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Beach Rail Height
Can a 300lb.+ Big Guy learn to surf in the Northeast?
Hampton, NH specifically would be helpful.
I am VERY comfortable in the ocean and respectful of it's power and unpredictability.
I am in or on the water as much as possible all summer long.
I am an avid boater, and grew up on the beach.
I am and advanced/expert skiier, with good balance.
I dabbled in surfing when I was younger and want to ride the waves again. I'm 45 now.
I believe I will nedd a VERY buoyant board, something like...
Board Height: 6 feet 8 inches
Board Width: 20 inches
Board Thickness: 4 1/4 inches
Rails: Very Hard
Tail Shape: Thumbtail
Am I crazy?
Now,....For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question at least once every ten days! Well, maybe not the weight part, but can they get a surfboard, or what size surfboard should the get. Let's look at some facts.
Surfing is an ocean sport. before you decide to surf, decide to know and understand the ocean. Learn to be at home with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes BIG waves. The original surfers were watermen (and women, both men and women surfed, but certain waves were reserved for royalty). But, you say you have that part well in hand, That's good (that's great!). 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.
Lessons are usually the best way to start,except for adolescents or young adults with lots of pals who surf who can teach you. Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on.
Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything.
Be careful of what you read here on line. There are lots of really well meaning young folks who have neat answers about surfing, but at 55, I tend to classify anyone under 25 as a kid. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop, where industry professionals earn their rent money selling surfboards. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention.
Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. Being such a big guy you are best suited to a longboard. That is something 9 feet long or more. I would venture to say at least three (+) inches thick,and 22/24 inches wide at the wide point. You need a board that will float you well enough for you to paddle and catch a wave (take off). At my worst, I have weighed in around 240, and been able to surf (Really badly!! but I still could surf). II have ballooned up to 240, and still been able to ride my 7'6" Action hybrid (sort of a rocket/fish design). I don't ride that any more, I have three newer boards that I ride pretty regularly, including a pretty great 7'8" Allison Fun shape and a great 7'8" Allison custom made twin fish. I have a great 9'4" Allison, and believe me, I get lots of great rides on the longboard on the small days, while everybody else is just staring at the knee high surf.
I'm around 210/215 now, and a bit on the porky side, but I am fine on even my skinniest board. There are guys bigger than you who surf, so get yourself to a good local surf shop, and talk to the pros there about what is going to able to float you, and be fun.
As a beginner, your 'estimates' are way out of the ball park. Thye are completely unrealistic, if you don't believe, ask in ANY surf shop. You need to start on a longboard (perhaps even more than would be the case for a little guy), and I don't believe they make foam blanks thick enough for you to even have a custom made board at 4.5 inches thick. My fattest board ever (in 42 years) was only 3 3/16". Don't be bashful about checking out a good local shaper, who can make a nice thick board that will suit you size and the local breaks.
THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. The pros there can give you the right answers!!
http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...
http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t...
You are a big guy, and need enough surfboard to float you so you can paddle and take off. I have been surfing since 1966 so you can see, it isn't just reserved for young guys. Good luck, and have fun. Did you got those dimensions from a website calculator?
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