Surfing Direct

What surfboard is best for me?

I’m a beginner, and I will be moving to Brazil soon, ten minutes away from the beach.

I’m 5 foot 1 inch, 85-95 pounds. I have had no experience with surfing in my life, since I live in Louisiana and it’s not the best place to surf, especially now after the oil spill.
What’s better? Longboard or funboard? Length? Width? Height?

Thanks!!

P.S.
I’m not looking for an expensive board, just something to practice and learn with.

This is not the best place to learn about surfing. There are lots of surfers in Brazil, but you better practice your Portuguese to feel at home in the line up. Before you even think about surfing, there are some things you should understand. Surfing is an ocean sport, that should only be practiced by persons who are already competent ocean swimmers. Swimming in a pool is neat, but it’s not ocean swimming, with undertows, rip tides and sometimes BIG waves. I have seen lots of great pool swimmers get rescued. So, my first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean.There are way too many dangerous people in the water now. They are a danger to themselves and other surfers, don’t join their ranks. We don’t know too much about you. Maybe you already have the ocean skills.

Lessons are the best way to start. Lessons can come from a professional instructor, or surfing family members or experienced surfing friends. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don’t want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. The last thing experienced surfers want is for inexperienced people to just grab a board, rush into the surf and get in our way. Lessons shorten the learning curve significantly. And they help keep ignorant, un-prepared kooks out of the water and out of the way of more experienced surfers. .

Beginners should take advantage of renting boards and wetsuits while taking lessons. If it turns out you don’t like surfing, you haven’t wasted a whole lot of money on gear that you are not going to use. When you are ready to buy, don’t waste your time on line, go to a good local surf shop to discuss your size (weight is import, height isn’t), skill level and local wave conditions. After 45 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice from good local shops in the places where I surf. A surf shop is also the best place to find information on instructors.

Almost ALL instructors will start you off on a longboard. It is just too difficult for most people to learn how to surf on a short board. Most get quickly discouraged, and just quit. Now, over the years, I have seen some young surfers start out on short boards and master them in time. There are no RULES on what kind of board you learn on, but it’s just common sense to learn on a long board.

And, I know there are lots of nice kids who want to share information with you on line. But don’t take the advice from youngsters, who may know even less than you do about surfing, a surfboard is a big investment. I hope you are mature enough to read through the BS that lots of people throw at you on line. So, I would be very careful about who’s advice you take.

I have been surfing since 1966, and it has provided a lifetime of fun for me. If you take the time to learn the right way, it will be a lifetime of fun for you too.Good Luck

Surf Longboard Porto de Galinhas Brazil

Surfboard Wall Racks Longboard snowboard in bag surf $21.99

SURF SHOP CARMEL 1960s CALIFORNIA USA Sticker Decal Surfboard Longboard Rat Fink $3.59

Ding All Surfboard FIN REPAIR surf longboard surf bag $3.95

surf,surfing,surfboard,longboard wall rack HOLDS 2. $29.00

DEWEY WEBER PERFORMER 9′ 6″ LONGBOARD $1,899.00

Con Surfboard sticker vintage style surfing decal longboard $4.99

60′s Vintage Robertson-Sweet Surfboard Longboard Rare $700.00

Blocksurf single wrap rax for longboards or surfboards $25.00

Bing Surfboard sticker vintage style decal longboard surfing $3.99

~SURFBOARD BEACH WALL ART SURF DEC0R HAWAIIAN LONGBOARD $65.00

WOODYS LONGBOARDS HAWAII T SHIRT LARGE SURF PIN UP GIRL SURFBOARD FREE SHIPPING $14.99

LONGBOARD SURFBOARD LOCK $23.99

◆LOT 10 LONGBOARD SURFBOARD SURF CANVAS PATCH W #2◆ $3.98

8’6″ Longboard Surfboard hulawave “Slider” **Brand New** $700.00

8’0″ Rusty Mini-Tanker Longboard $299.00

surf,surfing,surfboard,longboard wall rack HOLDS 6. $72.00

Surf,surfing,surfboard,longboard wall mounting rack ,display,HOLDS 5. $48.00

surfing,surfboard,longboard wall rack,hawaiian print HOLDS 3.display,storage. $39.90

surf,surfing,surfboard,longboard wall mounting rack HOLDS 4.Black finish. $51.99

surf,surfing,surfboard,longboard wall mounting rack HOLDS 4.BLACK,Lost,Rusty. $51.69

The Wheele Surfboard Bike Trailer Carrier w Storage Great for SUPs + Longboards $189.00

Balin Tour 9’1 Longboard Bag surfboard board bag travel $87.95

Stay Covered 8′ PRO longboard SURFBOARD LEASH Rasta $26.95

XM 10′ Surfboard Leash T.J. longboard single swivel NEW $14.99

XM TANGLE FREE 10′ LEASH surfboard shortboard longboard $23.99

XM Longneck 12′ Longboard Surfboard leash Black calf $24.95

Land Paddle Stick Stand Up Paddle SUP Street Longboard Surf Carbon Fiber $159.00

Surf Surfboard Longboard Skimboard Hang Ten T-Shirt Beachwear Ocean $8.49

Surf Surfboard Longboard Skimboard Hang Ten T-Shirt Maui-Surf Xtrak ESA Champion $8.29

Slater Brothers Surfboards Longboard Skimboard Surf Beach T-Shirt Sz L Made USA $8.89

Future Fins 6.5″ Cutaway Longboard skeg surfboard Clear $39.95

Vintage GREG NOLL surfboard surfer surfing longboard decal sticker new old stock $8.00

NIB Blue SURFBOARD Pattern LAMP BEACH SPLASH LONGBOARD $19.95

Ding All Surfboard Repair Kit Surf Longboard Polyester $11.95

Lance Carson vintage waterslide decal surfboard surfing longboard woody wagon $29.00

vintage canyon surfboards surfing surfboard sticker longboard cool one $6.50

Beautiful Collectible Vintage ERNIE TANAKA BLUE HAWAII 8′ Longboard Surfboard $299.99

VINTAGE 1960s Longboard Surfboard – O’NEILL 9ft 10in singlefin $850.00

8′ 6” Danai epoxy Longboard, pick up only covina,ca. $150.00

OLD GUYS RULE WOODY SURF SURFING SURFER SURFBOARD LONGBOARD FIN SURFBOARDS S/S M $9.97

8’0 Poly Fiberglass Mini longboard Funboard Surfboard $379.99

8’0 Poly Fiberglass White longboard Funboard Surfboard $350.00

8’0 Poly Fiberglass WHITE longboard Funboard Surfboard $379.99

DORSAL | SURFBOARD FINS – LONGBOARD CENTER FLEX FIN RED 9 INCH SUP SKEG $26.95

DORSAL | SURFBOARD FINS – LONGBOARD CENTER FLEX FIN CLEAR 9 INCH SUP SKEG $26.95

DORSAL | SURFBOARD FINS – LONGBOARD CENTER FLEX FIN BLUE 9 INCH SUP SKEG $26.95

DORSAL | SURFBOARD FINS – LONGBOARD CENTER FLEX FIN BLACK 9 INCH SUP SKEG $26.95

Longboard 10 foot 4 inch $270.00

8’2 Poly Fiberglass White longboard Funboard Surfboard $389.99

7’6 Poly Fiberglass Funboard Surfboard Green longboard $369.99

XM Longboard Surfboard Leash $6.61

surfboard,longboard roof ceilling mounting rack.display.storage. $38.00

9’0 Clear White PU Poly Fiberglass Longboard Surfboard $395.99

8’6 Clear White PU Poly Fiberglass Longboard Surfboard $375.00

8’2 Poly Fiberglass White longboard Funboard Surfboard $355.00

7’6 Poly Fiberglass White longboard Funboard Surfboard $335.00

7’4 Poly Fiberglass White longboard Funboard Surfboard $330.00

LONGBOARDER SURFING ONLY longboard surfboard SURF SIGN $9.99

vintage ’67 Rick Dru Harrison Improvisor longboard surfboard $750.00

surfboard,longboard softboard roof ceilling rack. $38.00

BING SURFBOARDS PINTAIL SURF SURFING BEACH LONG BOARD FIN CLASSIC DECAL STICKER $4.99

VELZY PINTAIL CLASSIC LONGBOARD SURFBOARD $202.50

Surfboard/Longboard/Malibu Fin 91/2″ $19.80

SURF SHOP ONEILL 70s SANTA CRUZ STICKER DECAL Surfboard Longboard Surfing Malibu $3.59

Sticky Bumps Cool Soy Surf Wax Surfboard Longboard 4 pk $9.95

Sticky Bumps Cold Soy Surf Wax Surfboard Longboard 4 pk $9.95

Sticky Bumps Warm Soy Surf Wax Surfboard Longboard 4 pk $9.95

Auto Emblem Longboard Hula Girl Surfboard Gift Present bling chrome $9.89

Sticker Decal GIVE PEACE A CHANCE Longboard surfboard Gift Combi VW $4.94

Sticker Decal BUTTERFLY Longboard surfboard Gift Dan Morris $4.94

Sticker Decal Inspire Peace Longboard surfboard Gift Dan Morris Combi VW $6.92

Sticker Decal Old Guys Rule Longboard surfboard Gift $8.90

greg noll surfing surfboard surfer rick griffin murphy tee shirt rare longboard $24.00

vintage 9′ Bing Bonzer longboard surfboard step down Encinitas San Diego p/u $500.00

Del Norte Fin Co 6.5 inch Classic Dolphin Longboard Surfboard Fin Smoked NEW $47.32

EPOXY DING REPAIR KIT longboard surfboard surf resin $11.95

XM TANGLE FREE 10′ COMP LEASH surfboard longboard ankle $23.99

MULE STS SURFBOARD TRANSPORT SYSTEM BIKE RACK LONGBOARD $96.95

COR SURF Ceiling Longboard Surfboard / SUP Board Rack $52.95

Balin Tour 7’6 Longboard Bag surfboard board bag travel $69.95

Vintage Jacks Waterslide surf shop surfboard surf surfing longboard decal $32.00

Vintage 1960s wardy surf team surfboard longboard surfing 9’6 $875.00

Surfboard Sling new bag longboard rack surf wall snow $11.95

7.0″ FLEX SURFBOARD FIN unlimited longboard single skeg $37.99

Hawaiian 8.5″ Cutaway Fin longboard surfboard FLORAL $47.95

Vintage Greg Noll pipeline sticker surfboard surfing longboard surfer surf $9.99

9’2″ Deluxe Surfboard Padded Longboard Bag – Waterproof 5mm -NO RESERVE $31.00

Jimbo Phillips woody wagon tee shirt surfboard longboard skateboard surfing cool $26.00

OLD GUYS RULE “DIAMOND LONGBOARD” SURF SURFING SURFER SURFBOARD FIN BEACH S/S M $19.95

lincoln city surf shop woody wagon surfboard sign surfing surfer longboard $32.00

surfing surfer surfboard patch territory of hawaii longboard surf cool big $14.00

NEW 9’4 Epoxy Longboard Surfboard Surf long board $425.00

HOBIE longboard $1,200.00

BRAND NEW AUSTRALIAN CONNOR SURFBOARD LONGBOARD FIBERGLASS 9’6 $299.99

surfboard,longboard kiteboard wall rack -Hawaiian print tan-HOLDS 3 $39.90

surfing,surfboard,longboard wall rack— Hawaiian print tan—HOLDS 4. $51.99

Bruce Jones Modern Longboard 10’6 Boardworks TEC Epoxy Surfboard 9″ Fin + Future $919.00

Bruce Jones Modern Longboard 11’0 Boardworks TEC Epoxy Surfboard Super Floater $955.00

Royal Hawaiian Surfboards | vintage 1950s longboard | 9’6” | redwood fin $400.00

New Triple X Epoxy 9′ 0″ Longboard Surfboard $429.99

Surfing $1.99 Surfing Embellishment An assortment of handmade surfing style stickers on one sheet. These make a great addition to gift bags, greeting cards as well as scrapbooking pages. Sizes vary. Vacation, beach, surf, surfboard, Bermuda shorts, coconut drink, f

Surfing Eyeball $3.49 Surfing Eyeball Vinyl Sticker Winged blue-eyed eyeball surfing on a purple, green and orange surfboard on blue wave. Far background has surfing tiki.

Surfboard – Surfing Sports Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 Surfboard – Surfing – Surfer – Surf Ride – Waves – Beach – Ocean – Sea – Water – Sports Sports Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don’t waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable.

Longboarder surfing Surfboard Fitted T-Shirt by CafePress $26.5 Longboarder holding a surfboard Surfboard Fitted T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that love

Surfing – Life is Crap $2.49 Surfing – Life is Crap Vinyl Sticker Sticker has an unhappy surfer with a broken surfboard.

Top Femme surfing $27.9 Top femme sans couture pour un plus grand confort. Texte avant surfing motif arrière femme avec un longboard .3 tailles: S M L

Siberian Husky Longboard Surfer Pets Wall Clock by CafePress $15 When a Siberian Husky goes on vacation they love to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun Husky design. Perfect for all surfers and beach dogs Pets Wall Clock Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included.

Boston Terrier Longboard Surfer Pets White T-Shirt by CafePress $22 When a Boston Terrier goes on vacation they love to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun Boston Terrier design. Perfect for all surfers and beach dogs Pets White T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The white t-shirt is a timeless classic for a reason; it should be a staple in every wardrobe. It is clean, simple, and durable. The best part is you can wear it with anything. This 100% cotton T-shirt is so comfortable you’ll want to wear it to bed.

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend – both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny Kids Baseball Jersey by CafePress $20 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Kids Baseball Jersey Our 100% cotton Baseball Jersey is a sporty hit with boys and girls whether yoursquo;re in the game or just looking the part in great run-around casual-wear. Choose red, blue or black sleeves.6.1 oz. 100% heavyweight cotton. Standard fit

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Baby Funny Bib by CafePress $12 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Bib Eeewww Baby, Baby Itrsquo;s okay to make a mess in our easy-wash 100% cotton bib. It provides great upper body coverage to protect babyrsquo;s clothes. The sturdy closure makes this one-size bib fit newborns to 36 months. 100% jersey cotto

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny Tote Bag by CafePress $18 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Tote Bag Our 100% cotton canvas tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying. 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric. Full side and bot

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny Baseball Jersey by CafePress $32.5 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Baseball Jersey Our 100% cotton Baseball Jersey is a sporty hit with both men and women whether you’re in the game or just looking the part in great run-around casual-wear. Choose red, blue or black sleeves. 6.1 oz. 100% heavyweight cotton. Standard f

Siberian Husky Longboard Surfer Pets Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 When a Siberian Husky goes on vacation they love to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun Husky design. Perfect for all surfers and beach dogs Pets Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend – both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny White T-Shirt by CafePress $22 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny White T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The white t-shirt is a timeless classic for a reason; it should be a staple in every wardrobe. It is clean, simple, and durable. The best part is you can wear it with anything. This 100% cotton T-shirt is so comfortable you’ll want to wear it to bed.

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny Kids Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $17 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Kids Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The youth-sized version of our popular adult favorite. It’s preshrunk and durable – just what a playful, active kid needs.6.1 oz. 100% cotton. Runs large, size down for better fit..

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Funny Toddler T-Shirt by CafePress $12 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Toddler T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Our 100% cotton toddler tee will look great on your little ones.5.5 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit.

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Sticker Sports Rectangle Sticker by CafePress $5 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Sports Rectangle Sticker Our stickers are printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks 150; meaning no fading in the sun or bleeding in the rain. Measures 3 x 5. Printed on durable 4mil vinyl.

Sock Monkey Longboard Surfer Coffee Funny Mug by CafePress $15 When sock monkey goes on vacation he loves to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun sock monkey design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Funny Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Australian Cattle Dog Longboard Surfer Sports Mousepad by CafePress $13 When a Cattle Dog goes on vacation they love to surf Grab your surfboard show off your surfing skills with this fun Australian Cattle Dog design. Perfect for all surfers and beach bums Sports Mousepad Keep your mouse rolling in style on our durable cloth top mousepad. A great gift for geeks, gamers, or anyone with a computer. Rubber backing prevents the mousepad from sliding. Machine washable.