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A beginner’s guide to choosing the best surfboard. Learn about the different types of boards, how to pick the right size, and what features to look for.
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Shortboards
While longboards are great for beginners, shortboards will ultimately help you progress faster and reach a higher level of surfing. Shortboards are more maneuverable and allow you to perform more difficult tricks. If you’re serious about learning to surf, a shortboard is the way to go.
Longboards
Although there are many different types and sizes of surfboards, longboards are generally the best choice for beginners. Longboards are larger and more stable than other types of boards, making them easier to paddle and stand up on. They also provide a larger surface area, which helps beginner surfers catch more waves.
Funboards
Now that you’ve decided to take up surfing (or perhaps someone has gifted you a surfboard), it’s time to choose the right surfboard for your level of experience. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the different types of surfboards available, and offer some suggestions for choosing the best one for you.
When it comes to choosing a surfboard, there are three main things to consider:
-- The type of waves you’ll be surfing
-- Your level of experience
-- Your height and weight
The type of waves you’ll be surfing is perhaps the most important factor in choosing a surfboard. If you plan on surfing small, gentle waves, then a larger board will be necessary in order to catch them. Conversely, if you’re planning on tackling bigger, more powerful waves, a smaller board will be easier to maneuver. Many beginners make the mistake of thinking they need a large board in order to catch waves, when in reality, a smaller board will often work better.
Your level of experience is also an important factor in choosing a surfboard. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose a board that is easy to ride and forgiving of mistakes. As you become more experienced, you can start experimenting with different types of boards and riding styles.
Finally, your height and weight are also key considerations when choosing a surfboard. A heavier person will need a larger and/or wider board in order to float comfortably on the water, while a smaller person may find a larger board difficult to maneuver.
With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the different types of boards available:
Funboards: These boards are also known as “mini-mals” or “fish Boards.” They are popular with beginner and intermediate surfers because they are stable and easy to ride. Funboards typically range from 7 to 8 feet long and 22 inches wide. They are usually made from fiberglass or polyurethane foam with a polyurethane or fiberglass bottomskin.
Shortboards: These boards are designed for experienced surfers who want maximum maneuverability when riding waves. Shortboards range from 5 to 7 feet long and 20 inches wide. They have pointed noses and tails (compared to the rounded noses and tails found on other types of boards) which makes them easier to turn quickly when riding waves. Shortboards are usually made from fiberglass or polyurethane foam with either a polyurethane or fiberglass bottomskin.
Longboards: As the name suggests, longboards are the longest type of surfboard available – they can range from 9 feet long up to 18 feet long! They are wider than shortboards (usually around 22 inches wide), which makes them much more stable – perfect for beginners who want an easy ride. Longboards usually have rounded noses and tails, which makes them less maneuverable than shortboards but easier to control when riding waves. Longboards can be made from either fiberglass or polyurethane foam with either a polyurethane or fiberglass bottomskin
Hybrid Boards
Hybrid boards are the best of both shortboards and longboards. They are great for beginners because they are versatile and easy to paddle. Hybrid boards are usually around 6-8 feet long and have a wide nose and a round tail. They are thicker than shortboards, which makes them easier to paddle and catch waves. hybrid boards are also shorter than longboards, so they are easier to maneuver.
