Longboard for short guy

[venman]

Hey guys.
I'm trying to get my buddy into surfing. I've lent him my 9'6 and he loves being out on the water and trying to catch waves (watching him roll off never gets old...)
I'm 6', so carrying a 9'6 is no big deal, but he can't carry one (short arms) and has to use 2 hands.
His biggest trouble is that the board is too heavy & bulky. Getting outside will get easier with experience, but I think a 9'6 is waay too big for him.

He wants a smaller board, but loves the longboarding experience.
No idea on my side cuz I've always been a longboarder.

Any suggestions?
Obviously, something a little more narrow so he can carry it with ease, but based on his height, 5'8, and his itty bitty short arms...
What do you recommend?
Avg wave height here is anywhere from flat like a lake to 3' overhead after a good storm. Avg height is waist to chest.

Thanks!

[RJD]

I'm 5'8" and find a 9-6 a to big, more the width to carry, 23" wide is too much.

A 9'1" or 2" 21-22" wide will be great for him.

[justloafing]

Im 5'8' and my arms are to short for my board too. That is why I have the top of my head, just keep wax side up I actually went from a 9'0" to a 9'6" and I absolutely love it. Both my boards have a heavy glass jobs on them and to tell you the truth I have not really noticed the length in the water. What I have noticed is the thickness as far as better paddling and ease of wave catching. My 9'6" 3 1/2" and my 9'0" is around 2 1/2".

Edited to say both of my boards are 23 1/2" wide.

[Old Guys Rule]

My daughter who is 5'4" and weights about 115 lbs surfs my 9'6" and loves it. She is trying to take it away and give me her 9'0". I had a board made for my son a little narrower and he loves it also. They both go out in double overhead conditions. I think your friend needs to suck it up or get a narrower board made if he wants to be a sole surfer on a long board.

It is great that you are getting him into the sport.

[drowningbitbybit]

My daughter who is 5'4" and weights about 115 lbs surfs my 9'6" and loves it. She is trying to take it away and give me her 9'0". I had a board made for my son a little narrower and he loves it also. They both go out in double overhead conditions. I think your friend needs to suck it up or get a narrower board made if he wants to be a sole surfer on a long board.

You're the BEST dad