Does the height of the surfer affect the size of the surf board you need?
412895
yeah definitely, you should get the appropriate size board for your height and weight, just like snow boarding. if you are 5 feet tall you would never be able to ride a surf board for someone who is 6 feet tall it would be way more difficult to ride and control. if you do buy a surf board ask a sales associate to help you find the right size for you, get more bang for your buck
498039
The kind that works best for you. The type of board that is best is totally subjective because everyone surfs differently and is built differently.
255046
The board you choose depends on many factors. The type of board you choose should depend on what type of waves you will be surfing and how you surf. A longboard will perform well in slopey, slow waves. Depending on your ability you are also able to use a longboard in steeper conditions. A traditional board is more for hollower, faster waves. There are other boards such as a fish and mini tank that can fill in the gaps.\n\nOnce you decide what type of board the size, shape and dimensions need to be considered. Your height, weight,type of waves you will be surfing, and surf ability will determine the overall shape.\n\nConsidering that you are 166cm (about 5'5") and are a beginning surfer, a general assumtion is a mini-tank (mini longboard should suit you well. You will be able to paddle easily, and have the stability in the board to stand quite easily. The maneuverability will be more difficult than a shortboard but not as difficult as a longboard. \n\nDoes the break you will be surfing have a channel? Take this into consideration because if there is no channel to paddle out you will want a board that you will neeed to be able to duck-dive your board under the waves when paddling out. Get a board with thicker rails, and consider getting a a squash-tail, thruster. This will give you buoyancy, speed and maneuverability.
808215
I'm no expert, but I think that swimming could actually make you taller. Not by a lot, not inches or anything.  If you measure yourself in the morning and then when you go to sleep you height has changed. Why? Because the weight of your body has compressed your spine a bit.  By swimming you are spending time with your body fully extended with minimal force compressing your spine. So not only are you "resting" the compression process, but you are working your back muscles while they are in this relaxed state, thus making it possible that your back will resist this compression once you return to a vertical position. \nYou can buy inverter tables that are supposed to help stretch you back out. I hear those can add an inch or so over long periods of time and consitent use. But sorry, you're not going to gain multiple inches or a foot by swimming or probably anything else you do except grow naturally.\n\nGreg
1137857
As already stated, a longboard is longer, wider, and thicker, making it more stable and easier to stand up on.\n\nA shortboard is NOT ALSO CALLED A FUNBOARD. Someone wrote that, and that's wrong.\n\nThere are boards called funboards. They are inbetween a shortboard and a longboard, with a different shape than a shortboard. These are good transitional boards, going from a longboard to a shortboard.\n\nA shortboard is smaller and less stable, making it harder to surf on but easier to maneuver.\n\nIf you are just learning, rent a longboard and take it out to a place with gentle waves to surf on.
73259
I prefer motion. but if its too small then no matter the size of the ocean waves you had better compensate for the size.  I also must say that girth is much more important then length.
22599
If you're learning to surf, I suggest you rent boards for a while until you can tell the difference in different boards. Then you can make an educated decision on what kind of board you want without dishing out a lot of money on a board that you won't like or won't work for you. If you have friends that surf, borrow their old boards. At least it's free and a great way to experiment on a variety of styles. Be aware of what you like about different boards and how variations to the shape of the board will effect the performance (length, width, rocker, tail, fins, etc). That way when you get a board of your own you'll have some idea of what will work for you most of the time.
140528
Not big enough, when compared to the ocean :(
1114939
What?  Everyone recommending minimum  8 ft as a longboard?\n\nThe guy is 6-1, minimum 9 ft.  It depends on what you want to do.  9-6 to 10-0 is common.  If your break has some pretty lazy waves, you can go bigger (up to 12 ft) for that easy paddle.\n\nConcentrate on thickness for your weight.  It all depends on what you like.  If you don't know how to surf, get something you can handle.\n\nLook through the annual board issue that Surfer usually puts out, or pick up any surf mag to see different styles.  Its all a personal choice and how fit you are (or want to be).
392476
the widest board i know of is 8.5 inches\n\njust cuz your shoe size is bigger doesnt mean u need a bigger board\n\nyou need a board that u feel confortable on
99011
There is a guy in Newport Beach CA. His name is Dano and he makes custom boards. His boards handle very well and look awsome.
584086
Choosing a right surfboard is totally subjective. The best way to determinee what will work for you is to experiment (trial and error) but knowing how different shapes and "features" of a surf board effects the board will help you determine what will work for you. Some things you need to ask your self is what's more important, maneuverability or stability? Ease of paddling or maneuverability? What type of waves will you be riding most of the time, steep and hollow or slopey and slow?\n\nA longboard differs in shape from a shortboard usually in length and the width (the taper in the nose to midsection). Obviously a long board is longer but the taper from the nose to the middle of the board is a lot more gradual. Many contests define longboards as 9' or longer. The rocker (angle of the curvature in the nose) is also less in a longboard. These features makes a longboard easier to paddle, more stable but usually not as maneuverable.
1044762
hey im trying to figure out how to fill out this form for my custom board but its my first time getting a custom board so i can't really figure out all of the measurements the right way can u help me?
472288
i'm sure it does have a limit.\n\npro riders are usually fairly short..but i guess that size only matters at the top level as you'll still be able to go very quick so your riding ability will make a huge difference.
654963
He is right. Those measurements are for something else. Bearings are standard size and should fit any skateboard wheels, provided that you have skateboard bearings and skateboard wheels. :) It's all preference.
1066966
It's not really possible to get a cheap skimboard for a 195 lb. person.  You pretty much have to get a fiberglass board because any wooden board that you get will not hold up riding a person who is more than about 130 pounds.  And the boards usually tell you on the tag how much weight they can hold.  You'll probably need a board that is about 40-50 inches long, maybe more.  Those size boards usually run around $100.
726474
Hey I say check out Frosty Rider's Snowboard Sizing Calculator here http://frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide.htm\nIt is easy, just put in your height, weight, boot size, gender, and skill level and it will tell you the right length and width of board for you.  It will even recommend snowboards for you to buy.\n\nHave fun there at the Bear ;)