Bodyboarder converting to surfing

[SouthBay]

I just started surfing. With bodyboarding, I already have wave knowledge and I was able to stand up and pump on my bodyboard. I'm using my friends board which is a 5'11. I was wondering if thats okay for me to learn on. I paddled out this morning and was having trouble standing up. I caught a few wave and got up. A whole lotta white water, but there was a few that I caught and was actually riding the wall. I don't have much money and I don't want to buy a board, but I really want to start it up. Should I buy a longer board or stick with his board after having a fairly decent surf session by myself?

[Sillysausage]

give the shortboard a couple of goes, if it doesnt click or you dont progress after a while, then consider getting a bigger board. but if you dont have the money, just use what you can!

[surferdude_scarborough]

too small get a bigger board.

[SouthBay]

My bodyboard is about 40inches(3'4"). If i cant stand up on that, how many steps can I skip for a regular beginner? My friend only surfs and he started with a mini mal and then worked his way down to a 5'11. I figured if I can stand on a 3'4 sponge, I can skip the mini mal and maybe a longboard.

[surferdude_scarborough]

hmm i did the same step up from bodyboarding. u cant really skip steps. the only advantage really is that you already know how to catch waves but you still need a stable board to start standing up on. so big and wide just like everone else is the way to go.

[Driftingalong]

You claim to have caught waves and stood up on a few.

Just stick with it for a while. It'll be frustrating at times, but it sounds like you're doing alright so far.
Start saving money now, and by the time you have enough for a board of your own you can decide what to get.

[isaluteyou]

You claim to have caught waves and stood up on a few.

Just stick with it for a while. It'll be frustrating at times, but it sounds like you're doing alright so far.
Start saving money now, and by the time you have enough for a board of your own you can decide what to get.

Id have to agree or lternativerly buy a cheap second hand beater and then sell it later on.

[baysouth]

I just started surfing. With bodyboarding, I already have wave knowledge and I was able to stand up and pump on my bodyboard. I'm using my friends board which is a 5'11. I was wondering if thats okay for me to learn on. I paddled out this morning and was having trouble standing up. I caught a few wave and got up. A whole lotta white water, but there was a few that I caught and was actually riding the wall. I don't have much money and I don't want to buy a board, but I really want to start it up. Should I buy a longer board or stick with his board after having a fairly decent surf session by myself?

o hai dabid

[SouthBay]

to update you guys, i've got the riding down. i dont know where to start with the dropping in and the pump. also, the grip for my back foot really isnt working. my foot keeps slipping off of it and it seems like a new grip pad. i'm not sure if its a cheap one or if i need to do something else for it.

[Otter]

South Bay L.A.?

[SouthBay]

manhattan beach