You’re ready to make the dream of owning your surfboard a reality. However, you’re a little overwhelmed by the choice on offer. Do you select one with a round or pointed nose? Should you opt for a beginner’s surfboard or go all out with a surfboard to suit all levels of experience?
Knowing how to pick prevents you from wasting money on the wrong one. Here, we’ll show you how to choose a surfboard that meets your budget and needs and reveal the best pro tips for picking the right one of your dreams. First, it’s essential to make a few considerations.
Tips For Choosing Your Surfboard
To help you choose your surfboard, we’re revealing the differences between specific boards, how to pick a surfboard that suits your height and weight, the types of surfboards on offer, and if they’re the right choice. Here are some pro tips to consider when you’re choosing your surfboard.
Ability Level
Surfing has lots of health benefits for all ability levels. If you’re just getting started with surfing, it’s best to purchase a beginner surfboard. A surfboard for a beginner will help your skills progress. For example, you should consider one with good stability and volume to help your balance. An ideal board for most people will have a width of around 22 inches and a height of about 7 feet. It will also have a thickness of about 3 inches. This surfboard volume will assist you when paddling into waves.
Alternatively, you may want to contemplate purchasing a soft top surfboard as this type will provide excellent stability for a beginner.
Choosing the right board is essential for a beginner, and there are multiple aspects to consider. Most beginners tend to work on staying upright and riding smaller waves. This means a broader board will work best. However, it’s also essential to consider other aspects on this list.
The Cost
As with any purchase, the cost will affect your overall decision. If you have an unlimited budget, you can choose a board based on other aspects, such as waves, height and weight, and ability and fitness level. However, if you have a specific budget in mind, you will be more restricted in your choice. The good news is that you can still purchase a great surfboard on a budget. Foam boards are an excellent choice for beginners and are relatively affordable. For surfboards for more advanced surfers, you’re likely going to have to spend more as these are designed to give you ultimate control in the water.
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Your Height And Weight
Height and weight play a key role in choosing the best board. An approximate guide for beginners considers your weight. This naturally works best if you are of average weight for your height. For up to 55kg (usually a child), a surfboard between 5”6 to 6”6 should be considered.
Weights up to 70 kilograms should choose a board between 6”8 to 7”2, and up to 80 kg should contemplate a size between 7”2 to 7”6. If you weigh up to 85 kg, select a size between 7”6 and 8”6, while up to 90 kilograms can choose between 8”6 and 9”2. Weights of up to 100 kg or more should consider a size of 9”2 or more. This isn’t a definitive guide, but it’s a good starting place if you’re ready to invest in your first surfboard.
Fitness Level
Your fitness level influences the type of board you buy. After all, the fitter you are, the easier you’ll find riding your board and handling getting on and off it. If you’re new to surfing or feel you won’t have much stamina in the water, opt for a broader and thicker surfboard than you would have commonly chosen.
By choosing this, you’ll be able to get enough power on your board, even if you cannot paddle into waves. Alternatively, you may want to select a surfboard with a thicker volume as you can use less energy when paddling into waves. Consider the other tips on this list before deciding, as your height and weight may also affect your overall fitness and endurance in the water.
Surfboard Nose Shape
Does nose shape have an impact on your surfing? Yes. The front section and the nose of your surfboard is the first thing that hits the water. A surfboard with a pointed nose cuts through the water as you paddle, reducing the drag. Additionally, it diminishes the amount of swing weight as you turn. A rounder nose tends to be more comprehensive, meaning more volume. This can provide better paddling, making it best for beginners.
Materials
The construction of a surfboard will affect the price, but it’s essential to consider when making your purchase. You may be wondering if the type of material used impacts the board. There are several materials, but the most common type tends to be traditional foam, covered in fiberglass. This type is more fragile than others and needs to be treated with care. These high-performance boards offer exceptional performance and are highly recommended for intermediate to experienced surfers.
An alternative to fiberglass is epoxy. Instead of being coated with a thin layer of resin, the board is covered with epoxy, providing a more rigid exterior. Foam boards are softer and more durable, so you don’t need to take as much care with them. Some surfboards use cork instead of foam, but both offer a softer impact if your body hits them in the water.
Knowing How To Choose A Surfboard Is Easy With These Top Pro Tips
Using these top professional tips, you now understand how to pick a surfboard that suits your requirements. Whether you’re choosing your first surfboard or are looking to upgrade your equipment, follow the advice to get the best board for your budget and desires. To get inspired before hitting the waves, check out the list of the best surf documentaries.
