Surfboard Height Weight
When is a good time to start surfboarding/wind surfboarding?
I want to learn to surfboard and wind surfboard.
But I don't know what kind of height/weight/age requirements you need to have.
I live in Hilton Head South Carolina.
Oh boy, here we go again....................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.
Lessons are the best way to start, unless you are a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach you (by your nickname, "family Guy" I guess you might be a married guy, but I can't guess your age). There are no age limits on learning to surf. I started at 13/14, whihc was pretty common in the 60s. But, today, I have five grandchildren ages 5 thru 9, who are at various stages of learning the ocean and surfing. There are lots of guys in their 40s taking uup surfing for the first time (and mature women, too. Just look through the old answers on Yahoo Answers - Surfing). 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. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don't join their ranks.
Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on.). Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything. And, please don't waste your time (or money) buying something on line. Don't be in a rush to buy a board! TRY before you BUY. Rent a variety of types of surfboards, or borrow them from your friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.
Be careful of what you read here on line. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention.
Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you have to learn on. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops). A board has to be bouyant enough to float you ell enough for you to opaddle and take off on a wave. But that can be a vast size range when all is said and done. I am 5'10" 220 (fat and old), but there are surfers of every size and shape, and theor board preference depends on three things: Their size (what will float them), Their skill level (beginner to advanced) and the type of waves usually encountered at their local breaks.
If you are fairly athletic, after a couple lessons (either formal or from pals who surf), you should be able get a good grasp on the basics. I remember I surfed all summer, almost everyday when i started, and I was just barely "decent'. I didn't get what anyone would call 'good' until my second summer. Although surfing is extremely different for other board sports (you have to paddle out, paddle to catch waves etc.), most of the board sports (snow, skate, indo) that improve balance are good supplemental workouts. It is starting to get COLD in the northeast, where I usually surf. I surf all winter long in South Carolina, but I think that it is even too cool their to start lessons from about December to March. You might be best just getting into condition, with winter time coming. Spring will come soon enough. Just a word of caution, Hilton Head isn't exactly the surfing capitol of the state, you may have to travel a bit.
THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. I have been surfing since 1966 and I get my surfboard advice at good local shops at the places where I surf. The pros there can give you the right answers!!
Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the 'right way') you'll have fun for life.
Take the time to check out the links, especially surfingforlife.
http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...
http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm
http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t
http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su...
http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su...
http://www.avalonsurfschool.com/index.ht...
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/surfings...
|
Landen Surfboards / Ripstick