I'm new to surfing, so I know almost nothing about it. I recently took a vacation to Costa Rica (Uvita) where I tried surfing on a longboard. My boyfriend insisted we try one of those instead of a shortboard. The problem with that was that I had to have my boyfriend help me with paddling out (not enough arm strength on me) and the board was too heavy for me to carry it. I am only 5'2 and 105lbs. What would be a good beginner board for me that won't be too heavy or hard for me to paddle out with? I know that I did enjoy the surfing when I tried it and was able to jump up and surf the waves, I just had probs getting out there! I live in Pensacola, FL. I just want to give it a chance since I enjoyed it so much to explore surfing further.
I would suggest something in the 7'6 to 8'0 range that has a longboard/funboard shape. This should be a little smaller than the longboard you are riding and hopefully a bit easier to carry around. As for the paddling, the longer the board the easier it is to paddle. It might not seem that way but when you are on a small board you are essentially swimming so it is a lot harder to get the speed needed to catch the wave. So whatever you do, don't get a shortboard, it is much much harder to learn with because it is much more difficult to catch waves. Your arms will get much stronger if you stick with it, just keep trying and have fun!
Thank you! I will keep trying with what you recommended. I'm sure my arms with develop some better strength if I don't give up too easily.
try to find a 6' fat fish.this should be easy for you to carrey and paddle out on.sur try to find a 6ft fat fish it will be easy to carry and paddle out on.go to any surf shop and tell them what you need.
You really should go over to Innerlight on 9th ave and talk to John Russo and the group. They answer this question all the time and could give you some specific direction. In general, though, for the surf around here, you should stick with a longboard. There are lots of options for smaller-format longboards made from lighter materials that you could easily manage. Talk to Kayly at Innerlight. She started surfing a couple of years ago and is a good surfer now.
