best board for me?

[PainlessJen]

Hi all, I am just getting back into the water after an 18 year break from surfing. I'm looking for some advice on the best board for me. I am in SoCal, and I usually surf Huntington Beach or Newport. I've been making do with a 4'11" INT soft top, and it is about 20" across at its widest point. I myself am a 42 year old woman and am 200 lbs right now, with a bad back. I have already lost about 15 lbs in the last month and a half and hope to lose more by being more active. Anyway, I am finding it impossible to pop up on this board, and although I enjoy being in the surf and belly boarding, I really miss being on my knees, (minds out of the gutter, gentlemen!). Anybody have some constructive suggestions as to what shape/size board would be best for me as a beginner, (once again,)?

[surfhorn]

Congrats on getting back in the water. For years a couple women friends of mine would take their body boards and swim fins and kick all the way up Pleasure Point here in Santa Cruz as their daily exercise. Really great for toning the body and keeping fit.

Try and find a kneeboard that has been made in the last 5 years - most will be excellent wave riding craft. Look at about 5'10" and 23 1/2 inches wide with a quad fin set up.

But the HB/Newport KB crew can really help dial you in for the correct board.
They are some of the top KBers around, with a wealth of experience.

Much luck.

[SFKneelo]

Arcadia?

I have more than a little history with San Marino... PM!

That said, Surfhorn is spot on

[PainlessJen]

Thanks much for the posts. Surfhorn, the guy who told me about this website was one of the Huntington KB crew! Very friendly, sweet guy, let me take most of the waves the first half hour I was there. I had been the only non-standup person I saw every time I went for a month or so, then this day there were 3 kneeboarders right where I was! I think this gentleman's name was Wayne, and I met another very nice guy named Tim that day. It was so refreshing not to get glared at for wearing fins lol. I will take your recommendations to heart, I knew I needed at LEAST more width, and I will look for something right around the size you listed. Anybody looking to sell something about 5'10" and 23 1/2" wide? Quad would be nice, but since Im just getting going, will take what I can get.

[Mike Fernandez]

Wayne a gentleman? Ooops sorry, yes, he's a nice guy.

[RMcKnee]

Hi all, I am just getting back into the water after an 18 year break from surfing.
I am in SoCal, and I usually surf Huntington Beach or Newport.
I ... am ... 42 ... and am 200 lbs right now, with a bad back.
I have already lost about 15 lbs in the last month and a half and hope to lose more by being more active.
I really miss being on my knees

G'day, Painless, you are gonna fit right in here!!!

[PainlessJen]

Thanks so much for the welcome everyone! Now I'm just crossing my fingers and checking the Boards for Sale forums in hopes of finding my new board...