Help me pls

[Keith]

Since I am just BORROWING my uncle's board for a few weeks, I need some help actually picking my own out.

I am about to be 15... so I can't spend $700 on it, lol.

Is 300-400 a good price range?

http://www.islesurfboards.com/index.asp ... tegory=225

Are those good boards? Or can you guys suggest some.

I want something good that will last.

Thanks guys

YES I want a shortboard

[Laguna]

Again with the shortboards. I really dont think a performance board especialy a shortboard is what you should be looking at for your first board. I would be looking at mini mals to longboards, something you can really learn on.

As for those surfboards, I cant really say much. I havent heard of the name before or know anything about them sorry.

[Keith]

Well I figured since I am learning on my uncle's short board... I might as well get one... I am talking in about a month though, I should be hitting the beach a few times a week to surf... You dont think in a few months I would ready for a short board?

[Laguna]

Firstly whats the size of your Uncles shortboard and have you surfed before?
You can learn to surf on any board you like. However choosing a shorter board makes it a lot more difficult and you wont have as much fun. Learning on a longboard first will get you into a good form and will teach you how to get good. Im not saying you wont be able to surf on a shortboard, you could be very good. If you go about 3 times a week or more then you have got a better chance of getting to grips with a shortboard but I think if you did it with a longboard you would learn a lot faster!

Anyhow its good to try out your uncles first, see how you get on with that. If you get good on it then you could get a board similar to it or something that suits you a little better.

[Keith]

Yeah I understand what you are saying... it relly is a money issue though, lol.

We are going friday, and hopefully sat - sun as well, depends on if i have a ride.

i will try it out to see, if it is 2 hard then i will definately think about getting a long board

[Laguna]

Ye I can understand about money. Surfboards cost a lot of money, thats why I bought a 7'3 poput board (minimal) when I was starting. Couldnt afford anything longer or better.
Just see how you get on this weekend. If you have any questions then just ask.

[bgdkmetzger2003]

talk about a waste of money, try buying that big long board. You'll be sick of it in 6 months and want a short board....where does that leave you?

[drowningbitbybit]

....where does that leave you?

Being able to surf with a board thats easy to sell on...

[Laguna]

talk about a waste of money, try buying that big long board. You'll be sick of it in 6 months and want a short board....where does that leave you?

How on earth could somebody possibly get sick of a longboard? and why all of a sudden is everyone so eager to get a shortboard?
Well you can learn on any board you want to. Im just saying its a lot easier and more rewarding by starting with a longer board.

[Laguna]

I think more people have wasted more money on starting with a shortboard and having to sell it for a longer board than the other way around.

[Keith]

Laguna : i hear what your saying... but I already have a shortboard here to use, but i will let you guys know about my session when i get home on friday

[drowningbitbybit]

Beginner surfers should read this

[Laguna]

Laguna : i hear what your saying... but I already have a shortboard here to use, but i will let you guys know about my session when i get home on friday

Thats cool then. See how you get on with that. good luck

[GowerCharger]

i know what youre all saying about minimals, but the OP did say hes only 14 going on 15? i would say a shortboard would be fine.
at that age most boys are lighter, and generally fitter (if your the type of 14year old who is always out playing footy etc like i was, not if your one of these burger eating 14year olds who only ever play footy on a playstation) than an adult, also at that age kids pick up things like surfing much easier than people starting out as adults. Just take a look at some of the good groms where you surf, theres some teenagers round here who rip, pulling airs and everything (gits), and my bet is the closest theyve ever come to a minimal is when they drop in on one.

[tomcat360]

talk about a waste of money, try buying that big long board. You'll be sick of it in 6 months and want a short board....where does that leave you?

How on earth could somebody possibly get sick of a longboard? and why all of a sudden is everyone so eager to get a shortboard?
Well you can learn on any board you want to. Im just saying its a lot easier and more rewarding by starting with a longer board.

Everyone's always been eagar to buy a shortboard....it's the cool thing...duhh...

They're cool because it's what the average stereotypical pro uses, therefore advertising and media uses it, and therefore, it's cool. (although rather impractical for most)

What people don't understand is that the pros are surfing waves that are great, awesome sized, clean waves. They also don't realize that pros are usually incredibly small. Take Rob Machado for instance, he's like 130 lbs and 5'8". Most pro surfers are usually under 150. I haven't even mention that they have decades of experience and the know-how of surfing, and the physical endurance.

Ahhh.....another shortboards aren't for new people rant.

Whatever, see how it goes, give it thought. And whoever said it was a waste of money, that was completely irrational. They will boost the learning curve so much it's incredible. And they are extremely easy to sell. I went to sell a shortboard I've out grown at a big local shop that basically takes anything and he told me "It's a shortboard? Forget it, I've already got 150 of them, and I've only got like 1 funboard. Bring me a funboard and I'll sell it for good money for you."

Yeah, and look at used boards, they are generally fine. Learn to do your own repairs, and fix one up. Lots of used boards hardly need any fixing to begin with.

[Keith]

Yeah... I work out 5 times a week for 30 minutes a day , working upper and lower body... I also play baseball ( my choice of sport ) 3-5 times a week, i would like to say i am pretty fit

[Laguna]

I agree with what GowerCharger says about 15 year old are fitter and lighter so you do have a good chance on a shortboard. Typically you will find it easier on a longboard.
Its really good that you have got your uncles shortboard to try out. Just see how easy you find it. Im sure after a while you will be ripping it up

[Keith]

I agree with what GowerCharger says about 15 year old are fitter and lighter so you do have a good chance on a shortboard. Typically you will find it easier on a longboard.
Its really good that you have got your uncles shortboard to try out. Just see how easy you find it. Im sure after a while you will be ripping it up

I sure hope so!!!

I have talked about surfing for 2 years... and now it is finally going to happen, I am really excited

[Laguna]

Thats cool then. I know how that feels, I was the same, I didnt have the money or means of transport.
All the best , remember "the best surfer in the sea, is the one who's having the most fun".

[tomcat360]

Yeah... I work out 5 times a week for 30 minutes a day , working upper and lower body... I also play baseball ( my choice of sport ) 3-5 times a week, i would like to say i am pretty fit

yeah, but you have to know what to paddle at. I guarantee that nothing is like surfing you've ever done. I played football 6 days a week, and lift 5 of those, and played ultimate frisbee on the 7th day, and still surfing was just....hard.

But I'm not here to tell you don't do it by any means, give it a shot. Just remember your options if you decide surfing is a thing for you.

Where are you gonna be surfing?