Choosing a Surfboard

Thinking of buying a new board or are you learning to surf. One of the most difficult and also the most important decisions that every surfer makes is choosing their surfboard.

There are a myriad of factors which will influence your choice of board. Ranging from your experience, the waves you will be riding, your preferred style of surfing and more. Once you take all of these into account you then get to look at the surfboard itself.

Surfboards come in a range of styles and sizes and also have different manufacturing processes. The main shapes of surfboards are longboards, mini-mals, fish, shortboards and hybrids of these shapes.

The Mini-Mal - is used by beginners to advanced surfers. - Perfect for the person who likes the feel of a longboard but wants more maneuverability. Easier to carry and manage out in the water but with all the surfing ease of a longboard. Great for kids and smaller adults looking for a great beginners board or the experienced longboarder needing something more maneuverable.

The Longboard can also be used by beginners to advanced surfers - A modern replica of what the sport was started on. Paddle into what ever you want and hang ten all the way to the beach. Among the most popular boards in the water and for good reason, easy to start on and always fun.

The Softboard - Beginners to Intermediate - While it is usually by beginners you will often see an advanced surfer using them between the flags at the beach. This is the perfect board to learn to surf on, the length and width of these boards are designed to maximise stability and are easy to paddle on. The softboards have a slick bottom which ensures maximum speed and smooth rails to ensure easy turning. The soft construction of the board ensures you don't get hurt during the spills while you still enjoy the thrills.

The Retro Fish - Intermediate to advanced surfers - A popular alternative to the high performance shortboard. Created in the 70s, the fish is typically shorter and thicker than a short board and comes with a swallow tail and a larger twin fin set up. Its unique shape allows for a looser, faster board for fun on those smaller days. A great board for someone trying to make the transition to shortboarding or spends most sessions riding sloppy waves. Often comes with glassed in fins

Generally the better the surfer the smaller their board in length, width and thickness. But this is not always the case as some surfers prefer different styles of boards depending on when they paddle into a wave, how strong they are at paddling and how good balance they.

At the end of the day choosing a board is personal and you need to get advice from an expert. so where ever you purchase your next board make sure they provide advice and ask you questions about the factors listed above before you buy.

Good luck and happy surfing.