How to Choose the Perfect Surfboard for Your Surfing Skill

Filed under: Surfing

How to Choose the Perfect Surfboard for Your Surfing Skill Level

Although surfing originated in Polynesia a long time ago, this water sport continues on being popular around the world. Obviously, you need to have a surfboard in hand in order for you to enjoy this water sport. However, before you do get a surfboard, you need to remember that there are several kinds of surfboards available in the market today.

You need to keep in mind the fact that different surfboards are not just different for the sake of design. In fact, the size and shape of the board will contribute a lot to your surfing. And, you should know the fact that you have to buy the appropriate surfboard for your surfing skill level to achieve maximum performance.

For starters, a lot of people think that they would look cool when they use a surfboard that professionals use. In fact, some people think that they would be able to surf like how professionals do if they purchase the same surfboard with the exact fin configuration.

Not only is this so untrue but doing so can only lead to frustration, especially if you don’t have the skills to ride the waves with a shortboard yet.

So, unless you are an expert in surfing or a professional surfer, you may want to avoid buying shortboards.

If you are a beginner, soft surfboards or foam surfboards are perfect for you. Also called foamies, foam surfboard can provide you with stability and comfort. If you do get wiped out, getting bumped on the head with one of these will not hurt as much as it would with fiberglass or epoxy surfboards.

If you have mastered surfing with a foam surfboard, the next type of surfboard that you should get is a longboard. The length will just be the same as a foam surfboard but it will be made out of epoxy or fiberglass. These boards can offer you more maneuverability and speed because of the hard fins they have.

You can go for a Mini-Mal, which is a surfboard that is a bit shorter than the longboard. This will allow more maneuverability and speed.

Once you get the hang of surfing with all these types of surfboards, or you are now considered to be an expert or an advanced surfer, you can now try your skills on shortboards. Built for speed and maneuverability, shortboards will allow you to do competition grade maneuvers. But, unlike longboards, shortboards are unstable and will require a lot of balance from the surfer.

If you specialize in big wave surfing, it is highly recommended that you get the Gun. The Gun is a type of surfboard that looks like a shortboard but will have the length of a longboard.

These are some of the surfboards available in the market today. By knowing about it, you will be able to choose the perfect one for your skill level. With the right surfboard, you will have a great time riding the waves without any hassle.