Looking to get a first board

[Magical_Hobo]

Hi all I'm new and wanting to learn how to surf and I'm just curious as to what kind of board I should look into getting, I'm about 5"6' and 120lbs. I'm gunna hit up a local shop and ask someone there but i just wanted to know a general idea of a good place to start off. I've heard that longboards are the best to start on but I was wondering if there was anything out there thats more manuverable to start on. Also i'm just curious, i've been skating on longboard skateboards for a several years now and i was wondering if anything u learn from skating will help when learning how to surf?

[kitesurfer]

Hire yourself out a big old board for your first couple of sessions, learn the basics, catching waves and popping to your feet. A big board as your first board will speed up the learning curve but it doesn't need to be a longboard unless you want go down the longboarding route. At your height and weight go for a minimal somewhere between 7ft and 7ft6 with plenty of volume.

KS

[Magical_Hobo]

Ok cool thanks for the help. I was asking some of my friends who surf and some were saying that i should get lessons but others were saying i should just rent a board and get in the water. so is it worth the extra money to get lessons or would it be fine if i just tried learning on my own?

[drowningbitbybit]

You'll be fine learning on your own - but not actually on your own, as thats quite an easy way to drown. If you've got friends who surf, and dont mind a newbie coming out with them, that would be enough.

A few lessons at the beginning may mean you make quicker progress though.