Can a beginner surf on a windsurfing board

Question
Hello,  I saw a windsurfing board on sale for cheap (used).  I would like to surf in small waves of Texas gulf coast.  Can windsurfing board be used to surf on?

Thx.

Answer
Hey,

I actually learned to surf on a Bic children's windsurf board. It wasn't ideal, but I did stand up first go! I used it for a week on a surfing lesson course, but that was in the days before soft top boards were common.

I would advise against using a windsurf board. You will be able to find cheap beginner's surfboards, I'd recommend a Swelly (I don't know the equivalent in the US - try to look on US surf school websites and see what boards they say they use). Swellys are the big blue/yellow soft boards that surf schools use because they have lots of volume and provide a nice stable platform. You can rent them on most surf beaches.

Otherwise, you need to rent/buy/borrow something like a minimal or long shortboard from a surf shop - something with plenty of volume to float you and planing area to catch small whitewater waves easily. I can't give you dimensions as I've no idea of your dimensions! Your experience and the waves (size, shape, beach type) also play a part. Asking for advice in a surf shop is the best idea.

I haven't windsurfed for years but I think the boards are too heavy and hard to be any good for you to surf on, especially if you're learning which I assume you are. They also tend to have very round rails as I remember so you'll slip off easier. They are also too wide to lie on and paddle for waves - you'll miss out on waves. And once you try bigger waves and green waves (not lines of whitewater) they will be impossible to handle - turning, duckdiving卼oo hard!

If you are a beginner you're best off going for a couple of lessons as they will provide equipment and also give you good advice based on your height, weight, fitness, the kind of waves you want to surf (I have no local knowledge of those waves!) and how well you get on in lessons.

All this isn't essential, but it will ensure that you get out there and surfing faster, are on your feet more and have more fun. I'm afraid the windsurfing board will just be a frustrating experience after a very short time and end up gathering dust!

I hope that helps some. Save a little more money and get a proper surfboard and you'll have a lot more fun.