new to surfing, questions

[steveoizzle]

Hey guys whatsup im new here tryin to learn how to surf etc etc but I went surfing for the first time yesterday and my friend had an extra board, except it was a 6'0 board with barely any wax on it(enough to rash the xxxxx out of my chest tho) and the waves were pretty shitty because there was so much wind and I had trouble paddling out past the break.. one time I couldn't even do it.. I argued with him that it was hard conditions to learn on but he said it wasnt any different..(smaller board than me, barely any wax, windy as hell and lots and lots of chop..) but my questions are...
if I wear a T-shirt can I avoid this rash?
I'm 6'3 and im riding a 6 foot board... this kid we met out there said he would sell me a board thats 6'10 for 75$.. after I look at it and decide its not too banged up for me is 6'10 a good height?(longboard isnt it?)
which would be easier to learn on? Longboard or a shortboard?
thanks

[Dec]

6' is way to short to be learning on! Maybe start with a longboard and work yourself down week by week...month by month untill you can ride a shortboard. It takes some people years of practice

Good luck

[drowningbitbybit]

is 6'10 a good height?(longboard isnt it?)

No, longboards are like 9' up

Dont mean to be rude but as you know nothing about surfing, get yourself booked onto a lesson with a rented (big!) board before spending cash on boards that will almost certainly not be suitable for you.

[rich r]

6' for a 6'3" person is too small for someone just learning.

While the majority on this board push longboards (9+ foot) for beginners (or funboards in the 8 foot range), I don't think there is a problem with someone who is dedicated starting off with a shortboard.

A 6-10 would seem to be in the right range for your height, but it's good to know the width, thickness and style of the board, as well.

I do agree that you should grab yourself some lessons, though.

And don't wear a t-shirt. If you need something, buy a rashguard. They're fairly inexpensive.

[steveoizzle]

its a 6'10 fiberglass 18" wide and no thanks on the lessons ive already managed to ride several waves in, im learning how to sit on my board in the water quite easy now and ive almost stood up like 3-4 times so it will just take time... and drowningbitbybit I know alot more than nothing about surfing..

[trails surfing]

i'm 5'9 and i like riding my 6'2 over my 6' unless it's a fish i wouldn't ride something shorter than me. if i were you i would go for the 6'10, if it's in a decent condition. 75$ is really good price. all it take to learn on a short board is time and dedication. it's alot easier to stand on a longboard but i find them so hard to turn, even the preformance boards. there must be a trick to them that i don't know. if you want to shortboard than gp with a shotboard, no reason not to if you are going to take the time to learn.

[Laguna]

oh god, not another one of these posts

[northswell]

There is no difinitive answer to the size of board stuff, but as a general rule you need to go with a board at least a foot bigger than yourself. As a complete novice depending on your weight, 7'3'' minimum for a lighter surfer, at the very least 7'10'' for the bigger person, just get a mal or plank! People come to me for their gear who buy a 6'2 off ebay, can't yet stand up and think thats the board for them, they want a deck grip so they can look like kelly slater but really need some knee pads. Go to your local surf shop, seek the advice of the people that know and you'll be up and riding, whilst gaining the confidence and skills needed to surf. It takes time, like most things, don't run before you can walk. After that its just time in the water. I'm 6ft tall been surfin 12yrs and my smallest board is as 6'4'' but thats a custom board with a bit more volume as i'm 12nd a half stone.

[drowningbitbybit]

they want a deck grip so they can look like kelly slater but really need some knee pads