Trying to start surfing

[rossmandoo]

Hello everyone, I’m hoping to get into stand up surfing. I say “stand up” because I’ve always been a bodyboarder and am trying to expand the ways I interact with the ocean. Here’s the catch, I’m 6 foot 5 and 340 pounds. Having been a bodyboarder and a very competent one at that, I do indeed have an intimate understanding of how waves break and how to catch them. But I’m huge, and have no idea what kind of surf board I should get so I can start learning how to get up. What size board and type do I need to hold myself so I can cruise? I know I won’t be doing anything stand up in anything over waste or stomach high in the beginning but really want to learn how to stand up surf. Any advice would be very helpful so I can make a purchase! Thanks!

[dtc]

You will want a big board - aim for 9'6 long, 23 inches wide and 3 inches thick - at the very least. Dont be afraid to go longer, wider and especially thicker (the thicker the better)

There are some big boards around (eg walden mega magic, although its v expensive); and many longboards will come in a 9'6 or longer.

I wont gloss things - boards arent built for learners your size. But that just makes things a bit harder, definitely not impossible. Your existing surf knowledge will put you a long long way ahead of many beginners already

[RinkyDink]

The general rule is to add 3 feet/1meter to your height to get the starting length of your board. If you're naturally gifted, shook Kelly Slater's hand, snowboarded/skateboarded/ice skated/etc. for years, then give yourself 2 weeks to 3 months to master longboarding. Once you're shredding your longboard either sell it for close to what you paid for it or make a profit then buy a shorter board (if you're really pumped to start shortboarding). Longboards are the most efficient way to get competent at surfing fast. Starting on a shortboard is the path to adding 6 months + to your learning curve.

[jaffa1949]

With Rinky’s Formula and matching you height and weight, 9’6” is a good starting point , 23” width and 3 to 3.5”
A classic log, 2+ fin system with a centre fin of 9” in a fin box.
Float basic and a wider tail square tail or wide rounded pin.
You could also take it out to,10ft if one crosses your path
Big boys big toys, ain’t no one gunna tell you,otherwise.