Short, Long, or SUP, what's the difference and why does it matter?

it really isn't.

 

DawnPatrolSUP, I think you'll see that there are a lot of ego's in surfing, more then most sports/activities...
I think this exists because there is a limited resource in waves, and thus a natural desire to create a hierarchy to consume these waves. Those on the bottom of the pecking order, are not given as much respect or rights to consume the valuable waves. I think, putting it in this perspective, makes sense to me anyway.

If there were perfect waves on every beach, like there are basketball hoops in most neighborhoods, then I'm sure it wouldn't be as big of an issue. And, lets face it, on the East Coast, we have a limited number of days with those really valuable waves.

And, I don't see the board type you ride as the main factor in the pecking order, but how well you ride it and how much the other's in the water offer respect to you.

 

well, you enjoy your plastic, chinese-made stand up crutch. shoulder issues or not, you would be a better surfer, & be less of a danger to others, on an appropriately sized longboard (as someone else said, 8'1" is not a longboard...it's a mid-length/"funboard").
i'm 31, & my right should is messed up from a snowboarding accident in my teens. but by keeping (fairly) fit, stretching, & surfing regularly, it gives me no real problems. i really have to agree w/ the guy who said that it sounds like you're trying to justify using a SUP in smaller surf.
but like i said, enjoy your pop-out kayak.

edit: "ignorant" in this case is a matter of perspective. i've made my mind up that SUPs are a danger in the line-up, you won't persuade me otherwise. my opinion on this is based on the evidence i've gathered in line-ups up & down the east coast & around the world. that experience has shown me that, w/ VERY few exceptions, SUP=kook.

 

Based on your location, you actually surf some areas where SUPs can be a non-issue, but it is up to the user. Some of the beaches in the Mid-Atlantic area of this forum have restrictions on where you can and can't surf. I don't think rules like that exist when I surfed in Florida. So with your SUP, you don't have to be at the main peak, scratching and clawing for every bump with the hungry pack of prone guys.

Don't take some of the criticism towards board choice too seriously. I can almost guarantee that 90% of the guys who post here and actually surf regularly own a variety of boards, and don't really have any animosity towards a particular board size, shape, etc.

In other words, it's not really as bad as it sounds.

 

i wouldn't call it ignorance. its more negative opinions based on experiences. its been said many times in this thread that it is a very rare instance to see anybody riding an SUP even decently so of course the conclusion is that nobody rides them well.

 

DawnPatrolSUP, surf what you feel comfortable on for any particular day... as long as your in the water and having fun then there really shouldn't be any issue. The fact of the safety topic is relevant to all boards....yea a SUP weighs more...but if the rider knows what he is doing (which you probably do) then whats the problem? Id be more afraid of a novice on a short board then an intermediate rider on a SUP. Its not the board that's any more dangerous then the operator. There are hazardous people on all boards/water craft...

To have a quiver where you can be out almost every day is a good thing, some do not have this luxury...other folks do not want this luxury. Here on the east coast, its something most should/have consider.

I wouldn't waste too much more time on here trying to defend this issue....the people who understand what your getting at and where your coming from already have the same feelings.. and those who do not share the same thoughts, probably never will.

Have fun, be responsible and show respect to all... doesn't matter what board your on or skill level.

 

then perhaps you ought to keep away from the mid-atlantic. i know lots of guys in florida who say the same thing though.

 

who on here has said they rip? People are telling your their opinions as you asked. its not our fault that we aren't validating your choice.

 

so only those who agree with your position are 'sensible' posts? I read through the posts and didnt see anybody say how they rip. Face it, SUPs are pretty much frowned upon as a wave riding tool on the east coast. if you like it then your thing. you seem level-headed enough to understand to keep way from the pack so enjoy yourself but trying to change minds that are already made up is pretty futile..