Starting Surfing on a Shortboard?

[fisherguy]

Ive been longboarding only a few times. i can easily stand up and go down the face of the wave, but not much more. Due to the size of the longboard, it would be impossible to take around without buying a board rack. Im an experienced bodyboarder able to drop knee, if you guys know what im talking about. i was wondering if it is possible to learn how to surf on a shortboard without too much experience on a longboard. im willing to take more time to learn and all, and i have quite a few friends who surf regularly, about a couple times a week. if so, im 5'11" and 170pounds. any suggestions on the size and type of board? thx

[isaluteyou]

yes its possible however probably not practical. A minimal is probably going to be more beneficial.

However based on your bodyboarding background but more importantly dropknee its not a huge step moving to a surfboard.

If at all possible borrow/ rent a shortboard and see what you think before moving in one direction

[surfsc77]

i see this same type of post everyday on this forum. somebody says something about starting out, and then multiple people suggest learning with a mini mal or funboard. every single day.

[Ellie]

im willing to take more time to learn and all

No idea about board size, but if you're happy to put in the effort I'm sure you could leanr on a shortboard. Especially if you're going several times a week, and bodyboard as well.

Try popping into a local shop to see what baord they recommend for the conditions where you are. And let us know how you get on!

[FlyinHawaiian0627]

its all the mindset and perserveirence or however thats spelled if you really wanna learn to do something youll do it

[Surferforlife]

i started out surfing without a longboard straight to a 6'0 shortboard and im 5'8 ... so ull probably be fine with like a 6'4 just practice ull be fine after a week or two

[Fochin]

I'm pretty similar to you.

1) bodyboarding seriously for 2 years - drop knee

2) a few outings on a longboard

3) 6'1" - 180 lbs.


I bought my first board last week, a 7'6" becker that is a bit thin & narrow for my body dimension (people have told me). After going everyday for the past week, I surfed my first few waves today. you just need to stay committed during the baby steps.

good luck braddah!

shoots, fochin