im 53yrs old now thinking to get back in the water.i surfed for 25yrs but havnt surfed for 15 yrs.thinking of getting a longboard.im 6foot tall and now weigh 115 kg.what size board would size and dimensions would be best for me.a friend has a 9foot 6 23inch wide and 3 1\4 thick.would this board be alright to get me surfing again.cheers

or get off my arse and give it a go.

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kdalton said..
im 53yrs old now thinking to get back in the water.i surfed for 25yrs but havnt surfed for 15 yrs.thinking of getting a longboard.im 6foot tall and now weigh 115 kg.what size board would size and dimensions would be best for me.a friend has a 9foot 6 23inch wide and 3 1\4 thick.would this board be alright to get me surfing again.cheers

Hi there,I'm a similar weight,a little older it also comes down to fitness and paddle fitness.

For your weight volume is your friend and your mate is on the low side of volume/measurements,I've always worked on measurements.
If you go too long say 10 foot it may be too long a board for you to handle in the water at first, so stick with 9.6 but go 23 1/4 x 3 1/4, this will get you on more waves, you can always drop down once you get in the swing of things, now my other advice is, go get that board and enjoy.

What kinda waves

2-4 foot beachbreaks and 2-4 foot reef.not really barreling waves.

Cool then Mac's advice is right on I reckon

Depends on fitness as to length and volume, there's no point struggling to paddle onto waves and then back to the take off point just so you can ride a board as short as possible. I know for myself getting back into the game on a board I could actually catch waves on kept me keen, as paddle fitness and ability increases you can then look at other options depending on what style of surfing you want to do.

For me at 6'3 and 117kg when I got back into it many years ago the 10' board was a good starting point. I'm now down to 103kg and my shortest board is 10' but I typically surf points and the occasional tame beach break, each to their own and what you enjoy. I reckon it's better to leave the water smiling than frustrated.

I'd suggest seeing if you can try your mates board a few times to get a feel of how you go on the typical waves you'll surf, let that be your gauge.

Hi KDalton,

As someone who also surfs mainly south coast of SA I have a few thoughts. I didn't start until later in life, don't get to go particularly often as I live in the city so my paddle fitness is bad and my skill level is very average the more I try different boards I do think volume is king. We have fat weak waves in SA and if you aren't surfing big waves I would say start from 9.6 but would think a ten footer would be good as it will actually get you on waves and if you get on them then happy days!!

Im currently looking for a ten footer for our waves!! Good luck and feel free to message me if you want to chat further as I don't get sick of talking boards!!

Good luck!

thanks guys.i will give the 9 6 a go.cheers

Give your mates board a go - what's the worst that can happen?
(unless he makes you buy it from him)

If the 9'6" feels too small, search for something bigger (and cheap) to get you 'back on your feet', and enjoy!