Surfing Waves

Is there a minimum thickness for beginner boards? What do you all suggest that would help noobies (like me) learn faster

there is no minimum thickness really, but there is a guideline. as for board dimensions your probably looking for something like, 7'6, 21, 2+3/4 (ish), depends on your height, weight..etc

My opinion is different than Sillysausage but hey it's all good. Well I have no idea where your goals are in surfing but to start out with I would get at least a 9'0" - 10'0" and about 3 1/2 inches thick. Sillysausage is right about your weight and height, it would help to know that.

yeah, it also depends on where you want to be in the future aswell, sorry, but theres loads of different things you could point out (and when i said the dimensions that was the minimum i would go with)

Also depends on the construction medium. A performance compsoite/epoxy board should be thinner and wider than an "equivalent" performance PU board.

-doug

Depends on the board really. Magic Carpets tend to be thicker than minimals (pretty much as thick as a longboard) whilst things like wombats fish etc will be a little thinner. A minimal would be a good start, between 7'2" and 8'0" depending on ur height/weight & ability. They are not too big (a 10' board is a big board to be strapped to your ankle if you are starting out surfing + much harder to handle) and not too small. Best of both worlds really.

ECS

Thanks for responses! I am 6', 175lbs. I have a 7'4" Tony Staples right now, but I don't know it's thickness (I'm sure it's not more than 3") and composition. I am thinking I am either too inexperience on it or I am too heavy because I am not catching as many waves as I would like too. I have been able to get up on both feet on white water several times but most times I always sink down.

So, I am thinking of going up in size and I am getting lots of choices to include thickness and composition of the board. I just want to do this right this time around to get over that learning curve quick....so maybe I can ride my 7'4" and enjoy it more!

Yes I would find a 9'6 and 3 1/2 inches thick. Two things I would consider. If you go out and get a long board and you think that you may like long boarding. I would go to a surf shop and tell them you can get up and ride but your just starting out but that you want a board that will help you now but one that you can get better on and the board will still be fun to surf on when you are much better. I just did the exact same thing.

The other thing..........if you just want to make a shorter learning curve. Go get a cheap used board if your goal is to get back on to that 7'4"board and smaller boards. What I mean by cheap I guess is an older board. One that you can get a little bit of money out of when you want a new board. Or just keep around for any newbie friends that may want to try.

Thanks!

I just saw this for sale just now:
Polystyrene epoxy board
7'2" x 20.75" x 2.83"
for only $200

I just measured my 7'4" and it is only 2" thick. This is much thicker, but shorter in lenght. Will the length of this board make it harder for me to learn (I know you adviced for 9'6")? Or, is going up on thickness good enough to get the result I need? (sri, if I'm confusing anyone...cuz I'm confused too

If you want to learn to surf quickly, catch some real waves and start having some fun, get a longboard. When you're good on the longboard, scale back to the shortboard you currently own. 'Nuf said.

If you really aren't sure I suggest you get some different demo boards and see what feels right for you.

And then order or buy soemthing similar.

thanks guys! that helps.

cy wrote:Thanks!

I just saw this for sale just now:
Polystyrene epoxy board
7'2" x 20.75" x 2.83"
for only $200

I just measured my 7'4" and it is only 2" thick. This is much thicker, but shorter in lenght. Will the length of this board make it harder for me to learn (I know you adviced for 9'6")? Or, is going up on thickness good enough to get the result I need? (sri, if I'm confusing anyone...cuz I'm confused too

Instead of buying a board I would first rent several different boards each for a whole day -- doesn't really matter what kind/type they are because you should get the general feel for it anyways. You can try an 8'6" board, 7'6 board, or something maybe a little smaller. From this you can gather which one you like better and then work from there. That is your safest bet imho.