CHOOSING THE BEST SURFBOARD FOR A BEGINNER: SURFING EQUIPMENT 101
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CHOOSING THE BEST SURFBOARD FOR A BEGINNER: SURFING 101
Selecting a surfboard as a beginner can be overwhelming, seemingly endless shapes, design, and sizes… there is so much information on the internet, so much advise from well meaning friends, but what is true? We are here to help.
As a new surfer you want to choose stability over everything. Choosing a board that is stable, easy to paddle, and thus easier to catch waves on is key to developing your initial surfing skills.
Basically we are looking at foam or soft top surfboards as beginners in oder to provide the safest and least difficult path to catching and riding waves. Look for these features in your board:
LONGBOARD: 8-9FT IN LENGTH
VOLUME! WIDER BODY THICKER RAILS
FOAM / SOFT TOP CONSTRUCTION
Why choose a foam board over an epoxy or fiberglass construction? There are a few reasons, number one being safety. There are way less consequences in falls and collisions on a soft board.
There is also the factor of protecting your own gear, you will make many mistakes in and out of the water with your equipment while learning, and having a foam board will eliminate the cost of repairing dings.
Soft boards generally have more volume than their epoxy/fiber counterparts and that translates into easier paddling and more forgiving balance. With a longboard soft top you find yourself in the crossroads of safety and stability offering the best experience possible for a learner.
Used boards? For foam/soft top boards i suggest avoiding used boards as most will be pretty severely waterlogged by the time you get it. But this is a good option to save some money if looking to purchase an epoxy or fiberglass construction, but make sure you thoroughly inspect your board. Be on the look out for water damage, sun damge, cracks, deep dings and delamination.
Volume is a helpful tool to judge the capability of a board but it isn’t the only determining factor, shape is also key so make sure to consult your local shaper or shop boy before you pull the trigger!
LONGBOARDS: Ideal for stability and learning
MID-LENGTHS: Great to step down from a longboard
SHORTBOARDS: Advanced surfing only, Not for beginners
See you in the water!
-The Seasons Team