Surfer Alert! What size surfboard is appropriate for my 11 year old girl?
July 8, 2011 5:57 AM   Subscribe

What size surfboard is appropriate for my 11 year old girl? My daughter has been surfing using a friend’s surfboard of unknown length but presumably around 6” long. She is about 4-10” or so and maybe 80lbs. We live in southern NJ where is surf is mild to moderate. What size board and other qualities do I need to consider? I’m assuming I’ll be buying a used board. Help me surfers!!
posted by tymenagain to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (4 answers total)
 
It really depends. Is she progressing? As in, can paddle, stand, is comfortable? I'm assuming you meant a 6' long board she's been using currently?

You're going to get a lot of suggestions from two camps - shortboarders and longboarders.

But, that goes to her preference, as well. A small girl, even in small surf surely can shortboard. But is that what she wants to do? Even if she wants to longboard, she doesn't necessarily want a tanker.

So..if she can currently paddle and stand and generally direct the board her friend is lending her, get a more accurate size for that board. (on the bottom, typically near the skegs / fins, along the middle of the board ("stringer") the size should be written.. typically in a length - width - thickness (i.e. 6'2" - 22" - 2.125") method.

If she is a good swimmer and more aggressive, then probably going shortboard.. maybe a 5'-2" to a 5'-6" board. If she's still a little unsure footing-wise, or is more laid back, maybe a 7'-10" funboard or go to a 8'-6" 'short' longboard.

If buying used off craigslist, ebay or at a local shop, consider damage to the board - delamination and waterlogged boards you want to avoid.. most other things can be fixed, and she'll be beating it up, so don't be too particular.

Epoxy vs fiberglass... no real difference in the end nowadays (though you'll hear more from the two opposing camps more than you'd hear long vs shortboard arguments). Just for repairs, the difference is the in the tools/repair kit you'd use. Epoxy is typically more 'beatup proof'.

But all these are general items.. really depends on her and her current level and desires.
posted by rich at 8:46 AM on July 8, 2011


According to this beginner's size chart, a 7'0" funboard would be appropriate.

Quote: "The board will have just the right ballance of weight and floatation. You will want to stick with the longer, wider and more buoyant surfboard shapes while learning."
posted by troll at 4:38 PM on July 8, 2011


I should add I've been surfing for 27 years and have taught a number of people, young and old.

The size chart is fine, but it's extremely generic and biased towards easier, less 'moveable' or dynamic, and people who don't know what they want and have never surfed. For example, another size chart would tell you 12" bigger than she is, so about 5'8" - maybe she's a snowboarder with great balance.. she might even go to a 4'2". But it depends on her level and future desires.
posted by rich at 5:39 AM on July 9, 2011


Response by poster: Thanks for your help.

We got a 6' 6" epoxy fishboard and she's shredding it up!!!
posted by tymenagain at 8:12 AM on July 13, 2011


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