AboutKat Dawes Expertise I'M SORRY I DON'T DO WINDSURFING!
I am the sub-editor and editorial assistant for Carve and SurfGirl magazines, based in the UK. I can answer questions about all aspects of surfing: equipment, travel, history, culture, locations in the UK, the pro tour, training for surfing, technique, women`s surfing, forecasting, surf media and so on.
Experience I am the sub-editor and editorial assistant for Carve and SurfGirl surfing magazines, based in
the UK. I have been surfing for 12 years in Wales and Cornwall. I have also travelled to
Australia and various European locations to surf.
Publications Carve and SurfGirl magazines
Education/Credentials 15 A grades, BA and MA in English Literature.
Expert: Kat Dawes Date: 10/14/2007 Subject: learning to surf
Question Hi, I'm here for a year and wish to learn to surf. I don't know where to start in choosing a surfboard and the appropriate lenght. I've been told, that it depends on your height to choosing the height of your surfboard, please help!!!!
thanks
Answer You don't say where 'here' is? That does make some difference, but only when you're a better standard really.
You should take some surf lessons first from an approved school (BSA approved if you're in the UK). You will learn on foam boards which are ideal for beginners. You should then hire foamies until you are confidently standing and surfing small green (unbroken) waves.
Then it's time to think about buying your own board. Your board should be at least 6 foot 8 inches, but it's also important that it has enough volume to float you, so the width should be about 19 inches and it should be fairly thick. All this depends on the style you choose; I'd say go for something simple like a fat boy flyer or long shortboard. Lots of people find a minimal (say about 7'4") a great starter board. Don't go too short, it might look cool but you won't be able to learn effectively on it. Similarly, a big heavy board might scare you more than set you on your way.
Typical beginner boards (talking UK here) are NSP Surf Betty or Bic boards. Secondhand is probably the way to go so if you ding it or hate it it's not too much of an investment.
You also need a wetsuit, so the initial investment is quite steep - £200 wetsuit, at least £200 for a board. So get lessons for more advice and an idea of whether surfing is for you or not.
Your instructors can help you out more, as you need to factor in not just your height but weight, gender to a certain extent, strength and fitness, where you will be surfing, whether you want to long or shortboard, how fast you pick it up and how much surfing you are going to be doing. Without that info I can't tell you much more, but good luck and I hope you enjoy!
