What size and type of surf board?

Before you even think about surfing, there are some things you should understand. Surfing is an ocean sport, that should only be practiced by persons who are already competent ocean swimmers. Swimming in a pool is neat, but it's not ocean swimming, with undertows, rip tides and sometimes BIG waves. I have seen lots of great pool swimmers get rescued. So, my first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean.There are way too many dangerous people in the water now. They are a danger to themselves and other surfers, don't join their ranks.

Lessons are the best way to start. Lessons can come from a professional instructor, or surfing family members or experienced surfing friends. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. The last thing experienced surfers want is for inexperienced people to just grab a board, rush into the surf and get in our way. Lessons shorten the learning curve significantly. And they help keep ignorant, un-prepared kooks out of the water and out of the way of more experienced surfers. .

Beginners should take advantage of renting boards and wetsuits while taking lessons. If it turns out you don't like surfing, you haven't wasted a whole lot of money on gear that you are not going to use. When you are ready to buy, don't waste your time on line, go to a good local surf shop to discuss your size (weight is import, height isn't), skill level and local wave conditions. After 45 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice from good local shops in the places where I surf. A surf shop is also the best place to find information on instructors.

Almost ALL instructors will start you off on a longboard. It is just too difficult for most people to learn how to surf on a short board. Most get quickly discouraged, and just quit. Now, over the years, I have seen some young surfers start out on short boards and master them in time. There are no RULES on what kind of board you learn on, but it's just common sense to learn on a long board.

And, I know there are lots of nice kids who want to share information with you on line. But don't take the advice from youngsters, who may know even less than you do about surfing, a surfboard is a big investment. I hope you are mature enough to read through the BS that lots of people throw at you on line. So, I would be very careful about who's advice you take. Especially, don't confuse skateboarding and surfing. Both take balance, but most of your time spent surfing is spent paddling, not standing up riding waves. You need those ocean skills to surf.

I have been surfing since 1966, and it has given me a lifetime of fun. It will for you if you take the time and learn the rigth way. Good luck, and welcome to surfing.

Soft Surfboards – Choosing a Softboard Surfboard, the best surfboard for beginners

Purchasing your first surfboard can be a confusing experience.

What sort of board do I buy?

How much should I spend?

Soft or Hard?

The choices are endless! With well over half a century of surfboard development behind us, surfing technology has come a long way. Modern surfboards make learning to surf a much more pleasurable experience. Beginners Surfboards these days are lighter, safer and tougher than their ancestors.

The Soft Board

Soft Boards are the most popular type of beginner Surfboard and with good reason too. They are extremely buoyant so paddling is easy as it gets. Soft Surfboards have increased buoyancy, grip and stability to that of a regular fibreglass board. Their length is usually between 7 & 10 feet, this is due to the simple fact that the larger the board is the easier it is to balance.

The soft, rubber-like material that makes up the top surface of the surfboard gives it a great deal of stability. The foam material will hold up to the toughest of treatment. At the same time it’s safe enough that if you lose your board into a crowd of swimmers, you won’t go hurting anyone. The Base of the board consists of a smooth, yet still soft skin. It is this skin that reduces friction with the surface of the water and allows you to glide with some of the speed of a fibreglass board.

What height Surfboard should I buy?

If you are looking at getting a Surfboard then length will be something to consider. Most people will learn on a board that is a few feet longer than them. Just remember, the longer the board the more stability you will have. If you are a heavier person then perhaps something a little thicker than normal would be a good idea. For a fantastic height and weight matrix, visit this site.

New or Used?

The answer to this will largely depend on your budget. Something else to take into consideration is how often you will be using the board. Someone who uses it regularly is going to progress faster and will outgrow a soft surfboard very quickly. Due to the hard wearing construction of the soft surfboard there are plenty of used ones in good enough condition to learn on. A resource for finding used soft Surfboards can be found here

Should I get lessons?

To put it simply, YES! Just because you have friends that surf doesn’t mean that they are good surf instructors. Surfing is an individual thing, you need to learn a few basic techniques and skill first but once you have them down you can begin to refine it into your own and unique style. So go and get yourself a proper lesson and have an instructor teach you those all important basics. Having a good quality instructional DVD or book is also a handy thing to have around.

An instructor will also take you through all the safety procedures. Things like, where is it safe to surf? And how to spot a rip or undertow? These are incredibly important things to know. An instructor will also teach you the rules of the surf. When surfing, there is a globally recognised set of rules that governs who has “right of way” in different situations. Learning these rules is a must if you want to survive in the crowds.

The most important thing to remember when learning to surf is “be patient”. Surfing is a tricky sport to get the hang of. Each ride only last’s a few seconds so the time spent actually standing up is much less than that of say, snowboarding or skateboarding. It is for this reason it can take a little more time to get to that next level but trust me on this, it’s worth it.

A Stedman is committed to assisting those looking to start in the world of surfing. Since stepping onto his first board over 20 years ago it has changed his life. He hopes it can do for other what it has done for him.

No board. Lessons first. Lessons ALWAYS come first. You might find out that you don't like surfing, and then you would've just wasted like $200 easily (if you get a cheap foam board). Your surf coach will probably let you borrow a board for free and if not, you can just rent an 8 or 9 ft board.

Before you commit to buying a surf board, try renting one out while on vacation. For beginners, typically a long board is a good start because it can be a lot more steady and smooth and doesn't require super fast movements like a short board.

It really depends on what area you're in and how strong the surf is there. If it's wicked wild-California, Hawaii, hurricane season Florida-then you will start with a short board or else the waves will be too strong and you'll get smashed. Otherwise it's best to learn on a longboard, and try to get a lighter weight one if you can.

i would start off with like a mal thats a few feet bigger then you or something like that because to start off you need something thick and wide just to get used to it:) hope this helped and by the way surfing is the best thing in the world:)