter than you.

longboards (real not funboards) catch waves easier, paddle easier, more stable.

i'm probably in the same position as you. i'm 6'1" - 180 lbs. After trying twice on my friends longboard I bought a 7'6" minigun used. I figured I might as well learn the hard way.

At first, you will feel odd, as if the board is sinking under you. After 2-3 times out, this will become normal.

Stick it out. I surfed my first wave on that board on my 7th time out

I would agree that the transition will depend alot on your experience level. Were you proficient on your longboard? Beginner? Would make a serious difference in your ability on a shortboard.

Thanks for the comments guys! Otter--I would not say that I was an expert on the 9 footer but I was able to stand on it several times. I guess I should train on it more before jumping to the 7'4"

I was in a similar situation back in the '70s. My Dewey Weber was getting pretty waterlogged, and I needed a new board. the DW was a 9', and I was pretty damn good on her (if I do say so myself). Found a nice 8' gunn at a local shop in Hermosa Beach (think I paid $65 USD for it), took it to Manhatten Pier and dropped in on an outside bomb. The transition was easy for me. I believe it was due to the fact that I was already a very experienced surfer and knew the break extremely well.

My advice, keep working with your longboard until you get proficient, then when you've acquired the skills, the transition will be fairly easy I bet.

Cy - I assume you mean stood up briefly in whitewater?

Because getting out back, catching a clean wave and getting a bottom turn in, then keeping the board trimed on the face is a long long way from that and thats what I'd call minimum before I'd think about dropping any length.

man, have i got a lot to learn! I have decided to go back to a longer board. Since I do not have my 9footer anymore, is an 8-footer still too short for a beginner like me? Should I go back to a foam board? Since i have some options now I would like to get this right. what do you all suggest as far as the appropriate board for noobies like me?

Just because your a beginner doesnt mean u have to start on a huge board though. I have come accross alot of posts where people say that 7"9 and 8"4 are small for a beginner. I started on a 7"3 and dropped to a 6"8 in 3 months and am making great progress. Just practise a fair bit and youll be flying .