How to Choose the Right Surfboard
Posted by Erich Buerger on Fri, Sep 12, 2008 @ 03:56 PM
Choosing the Right Surfboard
Your first surfboard should be a board that will get you into the waves, and easily help you master the basics of paddling, standing up and getting down the line. A mistake many beginners make is to want the same board the experts are using, or their friend that has surfed for some time. It helps to remember your first board is to learn how to surf a wave rather than look cool. Use it until you feel ready to move on to a board that will give you more performance.
Essential Info About Surfboards:
The modern surfboard is hand shaped by professional shapers out of foam, and finished with a fibreglass coat. They are light and strong. The leading edge of surfboard design changes quickly. Here are the basic elements you will need to know;
Length:
The length is the most influential aspect of a board's design and is a good place to start when considering what dimensions your first surfboard should be. For beginners, a longer board will offer easier paddling and more stability. Many first time surfboard buyer's will find a board that is 18-24 inches taller than the rider to be the easiest to learn on. However this may vary, depending on the weight of the surfer.
Width:
The width of your first surfboard will determine how stable it feels, and how easy it is to control. A wider board will offer beginning surfers a definite advantage in smaller conditions, and is best for learning on. For this reason the width of a first board should be at least 19" or greater.
Thickness:
The thickness of a surfboard affects how well it floats. More floatation means a smoother ride once standing and less fatigue from paddling. For most surfers a thickness of 2.5 inches is sufficient in a first board. However, since the proper thickness is mostly determined by the surfer´s weight heavier surfers may benefit from a thicker board.
Template:
The term template refers to a board´s overall outline. A board with a template that is wide throughout the nose, center, and tail of the board is best for the beginner. This will offer the rider a more forgiving feel and better overall balance. A fuller template will also make paddling much less difficult.
Surfboard Styles (Four Basic Surfboard Designs):
The Shortboard:
The Shortboard, is a board used to perform quick manoeuvres and is the most popular type of surfboard design. The size of these Shortboards is generally from around 5'8'' to 6'10''.
The Longboard:
The main difference in design from a shortboard is that the nose of the Longboard is rounded. Other than that there is no real difference, Shortboards tend to have 3 fins and Longboards tend to have a single fin. (Surfboards can have as many fins as they like, it is not a standard thing). Smaller Longboards range from the 7´2´´-9´0´´ and Larger Longboards are 9´0´´ and upwards in length.
The Fish:
The Fish is very similar to a Shortboard but is smaller in length. The lack of length is made up by an increase in the width of the board, giving it a slightly more rounded shape. Fish are generally between 4'8'' and 6'0''.
The Gun:
The Gun is a bigger version of the Shortboard and is used in the big wave arena. The increased length of the board makes it possible to paddle into bigger waves. The Gun can be anywhere from 7'2'' in length to over 12' for the really big waves.
Surfboards For Beginners:
The Softboard:
The best surfboard for a beginner is a longboard. The bigger, thicker longbords are easier to catch waves with and are more stable to stand up on. The ideal board should be at least 9´ long and be made of foam. Foamies as they are called are the ideal board to start on because the soft foam construction means the boards are incredibly buoyant, enabling the beginner to catch waves easily. Their dimensions ensure that they are very stable in the water - making it easier for the novice to stand up.
Surfboards for Beginners Summary:
Surfboard Size:
* No matter what type of board you buy it should be at least 6 inches longer than your own height.
* The wider the board, the more stable on the waves
* The thicker the board the more buoyant it will be, making it easier to paddle and catch waves
* An ultra thin, light shortboard will make learning to surf harder
RazorReef.com has a large selection of surfboards and custom custom surfboards. You can find them at http://www.RazorReef.com
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