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You have decided you want to learn to surf and have rented a board for your first lesson. But, what kind of board should you get?
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The Different Types of Surf Boards
Surf boards come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are meant for beginners while others are meant for more experienced surfers. There are short boards, long boards, fish boards, and more. So, which type of surf board should a beginner get?
Shortboards
The shortboard is the most common type of surfboard that you will see in the water. As the name suggests, a shortboard is shorter than a longboard, and it is also much wider. A shortboard is usually between 5’4” and 6’4”. They are designed for experienced surfers who are looking to catch waves quickly and perform tricks.
Shortboards are not the best choice for beginners because they are harder to paddle and more difficult to stand up on. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you start with a longboard or a foam board.
Longboards
A longboard is the perfect surfboard for beginners. It is big and stable, making it easy to paddle and catch waves. Longboards are also great for cruising and doing turns. If you are just starting out, a longboard is the best type of surfboard to get.
Funboards
Funboards are the in-between boards of longboards and shortboards. They are wider than shortboards and have more volume, making them easier to paddle and ride. Funboards are a good choice for beginners who want to catch more waves and progress to riding on their feet.
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
While traditional surfing requires waves and a certain level of skill, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is much easier to learn and is becoming increasingly popular. SUP involves standing or kneeling on a large board and paddling with a long pole. This type of board is relatively stable, so it’s perfect for beginners or for those who want to enjoy a leisurely paddle on flat water.
Considerations for Choosing a Surf Board
A beginner’s surfboard should be easy to paddle and stable. It also needs to be durable enough to withstand dings and scratches. The size and shape of the board will depend on your height and weight. You also need to consider the waves you’ll be surfing. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.
Level of Experience
When you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose a board that is wider and thicker than boards designed for more experienced surfers. A wider board will give you more stability, and a thicker board will be more forgiving if you happen to fall off. As you become more experienced, you can start to experiment with boards of different shapes and sizes.
Size and Weight
When you’re choosing a surfboard, size and weight are two of the most important considerations. You want a board that’s big enough to float you comfortably, but not so big that it’s unwieldy or difficult to control. Likewise, you want a board that’s heavy enough to stay stable in the water, but not so heavy that it’s hard to carry around.
The size and weight of a surfboard also determine how much wave power it can handle. A heavier, larger board will be able to handle bigger waves than a lighter, smaller board. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose a board that’s on the smaller side. You can always upgrade to a bigger board later on.
Wave Conditions
One of the most important things to take into consideration when choosing a surfboard is the wave conditions that you will be surfing in most often. Different boards are better suited for different types of waves. Beginner surfers should choose a board that is good for small to medium sized waves. More experienced surfers may want a board that can handle larger waves.
Some other factors to consider when choosing a surfboard include:
-The size of the waves you will be surfing in
-Your skill level
-Your height and weight
-The type of surfing you will be doing
How to Choose the Right Surf Board
When you are first starting to learn to surf, you will want to make sure that you get a surf board that is going to be easy for you to use. You don’t want to get a surf board that is too big or too small. You also want to make sure that you get a surf board that is going to be durable.
Research the Different Types of Surf Boards
Assuming you don’t have a clue about surf boards, and you’re starting from scratch, the first thing you’ll want to do is research the different types of boards that are available. You can do this by reading articles (like this one), watching videos, or talking to experienced surfers.
As a beginner, you’ll probably want to start with a longboard. Longboards are great for beginners because they’re stable and easy to paddle. They’re also versatile, so you can use them in a variety of surfing conditions.
Other types of boards you may encounter include:
-Shortboards: Shortboards are typically between 5 and 6 feet long. They’re fast and maneuverable, but can be harder to paddle and more difficult to catch waves with.
-Fish Boards: Fish boards are shorter than shortboards, typically between 4 and 5 feet long. They’re wider than shortboards, which makes them more stable. They’re also faster than longboards and easier to maneuver.
-Funboards: Funboards are somewhere in between longboards and shortboards in terms of length (usually between 6 and 7 feet). They’re easier to paddle than shortboards and more maneuverable than longboards.
-Gun Boards: Gun boards are very long boards (usually over 8 feet) designed for big waves. They’re difficult to maneuver but can handle the biggest waves out there.
Once you’ve researched the different types of boards, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and decide which type of board is right for you.
Consider Your Level of Experience
Choosing the right surfboard can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. The first thing you need to consider is your level of experience. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to find a board that is easy to balance and maneuver. As you become more experienced, you can start trying out different boards to find what suits your style best.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a surfboard:
-The size of the board: If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a surfboard that is at least 7 feet long. As you become more experienced, you can start trying out boards that are shorter or longer, depending on your preference.
-The width of the board: The wider the board, the easier it will be to balance on. If you’re a beginner, you should look for a board that is between 20 and 22 inches wide.
-The thickness of the board: The thicker the board, the more stable it will be. If you’re a beginner, look for a board that is between 2 and 3 inches thick.
Once you have considered your level of experience, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of waves you want to ride. Are you looking for big waves or small waves? Do you want to surf in calm waters or in rougher conditions? These are all things to keep in mind when choosing a surfboard.
Consider the Wave Conditions
One of the main things you’ll want to consider when choosing a surfboard is the wave conditions you’ll be riding in. Are the waves big or small? Are they fast or slow? Do they break left or right?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choices and find a board that will help you enjoy your time in the water.
Consider Your Size and Weight
When choosing a surfboard, it is important to consider your size and weight. A bigger and heavier person will need a larger and thicker board, while a smaller and lighter person will need a smaller and thinner board.
If you are a beginner, it is also important to choose a board that is not too long or too short. A board that is too long will be difficult to control, while a board that is too short will not provide enough stability. In general, a beginner should choose a board that is between 7 and 9 feet long.
