So Cal Breathren

[Kramer]

I've got a 15 year old that wants to start surfing,
wants a surfboard for Christmas. We have done a
little research, and it is recommended to start out
with a long board, ( 7' to 8' ). He could give a rat's
ass about a brand new board because niether one
of us thinks he will use it very long and progress
to a shorter board fairly quickly. He's decent on a
skateboard, loves the ocean, and wants to surf.
So my questions are:
1) Were we given the right advice about the long
board?
2) What is the best method to teach him how to
surf?
3) Where could I find the best deal on a board?
4) Would you go new or used?
5) Any other important questions I have failed to
ask?

TIA :toast:

 

[Blackman]

I've got a 15 year old that wants to start surfing,
wants a surfboard for Christmas. We have done a
little research, and it is recommended to start out
with a long board, ( 7' to 8' ). He could give a rat's
ass about a brand new board because niether one
of us thinks he will use it very long and progress
to a shorter board fairly quickly. He's decent on a
skateboard, loves the ocean, and wants to surf.
So my questions are:
1) Were we given the right advice about the long
board?
2) What is the best method to teach him how to
surf?
3) Where could I find the best deal on a board?
4) Would you go new or used?
5) Any other important questions I have failed to
ask?

TIA :toast:

I'm a Jersey boy but agree the long board is the way to go starting out. Increased sense of balance and good way to get the footwork down.

I learned from friends and trial/error, but there are instructors out there. I'd ask around or maybe call some local lifeguards :shrug:

Get a used board to start, I banged the hell of out mine while learning. Especially since you said he'll probably progress to the short board rather quickly.

 

[momoney]

I'm a Jersey boy but agree the long board is the way to go starting out. Increased sense of balance and good way to get the footwork down.

I learned from friends and trial/error, but there are instructors out there. I'd ask around or maybe call some local lifeguards :shrug:

Get a used board to start, I banged the hell of out mine while learning. Especially since you said he'll probably progress to the short board rather quickly.

Agreed about the used long board. Don't surf much anymore (middle America) but when I first started a cheap piece of chit, bad foam core,chipped paint long board with one half busted fin on the left side was all I needed to gain confidence I could acctually stand up on liitle curls.
If he likes surfing after a season invest in a decent board...for now stick with the basics (ie paddeling out multiple times against breakers, counting the wave sets....and balence)..

Peace :thumb:

 

[ferdville]

If you are anywhere near Huntington Beach you need to seek out Corky Carroll. Corky hasa a surf school in HB and ties with a big surf shop there, I think it is across from Jack's, not sure. You need to know the size of your boy before looking in to a board and Corky is the guy to talk to. He used to play in a band at Duke's on the weekends in HB. I have talked to him several times but haven't been in touch with him since moving from HB myself. If you go into any of the surf shops on Main street they will tell you where to find him. He also used to write a column in the local paper (not OC Register) and should be easy to find.

 

[Kramer]

Thanks guys. Ferd, HB is not that far, I will take him down there and talk with your bud. He will
be surfing at Zuma or somewhere around Malibu
but will take him for a few lessons to HB just to
get him pointed in the right direction. He will pick
it up quick, then comes shelling out the big bucks.
:142smilie Thanks for the info guys. :toast: