Just starting?!?!

[TxSurfChic]

Hey All,
So I went up to Seattle to visit my sister and she took my surfing in Oregon, and also paddle boarding in Seattle. I fell in love with surfing and didn't want to come home! I am from Galveston, Texas and never really thought about going surfing down there simply because of the waves. But I see people doing it and hear about people getting up early to go surf and I've always wanted to do it.Now that I've tried it, I wanna make the step in getting a board.

So my question is, what would be a good beginner board for me to catch some waves down in Galveston?!?
I'm about 5'8" and 145lbs, My sister recommended a 8'6" longboard....what are you ideas???

Thanks

[parrysurf]

Good tip from your sis...you can even go bigger. Larger board to learn on will only help.
Longboards may not be cool in some circles, but they are forgiving and fun.
If you get the 8'6 get a wider shape with some thickness. The more volume the more float and the easier you will catch waves. Check a local surf shop for some advice, when you see what you like try craigs list for a used one. Not sure how many come up in tx..but used boards are a dime a dozen here in so cal...you may want to take a surf trip to so cal and pick one up while here. If you do I would be happy to give you some tips on breaks around here, just send a pm for info. I would even lend an old board if you came out.
Don't worry I am old and married...haha
No matter what you get...just get wet!
Keep the stoke

[TxSurfChic]

Thanks a lot! and I would love to come out, wish I would of tried it in the beginning of my travels to Seattle. I was there for a month and couldn't get my sister to take me to cali....if I would of known I would of had a board and someone to lend some tips I would of been there in a heartbeat!I will definitely keep you in mind when I decide to come out there Thanks again !

[jaffa1949]

Thanks a lot! and I would love to come out, wish I would of tried it in the beginning of my travels to Seattle. I was there for a month and couldn't get my sister to take me to cali....if I would of known I would of had a board and someone to lend some tips I would of been there in a heartbeat!I will definitely keep you in mind when I decide to come out there Thanks again !

GO for the gulf, just hope you are not too oiled up.
Smaller waves means a long board is the go and there is a crew in Galveston who will keep an eye on you and give you tips.
Good surfers to model your surfing on are Cassia Meandor and the late Rell Sunn, have a look on youtube.
Welcome to surfing from Australia Enjoy.