First longboard

[Lauz45]

i'm considering getting a longboard for my first 'proper' board, i've had plenty of practice over the last few summers with an 8ft foamie, to the point of riding it in in white water (didn't go often enough to get any further but am determined to change that!) and am very drawn to the longboard style, i've just been re-watching my 'girls rip' dvd which has inspired me

As I intend to surf only smallish waves, say up to 2-3 foot when i'm better, would a longboard suit me? Would it be suitable for most days? (don't often see big surf where I go, and if I do, I just watch!) What size and thickness etc would be suitable for me, a 5'2, 10 stone woman? I find big boards quite hard to carry, is there a trick for short armed people like myself?

Sorry for all the questions

[RJD]

Hiya!

Longboard for smallish waves would be ideal.

For a 1st dont get anything extreem, and IMO try a few out (rentals) to see what you think, I know its hard when your starting out.

You'll want something with volume, you could get away with something like an 8ft minimal but that wont help you that much with the longboard style.

Look at a 9fter, 22ish wide, 3inch thick or under, square tail (tho that doesnt matter too much), some but not too much rocker, 50/50 rails etc, nothing extreem or flash.

[Lauz45]

Thanks a lot, I think one beach near me rents out longboards so i'll see what they've got and try one out! I was thinking 9'0

I also think i'll be putting permanent roof bars on my matiz, and hoping it doesn't look too crap!

[RJD]

Get some thule roofbars or something, well worth t.

[smallwavegrovellerchick]

I have short arms too. I hated carrying around a longboard because I needed to carry it w/ 2 hands or on my head. I shortboard now, but last year I found a mini-tank in the trash at the beach park where I surf. Dished out $75 to have the tail re-done professionally. Anyway, I rode it a couple of times over the past week & would almost go as far as to say it's a "magic" board. The dimensions are 8'6" x 20 5/8" x 2 1/2" and it has a round pin tail but it's actually easy to turn. I can carry it under one arm and I can fit it in my Prius.

[RJD]

That may do for her.

Also you can get cary straps if you cant easily get your arm round the board.

[Lauz45]

Thanks, i'll keep an eye out for something like that!