my friend just gave me this surfboard, did not tell me anything about it. looks pretty good and definitely can be used.its a 5' 10 surfboard, thin, got those 3 fins on the bottom of it. im a brand new surfer, 15 years old gonna be 16 when l first use it in the summer, weigh 160 lbs, and am 5' 9. ive only attempted surfing one time, but it was when l was 13 and was only for like 3 hours. is this new board good for me? and if it is not, can l still use it? anyto this question, or any tips for a new surfer would be GREATLY appreciated. thanks
by the way im in good shape, can run a mile in about 6 flat, pretty strong, with an athletic body. every advice i've heard depends on your body shape, which is why l said this

Oh boy, here we go again........Before u even think about surfing, there r some things u should understand. Surfing is an ocean sport, that should only be practiced by persons who r already competent ocean swimmers. Swimming in a pool is neat, but it is not ocean swimming, with undertows, rip tides & sometimes BIG waves. l have seen lots of great pool swimmers get rescued. So, my first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean. It does not matter how fast u can run, how well can u swim in a rip current in overhead waves.

Lessons r the best way to start, unless u r a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach u . You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up do not want to drown you), how to paddle & take off on a wave, & how to ride a wave. There r already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves & other surfers. Do not join their ranks.

Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook u up with lessons, & even rent u a board to learn on.). Just work on ur basics, & after u feel good, think about buying a board, but do not rush into anything. . If u have to ask this question on YA, u probably just do not know enough about surfing to really use that board!.

Be careful of what u read here on line. After l found this site, l figured that l could answer a few questions, & spread the 'good news' of surfing. After u learn to swim & master the ocean, get ur REAL advice from a surf shop. However, if they think u r just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, u wo not necessarily get the best attention.

Most people learn best on long boards, although l have seen lots of surfers start on a short board & master it. In the long run, there r NO RULES on what type of board u have to learn on. If that board is bouyant enough for you, it is not impossible that u might be asble to learn on it. However, long boards r ideal for learners. There r also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals & some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops). A board has to be bouyant enough to float u well enough for u to paddle & take off on a wave. A surfer is board preference depends on three things: Their size (what will float them), Their skill level (beginner to advanced) & the type of waves usually encountered at their local breaks.

If u r fairly athletic, after a couple lessons (either formal or from pals who surf), u should be able get a good grasp on the basics. l remember.Most of the board sports (snow, skate, indo) that improve balance r good supplemental workouts. It is starting to get COLD in the northeast, where l usually surf. l surf all winter long in South Carolina, but l think that it is even too cool their to start lessons from about December to March. You might be best just getting into condition, with winter time coming.

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. l have been surfing since 1966 & l get my surfboard advice at good local shops at the places where l surf. The pros there can give u the right !!

Good luck. Once u try surfing (and learn the 'right way') u will have fun for life.

Take the time to check out the links, especially surfingforlife.
http://surfingforlife.com/history.ht.
http://mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm
http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t
http://surfing-waves.com/beginner_su.
http://surfing-waves.com/beginner_su.
http://avalonsurfschool.com/index.ht.
http://explainthatstuff.com/surfings.

Okay, l did not read John is post cause it is probably the same one he usually uses which is full of good advice. What l can say is that at 160 pounds a 5'10'' short board is going to be hard as crp to learn on. We're pretty much the same height/weight & my shortboards r 6'3 but l never could have learned on themt. Feel free to take it out & give it a try but just realize that it is going to be really frustrating. It is not going to float u very well for paddling & will be very unstable to try to stand on. Being athletic will help but ur equipment will make it hard.