How to Choose a Suitable Board for Surfing?

If you stay near a coastal town and want to explore surfing, take your first step by choosing the right board. Many people struggle with a surfboard because they ignore the paramount considerations. One should consider the practicalities of choosing a board before investing too much.

Things to Consider While Choosing a Board for Surfing

Specifics matter in whatever you purchase. Surfing boards are no different. From volume to length, from tail shape to width of the board, it all reflects in your performance. Therefore, it is fundamental to understand how it contributes to your surfing experience:

 Volume

You can consider volume as the core of the surfboard that is filled with foam. Fewer volume results in lighter boards that help you to have more control over the board. Less volume makes the process of paddling more relaxed. A board with less volume won’t catch any waves and might make you feel frustrated. The reverse side of the scale contains boards with high volume. Because of the heavyweight, one has to put more effort into surfing. But the results are satisfying with holding enormous waves. A moderate average of 30–44 L is good for beginners.

 Material and Width

The thickness of boards varies based on several factors. The boards made of epoxy work effortlessly for beginners. It lasts longer without the mid-surf worry about snapping and dings. For less time fixing the board or dropping some cash, polypro boards with thin shapes and less paddle weight will work the best. The sensitiveness and softness make it the best choice for advanced and beginner surfers.

 Tail Shape

The most popular tail shape is circular, with a straight or measured curve near the nose. There are also many variants of the “round” tail, including bat, squash, swallowtails, pin, and diamond. When it comes to wave conditions, each type of tail has its advantage. If you are still deciding your preference, it is better to take advice from some skilled surfers on your local break. Many people nowadays even customise their board tail based on preference.

 Cost

There are beginner surfers who merely want to have some fun. Hence, they are not very passionate about surfing. In such a case, there is no meaning in investing big bucks in customisation or advanced features. But if someone wants to continue surfing and is sure about it, then spending extra cash on customisation and other specifications is a sound decision. Also, you can see options for different kinds of personalisations online and compare them. It will give you a better idea about the cost if you want to invest big bucks in future.

 Length

One can use larger boards in any situation but shine at performing over time and off-the-lip manoeuvres in thicker waves. The breadth and immense volume of the boards keep one afloat. It also helps one to catch a few waves before the necessity to paddle again. Though after a few months of practice, most surfers eventually figure out which length works for them. For a beginner, 8 feet long is a suitable option because it is easy to paddle around on without too much performance pressure.

Conclusion

Taking too much pressure about choosing a suitable board is not worth it. Surfing is meant to be fun, not exhausting. Nobody finds suitable boards in one go. Therefore, look online for options and try a few of them. Eventually, you will get your correct fit and enjoy the surfing process with some experimentation.