Finding a Board

[CocaCaty]

Hi. How is everyone? I'm new here and for picking out a board, but not so new at surfing. I'm still kind of a beginner, but I really want to find my own board so I can go more often and improve myself. I only ever get to surf out of state when I visit some cousins in Jersey and that's about once or twice a year. I don't have a board here and there's not really any place to rent surfboards at the beaches I go to. Well, I do have a board, but it's too small. It's a hand-me-down that belonged to a child, so I didn't have much of a choice, but I'm in the process of getting a job and my parents would be willing to help since they're very supportive.

Anyway, I don't know what to look for in terms of size and style and brand. I don't know anything about picking out a surfboard for myself. My cousin in Jersey who taught me would probably be able to help, but I won't see him until next year. I know I want a short board. I've tried both short and long boards and it's easier for me on a short board. I'm 5'1" and 96-98lbs (very small myself). I'm also confused as to what brand to get. I want good quality and something safe for a beginner that won't get messed up easily. A low price is great, but I'm more interested in the quality.

Please and thank you for any advice. :]

[isaluteyou]

well at your height and weight i think you could probably manage a 5'5 - 5'10 shortboard - theres no such thing as a beginner safe board unless its a foamy and even then... For something longer lasting epoxy (hand shaped eps not imported crap) might be an option some people love epoxy some hate em. Personaly i love them for certain styles of boards and not others this is just personal preferance the only way you get to know is by trying several different styles of boards and constructions

as far as brands go, well, anything that is a respected off the rack brand like lost/channel island/JS/JC/ etc etc... will be fine. Ideally find a local shaper and chat it over with them.

With a shortboard you should ideally hit the beach at least twice a week otherwise the learning process is gonna be slooooooow. If you arnt gonna surf that often you might want to consider a different shape thats more forgiving and catches more waves ala somethign in fish/mal region. However thats something you have to descide for yourself

[jb987]

If you are only going to surf a few times a year while visiting, see if you can just rent a surfboard from that local surf shop...but if you are also going to be surfing from home, then get a super fish. Easier to turn than a longboard, but easier to catch waves than a shortboard. You can get an inexpensive new one if you shop around. If you want to save money, you can search for a used one. But don't but one that needs repairing or is nearly as much as a new one.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fish+surfboards&aq=f&oq=&aqi=