l live in southern california near LA and was wondering what kind of board l should get to learn to start surfing. Im about 6 feet tall and 230 and wanted to get a board that l could use occasionally on the weekend.

l think you should get a mini mal or a fun board because they are good for beginners and it kinda sounds like youre not going to be using that board too much so l would say get a used one. go to a surf shop and the guys there will get you everything that you need and a good new or used board

Surfing is an ocean sport. before u decide to surf, decide to know & understand the ocean. Learn to be at home with its currents, rips, undertows & sometimes BIG waves. The original surfers were watermen (and women, both men & women surfed, but certain waves were reserved for royalty). l do not just mean being good at swimming in a pool, the ocean can be very unforgiving. l have seen lots of really good pool swimmers have to get rescued. 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.

Lessons r usually the best way to start, unless u r an adolescent or young adult with lots of pals who surf who can teach you. Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook u up with lessons.

Perhaps u should spend some time sharpening ur ocean skills by swimming in the ocean, body surfing & boogie boarding. There r far too many dangerous people in the water already. They r dangerous to themselves & other surfers. They r the cause of many restrictive anti-surfing rules at many beaches. You do not want to join their ranks, do you?

l have been surfing for 42 years. My son surfs, my daughter-in-law surfs, my son-in-law surfs & my five grandchildren (ages 5 through9) r all at various stages of learning. But they r all starting out by building up swimming & ocean skills first.

Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook u up with lessons, & even rent u a board to learn on. (and, it is going to be either a longboard or a funboard [mini-mal]) Just work on ur basics, & after u feel good, think about buying a board, but do not rush into anything. And, please do not waste ur time (or money) buying something on line. Do not be in a rush to buy a board! TRY before u BUY. Rent a variety of types of surfboards, or borrow them from ur friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.

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 internediate 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. 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.

In addition to what John F said, lessons is a good way to begin. If you find a shop that gives good lessons, that is pretty much the best way for you to start surfing. It gives you a feel for the sport without having to invest too much of you're money into it. Also, a good surf lesson will also give a land lesson, where we go over basic safety and surfing etiquettee, etc.

l would start out with a longer board like around 9' and chill with that till you get solid.