Looking to start surfing

[Matthieulaunay]

Hey, I'm new to the forum so here is my deal:

Lately I've really been wanting to start surfing but I'm really not sure what board I should get. I did some research online but I don't feel like the stuff I read applies for me..

I've been skimboarding for over 10 years, I've also done snowboarding, wakeboading, skateboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, longboarding and a whole lot more. Even though I know none of these sports are completely like surfing, I feel like they give me some experience that the average beginner would not have. Specially with skimboarding since it is a lot like surfing when it comes to doing wraps and arials..

I'm 174 cm tall and 74 kg if that info is important to choosing a board. I live in Stavanger in Norway. I don't know much about waves for surfing but from what people say they are pretty good for beginners.

Hope you guys can help me out with knowing what board to get

[Lebowski]

It does apply for you. Your experience in other boardsports is largely irrelevant, believe me. What you can do when standing on a board is just 5% of the learning curve in the beginning. The other 95% is about paddling, wavecraft, positioning etc. These things take time. Read the other posts on this forum. There must be hundreds from people who also think they have a big advantage because of their skating/snowboarding etc. The advice is still the same.

[drowningbitbybit]

I've been skimboarding for over 10 years, I've also done snowboarding, wakeboading, skateboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, longboarding and a whole lot more.

How is your paddling and your pop-up?

Yup, it still applies to you.

[jaffa1949]

Yep that's how it begins for most surfers, particularly those who come from other board sports! Sorry but it's true!
Surfing looks easy, it ain't , consider the difference skating or skiing you walk or get a lift to the top of the hill, you don't have to paddle out through a hill coming down hill.

The hill ( hopefully is not moving and changing position) you don't have to match the speed of the hill you point your nose down hill and away you go as you are already standing for take off.
You are not strapped to your board
The hill does not follow you down hill ( except avalanches) nor rear over your head ready to fall on you.
The uphill traffic is off the piste, there are no rips or currents, the mountain doesn't change in size and direction.
You have never had to use your arms before to get back uphill.

You will discover the least of your learning curve is balance,sit and watch the surf see what the lineup does before you enter.
- See more at: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=21564

Look at boards with width and length in about the 8ft range and a good thickness these are the things that will support until you get enough skills that your other board talents can be utilised.
When you get skilled and well wetsuited hit the Tromso area. Have fun

[windguy]

Hey Matthieulaunay,

Glad to hear you want to give surfing a try.
Surfing is very similar to sled ridding when you were a kid, if you did that and can remember.
You have this excellent ride down the hill but you have to pay your dues and walk back up the hill to do it again. paddling to the line up or starting area requires a lot of energy and that's excluding days when waves might be sending you backwards and making it more difficult. As others have mentioned, this is like no other sport. take your time to learn about waves and where to position yourself so you don't hurt yourself or others. wave etiquette is very important. it's a very dynamic environment. try to find a mentor to help you get started, at least for your first session. you can't learn it all by watching videos on the internet. I'd go for a surf session and then ask friends afterwards what I'm doing wrong or ask another surfer on the water. People are always willing to help you out. You will progress much faster with friendly tips. You will find that it takes a lot of practice just to learn the basics but the rewards are worth it. There are a lot of dues to pay to being a competent surfer.

regarding boards, I'd recommend a softtop for learning. you don't have to deal with surf wax and the top deck and side rails will be padded. you will fall a lot and the softer the board the less injuries. I keep telling myself that surfing isn't supposed to be a contact sport but it will happen and it hurts. Size wise, an 8-9ft board should work and provide enough stability. Try to borrow one or buy a used one or low cost one because after a while you will outgrow it. I used an 8ft softtop for one year before transitioning to a 9-2 longboard.

Also try to learn in a spot that has a sandy bottom and a mellow small wave meaning it is gradual when it breaks. avoid rocky spots. stay off to the side away from the pack and ride the white water at first to get a feel for the wave's power and how you control the board lying down and paddle into the wave to gain speed. you can do that for a whole first session and not worry about standing up.

Best of luck!