How to Choose the Right Surfboard

Just like any other sport, a good surfing experience greatly depends upon the surfing equipment i.e the surfboard. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss what you should consider while buying a surfboard. Read along to find out.

Based on Expertise

The level of expertise is an important consideration while choosing the right surfboard for yourself. If you are new to surfing, you should decide on the board based on its volume and rocker. Volume is the length, breadth, and height of the board whereas the rocker refers to the combinations of curves that make up the shape of the board. For more information, read this detailed guide by Ombe.

As a beginner, a big volume board with less rocker would be the best for you. While the big volume would help you balance yourself on the water and paddle easily, the flat base will help you glide smoothly on the water by giving more stability. 

Longboards offer a wide foot space which is very important for beginners who have little idea about how to position themselves correctly on the board. Another thing that a beginner must keep in mind is to choose a board with a soft top. The soft top of the board acts as a cushion and prevents injury from falling. 

As for experts, they can go for short, fun, and gun boards that are shorter in length and streamlined for a more thrilling experience. 

Based on Material

There are broadly four types of surfboard available in the market based on material. They are soft top, wooden, polyurethane, and epoxy. Soft top and wooden surfboards are self-explanatory so we will discuss polyurethane and epoxy. 

Polyurethane surfboards are traditional surfboards that are made from polyurethane (PU) foam with a coat of fibreglass and polyester resin. They have ruled the market for decades. The best part about these surfboards is that you can custom order them to your desired dimensions. It is cheaper and has a better hold on the rails compared to epoxy surfboards.

The epoxy surfboard is an improvement over the traditional surfboards. It is made from polystyrene core blank with a coat of epoxy resin. They are lighter, stronger, and faster compared to PU foam boards. It allows shapers to create boards with thinner rails while maintaining above average flotation. 

For beginners, soft-top and epoxy surfboards are considered best since they are light in weight and low maintenance. Professionals generally prefer PU foam and wooden surfboards because they are more sturdy and help them take expert moves while surfing. 

Based on Size

On the basis of size, surfboards can be divided into shortboard, fish, longboard, funboard, and gun board. Shortboards, as the name suggests are small in length and are generally used by expert surfers who have mastered the art and longboards are just the opposite.

Fishboards get their name from their shape. It has a unique fish design with a wider, shorter and thicker anatomical structure providing more volume to keep you floating on top of the wave. It has a tail set up with two fins on its swallowtail. The fish board is ideal for catching waves in small wave situations because of the wide template at the tail. It is mostly famous for its versatility and manoeuvrability. 

Funboard is a ‘halfway’ between the longboard and the fish. It is ideal for those who are transitioning from entry-level to a more professional mark. These surfboards are about 6.5 – 8.5 feet long, with a wide, round shape. 

Your Takeaway

Besides these considerations, you should look for the quality of the surfboard. A low-quality surfboard can hamper your performance considerably and will have to be replaced very quickly. 

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