Looking for a new surfboard?

Question

Hello
I'm looking to buy a new surfboard next month
and am a little confused.
I'm 5'6" and about 140 pounds.
Currently, I ride a 6'2" shortboard that my cousin handed down to me.
It's pretty dinging up, so I need help looking for a new one.
I'm more into shortboarding, so if anyone could point out the right dimensions or something of a board that would be good for me, I'd really appreciate that.
Thanks in advanced!

i surfed for about half of last year
(the warmer months)
and not a lot this year yet
but i am already seeing an improvement.

Answer 1

How long have you been surfing???

Once you have got the hang of it and want to choose your own surfboard, the most sensible option is to buy a custom board i.e. a surfboard that has been hand crafted as opposed to factory produced (but not necessarily produced to an individual's specifications). Generally, the surfboard should be around 1 to 2 ft taller than you. Children are generally lighter and more buoyant than adults so can go for a surfboard with slightly smaller dimensions and around 6 to 18 inches taller. Surfboard widths range from 18 to 21 inches and are usually between 2 to 3 inches thick. Beginners need help with balance and buoyancy so go for something closer to 21 inches wide around 2 to 3 inches thick. Basically, the larger the surfer the thicker and wider the surfboard needs to be. This applies to intermediate surfers too.

Intermediate and advanced surfers will be looking for a Shortboard (also known as a Thruster), which range in size from about 5ft8'' to 6ft10''. These are slender shaped surfboards which have pointed noses and sharp rails (edges) and are used to perform aggressive snappy manoeuvres. Shortboards are not really wide enough, thick enough or long enough to suit a beginner so if you are new to this, don't be tempted by the cool factor - you'll end up getting really frustrated whilst giving your fellow surfers a laugh!.

There are two other types of smaller surfboard and these are the Fish and the Gun. The Fish or Fat Boy, is similar to the Thruster, however is smaller in length but much wider, giving it a slightly more rounded shape (like a fish!). These surfboards can range from 4ft8' to 7ft0'' and are great for improver riders. The Gun is a bigger version of the Shortboard and is used by advanced riders in big surf. The increased length of the surfboard makes it possible to paddle into bigger waves and these surfboards range in length from around 7'2'' to over 12'.

Answer 2

Open up that phone book and look up surfing in the yellow pages, then visit the shop that is listed, they are better trained to serve you.