Learning to surf on a Shortboard?

[AlohaRider]

Hey Guys,

My names Matt. Just bought my first board a week ago and it is a 6'6 Shortboard shaped by Tom Stanton. I bought it for 60$. Its a little old and kind of yellowed with a ding or two but is in very solid condition and should be able to shred. I was wondering what you guys thought about learning to surf on a short board.

I live in San Fransisco so I'm near the water. Ive been skating pools and tranny for 5 years. I know how to snowboard, skate, wake surf, and wake board.

Hoping for feedback in how you guys think ill be learning how to surf on a 6'6 short board.
Im 6'1 and weigh about 165lbs.

Thanks guys, looking forward to your feedback.
Matt

[jaffa1949]

I get a sinking feeling

[surf patrol]

Hey Matt,
A 6'6 is not an ideal board to learn on, you'd find things much easier on a board with an extra couple of feet on it
However, there are plenty of surfers who have learned to surf on a shortboard, it will just be a little harder for you. Try to get in and surf as much as possible, there's no substitute for serious practice.
--And let us know how you are getting along.

[AlohaRider]

Im not looking for easy I'm looking for possible! About to go out this weekend and see how it goes.
Thanks for the feedback! keep it comin'

[surf doc]

Yea it's possible. I couldn't tell you for sure, but I suspect it will take longer to learn to surf this way rather than to start longer and progress to a shorter board. Paddling is harder, you have to catch waves at a steeper angle, and popping up onto a small potato chip is far less stable than a log.

[AlohaRider]

I have also been a swimmer for about nine years and have broke multiple records. would you guys say that my strong swimming ability will help me?

[jaffa1949]

I have also been a swimmer for about nine years and have broke multiple records. would you guys say that my strong swimming ability will help me?

it certainly help you with paddle power and stamina, swimming is one sport that has some crossover benefit, skating and other stuff only help once you can stand.
I don't know anyone who goes from lying down through a pop up on a skateboard, then also having the hill morph around them, if you can skate a pool then probably the drop in on a wave will be no big deal but linking it with the pop up and organising feet and turn and.............. well that's the whole nine yard really.
Your 16, you have the determination ( If you can bust records you know how to put the work in), you'll probably be someone who can start shorter.
Definitely possible, with determination probable

[AlohaRider]

Thanks a lot Jaffa that was much appreciated. Ill Tell you how it goes.

Peace & Love,
Matt