Hi folks. New member here. Thanks for having me. I used to mess around with a funshape 15 years ago but I always wanted a longboard. What I'm looking for is something to surf in a variety of conditions in/around Seaside Heights, NJ. I'm 6'2", 215 lbs, and quickly approaching 40 years old. With so many years removed from surfing, I'm considering myself a beginner. I'd like something easy to paddle and catch waves with. Very laid back. Just out to have some fun and get back in shape. I know the correct answer is a resounding "both" , but with budgets the way they are these days which way should I go if I can only choose one for now? Longboard or SUP? Also, any recommendations for brands/models to consider or avoid? Note -- storage and transportation is taken care of and will not be a factor in the decision. Thanks in advance for your help!
I guess the question is what do you want to do. Surf or SUP. While SUP's ride waves its a whole different ball game. I've tried SUP and like it quite a bit but its definitely not like traditional surfing. I would get a used longboard 9'6" - 10.0' and get back in that way.
I would go with a longboard. Since you said you are just starting up surfing again. Sup have a learning curve of there own and they require lost of balance so I would just get a Longboard for now . Far as brands and Size Well that depends on your budget. You can get a used beater for 500 dollars to a one off Cooperfish for 2,000 anything 9'6- 10'0 will due you fine something with a Single Fin 10.5 inches in size to ensure even on the smallest of days you will get waves Also I dont know where u are from but there are plenty of talented shapers on the eastcoast who can craft some awsome logs
don't fall into the popout trap...just b/c it's cheap, doesn't mean it's good! a lot of older folks returning to surfing or just taking it up fall into the mindset of, "well, it's cheaper & more durable, so it must be better." no. they're not. esp. in regards to longboards, anything made my surftech or boardworks is nothing more than a glorified pool toy. so my advice would be to get something hand-made, preferably by a local shaper. there are all kinds of good ones hiding around central & southern nj that can build you a kick-ass log in next to no time for around the same amount of $$$ as you'd pay for an off the rack popout. your local surfshop can give you the info to get in touch w/ one or even order it right there in the shop.
Get the one that will less likely kill someone when you fall off or bail your board. Beginners on SUPs = worst thing ever.
Thanks for all the info folks. I'm going with a longboard. The SUP sounds intriguing, but the more I look into them the more I'm leaning towards a longboard. It's what I always wanted. Now to narrow down which longboard. Will start a new thread to get specifics. Thanks again!
