It’s a big deal to buy your first surfboard, whether you’ve always wanted to try it or you have a budding STEPH GILMORE in the family. These softboards will stay with you forever. Here are some guidelines to avoid the same pitfalls that have plagued the rest of us.
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Determine Your Surfer Skill Level
Try to be honest with yourself: do you like surfing challenging waves? Do you feel ready to ride the green waves? What about your posture—do you spend most of your time standing? A newbie surfer’s worst error is purchasing a board that is too advanced for their skill level. Fun factor multiplied by ten when using a board designed for your skill level.
New Versus Used
Although brand-new purchases are exciting, they also have the anxiety of potentially damaging them. You can always resell it in the future if you take good care of it now. You should also consult the experts at your local surf shop before making a final decision on a board. They may learn about all the available options, whether fins, leashes, or anything else. There’s a new realm of technology out there, and you should probably talk to a real person about it.
Used circuit boards might be dangerous. A shoddy repair job may not make them endure as long as you’d anticipated. It’s also not ordinary to buy a fake board from an internet vendor. At this time, it’s probably better to remain away until you’ve done your homework and know what to do. When you’re ready to take your surfing to the next level, a used board might be a terrific investment since you can save money without worrying about damaging your equipment.
Choosing Between A Hardboard And A Softboard.
Both the hardboards (fibreglass) and the softboards (also known as a “Foamie” or “Swelly”) have their advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with hardboards, which have the advantage of looking nice, being sensitive to movement, being easier to duck dive, and being better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. For a surfer who is just starting out, they might be really difficult to get along with. If you’re just starting out in surfing, a board that’s too little might be problematic since it won’t float as high. (It’s worth noting that we’ll get more into this topic shortly). There’s nothing worse than damaging your shiny new board because it’s too flimsy or prone to dings.
What Size Surfboard Should One Buy?
This is a crucial consideration when selecting a surfboard. Depending on your stature, load, and skill level, the board’s dimensions may be adjusted accordingly. Getting a board that’s too small is the most common error new surfers make. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it can be carried easily under your arm, fits easily in the trunk, or requires less space than competing products. If you can’t jump up on a small board, surfing might be a miserable experience for you.
Conclusion: Things to bear in mind:
When you’re just beginning to surf, bigger is better.
A minimalist approach is ideal if you want to get in and make some real headway. It’s a decent rule of thumb to aim for a height of 7 feet to 8 feet, however, this may vary widely depending on the individual.
If you’re looking for a longer board that’s simpler to paddle and can catch smaller waves, look no further.
Generally, the broader and thicker a board is, the more stable it is.
