l am just getting into surfing because l moved to SoCal and l am wondering what kind of board l should get. l am 6.4 and weigh 210.

r u just learning to surf? if so then longboard is best for u as it floats the best. if u already know now to surf & like more performance like doing tricks, shortboard is best. u could also get a fish, which is a shortboard long board hybrid. if u r learning, l would start w/ a long board. but if u already know how to surf l like shortboards. for ur height & weight u will probably go for at least a 6'6 fish or a 7' shortboard. l like fiberglass more than epoxy board. epoxy is strong as hell & very durable. it also floats better. but it does not flex as well, which means u will feel every bump in the water & its easier to fall if u hit a bump. as for sizing, l find this helpful: http://islesurfboards.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=18

since u r just getting into surfing, u will probably want to get a bigger board. fun boards r usually the fastest board to learn on, but if u want a board that u will use a lot for a long period of time, l suggest getting a mini mal. they r both great boards. they will have enough floatation for a beginner, because the more boyancy, the easier it is to paddle. since u r a bigger guy ( l mean tall not fat ) u should maybe get a longer board than that. a nice longboard will be expensive, but definetly worth it. so l suggest getting a longboard or a mini mal for you. but for best results, go to a surf shop & the guys there will help find the best board that fits for you. l hope this helps. have fun surfing!

PS read one of John F is responces. they get really into detail & they r really helpful & descriptive

You will definitely want a longboard.

The Surfboard Man
http://thesurfboardman.com/

Unless you want to ride a longboard forever, avoid them - they're boring and wo not really help you if you want to go on and ride shortboards.

Get a mini-mal or something - it needs to be at least a foot longer than you are tall. The best thing to do is to go to your local surfshop and ask them - they're much more likely to be able to give you good advice than a bunch of guys who sit around answering questions on ! , lol.

Yesterday, Mark, who is about twenty pounds lighter than you, asked almost the exact same question. So here is the exact same answer. Only a fool would try to recommend a 'specific' size surf board to anybody on line. Only a bigger fool would take that specific recommendation.

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. l started surfing in 1966, & it has been a constant source of pleasure since. 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. Long boards r ideal for learners. There r also good intermediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals & some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops).

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 !! There is no way anyone could accurately recommend any particular surfboard for u on line. But the folks at the local shop know the local wave conditions, & can match ur size & skill level with the right board for local waves.

Good luck!

Since you live in SoCal, go to CostCo and buy their 8ft wavestorms. Those things are FUUUUUN, and great to learn on. l use one for small days, those things are absolute wavehogs.

You want a 5'5 fish defiantly best board for you

Brian you are genius im going to do that!