Tuesday, March 24, 2020

How to Choose a Surfboard: 15 Things to Consider


Choosing the right surfboard is one of the most important purchasing decisions you’ll have to make no matter whether you're a beginner, an intermediate, or even an advanced surfer.

Best Surfboards


Understanding the core fundamentals behind its size, shape, and design is vital.

The intermediate and the expert surfers have a clear idea about how to choose a surfboard that they want to take out for various wave types.

There is not any perfect surfboard for one in any type of wave condition. But in this article, you’ll come to know the basic things to consider to choose a surfboard. Let’s have a look!

The volume of Surfboard

It is unique to calculate the idle volume of a surfboard to the individual rider. The most common opinion in choosing a surfboard is its variable volume.

Now, what is surfboard volume? The calculation of total length* width* height= volume. Computer simulation can make it easier at the shaping stage.

The typical volume of a surfboard is shown 6’0” x 18 ¾” x 2 5/16” - 27 ltrs. Before that, you have to consider your height and weight.

Low volume surfboards: It means when you’re picking a lower volume surfboard than the suggested one because of your own height and weight.

Find a lower volume board for a more sensitive experience. As you’re a beginner, do not find any low volume one. We recommend it for the pro surfers.

High volume surfboards: Its volume is bigger than your suggested personal volume.

These are often used for teaching and learning because these boards are easier to ride and it offers a great weight support. These are easy to balance and control.

Things to be considered when choosing a board

You have to consider a number of factors when you're choosing the perfect surfboard.

Height and weight: How much volume you’ll need to choose the right board depends on your height and weight.

Experience level: What type of surfer you are? An advanced, or an intermediate, or a beginner?

Fitness level: depending on various surfing conditions, your fitness levels will play a vital role on what kind of board you’ll need to surf.

Wave type: The wave type in your surfing area? Hollow and fast or slow crumbly.

Hardcore daily or weekly surfer:
What type of surfer you are? If you are a weekly surfer, select a regular or high volume surfboard. On the other hand, try customized lower volume boards if you’re a pro hardcore daily surfer.

These factors are essential and have a direct impact on your surfing experience.

Types of surfboards


There are different types of surfboards available that comes in various sizes and shapes. There are 5 main types of surfboards.

Shortboard: A shortboard is a three fin around 6 feet with a pointy nose. Shortboards can also contain any fin set up.
You’re not recommended to use a shortboard as you are a beginner.

Fish: This type of board is generally under 6 feet long and a lot of volumes packed into it. It contains a wide nose, wide tail with a deep shallow cut into it, and another flat rocker.

Funboard: Surfboards between 7 and 8 feet long with a wide nose, relaxed rocker and foil, and are designed for riding in various conditions.
Also it can have any fin set up.

Longboard: 8 feet and longer surfboards are called longboard which is designed for great stability. Longboards should have wide nose, a lot of volumes, a single fin.
Longboards are considered to be the perfect for beginners to learn.

Gun: Designed for serious and skilled surfers, not for weak hearted beginners. The dimension can be as same as the longboards.
A gun contains a pointy nose, pointy tail, and any fin set up.

Surfboard material

Polyurethane or polystyrene foam covered with layers of fiberglass cloth is used for modern surfboards.

Fin Set up

The stability, control, and speed depends on your fin configuration. There are five basic fin configurations
     Single fin
     Twin fin
     Thruster
     2+1
     Quad
The most popular is the thruster setup contains 3 fins set up with 2 outer boxes in a center

Bottom

Various types of bottom contours available for different surfers and surfing conditions. Consider the shape according to your skill and the condition of waves you’re going to surf on.
Visit this site (kayakfisherly.com) for more lessons about the bottom contour you need.

Deck

The top side of the surfboard is the deck where the surfers stand to surf and lay to paddle.
Consider the deck before choosing a surfboard.

Nose and Tail

The front part of a surfboard is the nose and the back one is the tail. Consider the type of waves you’re going to surf before choosing the nose and tail.

A rounded nose can give you more buoyancy and lift where a pointed nose will provide you less speed.

Pin tails will give you more hold and smooth rail to rail transactions where the square tail is totally opposite of it.

Attachment

Attach a leash with your surfboard and tie a knot around the ankle of your back foot closest to the tail.
It will keep your board close to you.

Balance

Consider the balance that will be provided by your surfboard before purchasing. Choosing a great balance board is a recommendation for you.

Budget

Choose a surfboard that fits your budget. Do not choose an expensive board when you’re a beginner.
You can take the help of the experienced surfers about the budget of your board.
We recommend you to buy a board that costs around $200.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right surfboard, you have to follow the instruction below.
     Take your weight accurately
     Measure your height accurately
     Be sure about your experience level by asking your friends and family.

I hope all these steps will help you find the right surfboard. Happy surfing!

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