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Surfers of NS - need help

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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
Hello surfers

I am most likely moving to the great state of Cali next fall, and in doing so would like to take up the hobby of surfing.

I have barely any surfing experience.

This past spring break, my brother and I decided to rent surfboards down in Florida. We decided not to get lessons. We took the surfboards out for a couple of hours, and I got up a couple times and actually rode. Not big waves or anything, but I was pleased with what I had done and enjoyed it.

I think it would be smart if I had my own board and all that jazz so I'm seeking NS's help.

Here's the thing. In our sport we are very familiar with gapers. Basically, I don't want to be that surfer that has all the sick looking shit, but can't do shit.

What should I be looking for?

Thanks NS

5'6"
130 pounds
Aug 9 2012 9:39AM
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Kolaczki
Posts: 153 - Karma: 61
I dont expect you to know, but by chance do you have any idea of the size of waves you're riding?

Aug 9 2012 10:34AM
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flexpattern
Posts: 1090 - Karma: 45
I recently spent a month on the west coast of france, and taught myself to surf. I just bought the cheapest mini-mal i could find there and went out on that.

I'd say after the month I'm pretty goodish and have now out grown the board but it was great to learn on. I can turn on the wave, duck dive, generate speed stuff like that.

I'm 6' and the board was a 7'3. Through the bigger waves it was really hard to paddle, but catching them was easy. The average waves were about 4 - 6' but some bigger days were up to 12'

I suggest find a mini-mal and I guess with your height probably go for 7' but someone will may suggest otherwise.

Surfing is now my new favourite hobby after skiing - Good luck!

Aug 9 2012 3:07PM
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Mex_LineJib^a
Posts: 3928 - Karma: 65
it all depends on what type of surf you are going to be surfing... i take it for now you just want to stand up and  "surf"? or are you already looking into certain type of surfing or waves you want to hit?
Aug 9 2012 3:39PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
Really depends on you waves. I always think of cali as being super crowded with noobs and good people, both of which will try and fight you if you paddle at all for a wave they were looking at.

If possible, find a not crowded break, get a board, preferably on the larger side. Don't go for the 5'6"x18"x2.25 shortboard right away, and learn the basics. Once you do that you'll know what kind of board you want and what styles of riding you'd like to get into. Also watch a lot of surfing videos and study their technique. Good wave selection and positioning will save you a lot of trouble.

Common courtesy just like in a skatepark or terrain park is good. Don't drop in on others, sit in the lineup and not where people are trying to ride or the whitewash area (had a huge problem with people doing that the last 2 times I was out). Just watch how it works.

Also your arms are probably gonna be really tired really quick, unless your arms are in really good shape I guess. So don't get caught in the breakers with super tired arms, it's not fun.
Aug 9 2012 6:53PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
Also everybody always says start out on a larger board, but I've always thought it would be easier to start on something on the smaller side of large. It really depends on the waves, cause if they're consistently good and powerful then it would be easier to get into them. I started on a 6'4"x21" like 3", it's huge for my 5'5" 120lbs skinny frame. It's like riding a longboard for me. I ride much smaller boards now, but I always felt like the board was steering me. I started riding it as a twin fin and it was a bit easier but it's still work to control it. I ride a 5'7" now, it's a lot more manageable for me.

So basically, look for some local knowledge or read up on board design and pick for yourself once you see the conditions. Having a board the sucks in your local spot, sucks. My friend's first board was a typical shortboard, lots of rocker, thin, skinny and was terrible in typical jersey surf. He always had trouble with it, but recently got a more suitable board and does much better and progresses faster. But such a board might be good if you get larger, powerful waves all day.
Aug 9 2012 7:05PM
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tomfallon.
Posts: 104 - Karma: 49
how much money did you want to spend?
Aug 10 2012 4:48AM
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
Thanks a lot everyone for the responses - I read them carefully and I will be doing a little research. +K to all
Aug 10 2012 12:35PM
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