I am getting my experience on a funshape. It has stability like a longboard, but it is still short enough to require popping up like shorter boards. I think that is the best way to learn and transition to smaller boards. I will get a hybrid fish after I master the current board. Also, I have never seen a successful fat surfer (LB/SB), so I am not sure what you are talking about with the last remark. Fat people generally stick to SUP's (or sponges on small days).
I've seen a few overweight guys who actually tear things up pretty good even on a shortboard. It blows me away. Anyway, what i meant was if the dude is a middle aged porker the 6'6" range board advice obviously doesnt apply.
Fat dudes can surf! I've seen and know fat dudes that can move. My one friend is a keg with legs and surfs once every year and tears it up, he just puts his weight into it...amazing sight!
I assume they started when they were slim, correct? I know that a single session usually beats the crap out of my body, and I am a long time runner/weight lifter. I can't imagine trying to learn while being a fatty.
Being overweight for 'mainstream' surfing is tough since a lot of the equipment is built for guys under 6' and under 185. Kelly Slater is what, like 5'6"? Even more important than longboard/shortboard choice it to find the right equipment for your height and weight. I'm 6'1 220lb on a good day which is pretty heavy for surfing so I'm trying to slim down. At 220 lbs, thats even high for the 'big guy' boards the mainstream market produces. I longboard almost primarily now and rarely get the itch to switch down to my 7'6" (my version of a short-board). I'm far from an experienced surfer, but I managed a few good days riding my longboard in head high to slightly overhead stuff over the past 2 hurricanes. In all honestly head high to 1' overhead is probably all I'll attempt for now. Plus living on the east coast those well overhead days (heck even overhead days) are few and far between which really require something short with tons of rocker. Don't look at longboarding as a beginner-only and shortboarding as real surfing. Check out some movies like 'Sight | Sound' and see some longboarding in action - it's pretty amazing stuff (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACyZpyM4M2Y) Don't want to spark the longboard/shortboard debate, but learn to ride everything and have fun. Logging is a blast
Wizard, if your interesed i still have it for sale. let me know if you have any questions about it thanks
Dam that dude is FAT. Freaking seriously obese but getting some sick tube time. on a side note, I just read this whole thread. It's mind boggling how annoying Gruvi is.
Wrong. Your funshape, which probably does have longboard like stability, can't possibly require you to get to your feet like a shortboard if for no other reason than it has that kind of stability. That funshape, albeit shaped more like a shortboard, has more in common, ride wise, with a longboard. If your goal is really to get on a shortboard, get yourself a thick, floaty fish. When I learned, I used a funshape for about 2 months then got a pop-out copy of the Rusty Piranha at 6'6"... best move I made! I traded that board in a few years ago, but sometimes I still wish I had it.
I was talking about the fact that you can't pop up using your toes, like is commonly done on longboards. The funshape board is too short, so it forces you to rely on your upper body. That makes it much easier when transitioning to a short board.
Enough bull****, Take the board to surf shop at Chincotegue. Will give you a board to use till I fix it. Call 757-710-3330. Steve
Hi Steve From what I learned you will be the man fixing it. I will be there tomorrow to drop it off. I already spoke with one of the guys from shop and he told me you were the guy. Thanks for offer of board, really! However I lucked out and picked up a 7' retro fish for a song. Thanks for the coolest offer G
I started surfing at 45. Once I got hooked, I quit my job, moved to Montauk and surfed almost every day. Then I went to Costa Rica for the whole winter. During the winter in Costa, I started working down. I had incredible sessions on a 7'6" fun shape. Late in the winter I got onto a friends 6' 5" fish. I had a hard time catching waves but when I got in, I had some amazing rides and a lot of fun with it. I've since ridden boards from 7' 10 eggs to 9' 8" logs, but prefer the longboard groove. When i'm in shape I'm a pretty solid, but I prefer the longboard in most conditions... it's just my thing.
Wait.... wait... you totally just turned down a chance to try another type of board... maybe even a longboard... for free??? ps- steve your the man!!!
I just feel the man doesn't have to make me that offer, as kind as it was. I do appreciate it all the same though. Very generous but not necessary.
Johhnyutah, your story is amazing! Many surfers dream I bet. Can you say how you were able to do this at only 45? Thanks for sharing the story. G
Yeah Gruvi, It was pretty straight forward. I wanted it, more than anything and made it happen. Seriously dude, rent a soft top longboard at Atlantic Shoals and practice pop ups in the foam. Then paddle outside and go for waves. Repeat till your arms feel like they are going to fall off. Then come back the next day and repeat.
