agree with lee on this one. If you want to transition to the SB the best way is to just suck it up and get a proper SB.
Recommendations --In my experience I learned on a 7'2" gun, browned from the sun with a nose that had been broken off and fixed, from hawaii. I learned, and went directly to a 5'8" modern fish by lost.. With that being said I am a big believer in determination. You can learn on whatever shape and board you want to learn on even in terrible east coast conditions (majority of the time). With all that being said, my favorite board in my quiver is a fat egg shaped board around 5'6" straight from the 80's. It's a variation of a fat retro fish. That has been my go to board from surf knee high all the way up to head high conditions (majority of surf that happens on the right coast). I agree that a retro fish is the way to go probably around 6'0" or two or three inches shorter. If you want to go for a high performance board, I would recommend annacapa. It's from an eastcoast shaper that puts a ton of foam and hard rails on a short board giving you a ton of float. Anything shorter than your long board will be a transition, but give it time and some dedication and you will be shredding in no time. Also do not get rid of your longboard if it means your life. This will be the most valued board in your quiver. Also go used. You can by three used boards equal to the price of one brand new one and be patient things sub 200 dollar price range do come up. Every board i have bought, 5 in total have been used and 200 dollars or less. Good luck.
anacapa is from an east coast shaper? Seriously? I thought they were cheap Chinese pop outs of CI templates? Any way...Going from long to short is alot like getting into a really cold pool. You can take the slow painful route (going from LB to Funshape to Shortboard) which is just going to prolong the agony. or you can take the plunge and get it over with. The sooner you start on a proper SB the sooner you can begin learning the correct way to ride it.
If you want to risk being a "kook," you can borrow my Speed Dialer. It's a 7'0". Just watch out for the shredders in the "sizable" Va Beach waves. They won't say **** in the water, but they may get agro on you over the internet.
So, going with a 7 footer is most likely my best bet. How well does it perform, or in comparison with shorter boards?
Yes thank you, I am looking for performance, and you have seemed to hit the nail on the head. Thanks dude!
Thanks! Alright, thanks a lot guys. I think everyone has a valid point. But, from all of this, I think I am going with my gut and transitioning to something around a 6'4 to 6'8. If I don't immediately get up, then I am not going to quit. I will get it eventually and quickly. Thanks again guys, you all are loads of help. - Peace, Love, Surf - Walker
yeah man i think thats a good call. i tried starting on a 6' short board (wider, thicker modern fish type) and struggled a lot. i bought a cheap beat up 9' longboard and caught every wave my first session on it i couldnt believe how much easier it was. after about 2 weeks on that i went back to the 6' and although i had a few rough sessions i learned something new every wave i went for and once you get it figured out you have it. getting used to the steeper take offs and reading/timing the waves was the hardest part for me. just keep at it and youll pick it up pretty quick. theres nothing like the first wave you get on a shortboard, its so much faster than the longboard it was one of the best feelings ever for me just flying down the face. anyway good luck and have fun out there man
