Surfing
 

I have a couple of questions for you surfers out there....

We are going to visit my in laws for a couple of weeks sometime in the next month or two.
They live in Panama City, FL-- and while I realize there are very little waves there, my six yr old and I want to go surfing.
I don't want to rent boards (possibly for a week or two straight), I would just prefer to buy. I called the the surf shop in PC to get info on lessons and talk to the guy about just buying boards. They thought Zach should have a 6' board and I should be on a 7'6" or so board, based on our heights. I am 5'4" and Zach is 4'3".

Any suggestions on what I should be looking for when buying? Do you agree or disagree on the length?

Hints or pointers on surfing in general---

thanks!!!! :)
-wendi

I'm assuming you're purchasing a shortboard since longboards tend to be longer that 9' in length (in Hawai`i, anyway). They can range anywhere between 8'-10'. I wouldn't suggest learning on a shortboard because they tend to be thinner and skinny...hard to balance on, difficult to paddle, and maneuver, etc. I'm no expert myself, and I really don't think I've reached advanced status at all -- and even now it takes me a while to get used to it especially if I haven't been out in the water in a while.

I still maintain that longboards are the easiest to learn on, but that's just me.

As far as height goes, I rarely base my board length on height because I pay more attention to the weight as well as the width of the board and how buoyant my board will be.

Try and call around the different surfshops and get their opinions. My nephew's about 80 lbs and his 5' shortboard suits him well. I'm 120 lbs and mine's 6'2", 18 inches wide and about 2 inches thick.

If you're going to buy a board, I'd suggest getting a decent used one, especially if you're just going to be learning for a while. Those in good condition will cost at least $100. You really don't want to learn on a new and classy board...those will run you anywhere between $350-$500. I know a lot of shops also buy back used boards (not at the price you paid for, of course), so at least you'll get something back.

You might also want to look at funboards -- not as long as longboards and somewhat similar to shortboards. I hear they're great to learn on. Unfortunately I don't know much about them. :( But I'm sure the local shops will be more than happy to assist!

Again, I'm no expert, but the above things are what I usually consider when I'm out shopping with friends for new gear.

Good luck and have fun!

a short board is going to be difficult to learn on. i bought a cheap 7' board b/c i was poor and it was hard to learn on.

i pretty much have nothing else to add...otw summed it up nicely. esp about used boards...look for those deals.

Long boards are easiest to learn on as others have mentioned in the thread. If you're just wanting to learn to stand up and be able to do it easily then definitely go the long board route. Also, it'd be better to go that route since you'll be in Panama City because there are absoutely no waves at all there. And the waves that are in panama city will be like 1-2 ft high. If you're lucky you'll be there around the time a hurricane is in the vicinity.....as a matter of fact I think they're supposed to have one this friday or saturday.....a category 1, perfect for surfing.

As for shortboards, you can do so much more with them trick wise and eventually thats what you're going to want anyhow. I say get a shortboard to begin with because you're going to have to learn to surf on one anyhow. I'd also look for one that has interchangeable fins so that you can take out a fin if you just want 2 instead of 3. It might be a little more costly but it will save you money in the long run. If you don't get interchangeable fins and somehow you break 1 or 2 of them....your board is worthless. And believe me, you can break fins surfing or by simply transporting your board to the beach, as I have done.

Whatever you decide on be sure to look at the board closely. Look to see if there's any "dings" in it. A few should be expected when getting a used board but don't let those cheap fucks sell you a board thats all dinged up (dented up). Buying a decent board is a must. OTW said it'll cost at least 100$ and she's right partially, but realisticly it'll probably be around 250$ a pop for a decent used one. I just bought a new 6'6 HIC with the baddest leash you'll ever see a few months ago in preps for the upcoming hurricane season. Thats kind of short for a guy of my statute but thats how I like it. ;) Anyhow, that little baby cost me a little over 700$ after i got extra fins and the leash. But I got exactly what I wanted and something thats very nice....you don't need to spend anything near that amount.

Cashmotherfckingmoney


ETA: Anyone notice a difference in your surfboard preference and your snowboard preference? I use a K2 169 double wide for my snowboard.

long board good and easy to coast on. you want to buy? what for? aren't you from Michigan or something. What are you giong to do with the surfboards when you get home. I suggest getting a 9 footer.

Btw, the West Coast of Florida and perhaps the entire Gulf Coast has never heard of a wave. Aside from the hand gesture.


Horay for us Goofy footers!

you want a long board to learn on most definitely. RENT do not buy if this is a vacation only activity.

Hand Gesture? Go Gators!!! :D


They heard of waves, but only during Hurricanes. The west coast of Florida got hit worse than the east coast last year by all the storms. I'm sure Shae was shitting in her pants last August when the hurricane was coming for Tampa. :D

Shae nearly shat her pants while sitting on I-4 for several hours in attempts to get home to the rents house in Melbourne. I swear I spent half of last hurricane season traveling back and forth between the different coasts. My fave was when my mom and brother came to stay with me in my one bedroom apartment because Jeanne was hitting the east coast. Awesome weekend.

Winnieb, maybe when you come, you'll get to experience a hurricane! J/K I don't really wish that on anybody, but hey, at least there would be some waves!

Wendi, I have given this a great Lot of Thought!

So, My Q is are you out of Your Friggen Mind?:p

Jeeze, I am not sure I want a Meet Up In KC if you are thinking about this S*it!

Hell, Ya Live on the Plans of KS/Mo.:p

Well, At least we will meet before The Dead Zone!:eek: