surf boards???

[krackkills]

how do pick one out for you to start on

[sinistapenguin]

Hi there

If you look around this forum, you will find loads of posts about choosing boards. These are the main factors you need to look out for:

LENGTH - This depends on how tall you are really. I would recommend for anybody of average height/ build something between 7 & 8 feet. Essentially the longer the board, the more stable it will be in the water, and the easier it will be to paddle.

WIDTH - You don't want to be lying on a needle when you're paddling. Stand the board up next to you and make sure it is wider than you by a few inches each side. Again, the wider the board, the more stable.

THICKNESS - If you can barely see the board when you hold it side on it is way too small. You need something approximately 2 3/4 inches thick. This will be buoyant enough to hold you up when paddling and will be easier to catch waves.

There are a few different types of board -

POPOUTS - These are basically on their way out now - they are heavy duty boards made from hard foam and the heavy fibreglass used for boat hulls. They are strong and heavy - avoid them!!

MOULDED - Bic and NSP make moulded plastic boards, which are quite good for beginners and are light enough to not break your arms carrying them down the beach. They are practically indestructable.

FOAMERS - These are what you get at surf schools - large boards made of soft foam. Good for your first time out but I wouldn't buy one.

CUSTOM - This is a REAL surfboard, it will be hand shaped and made from light foam with a light fibreglass coating. Don't be put off getting a custom board, just because you are a beginner. The dimensions of a custom board are often written on it by the shaper. If you look at the underside, near the fins, you should see the dimensions and shaper's signature along the stringer (the piece of wood running the length of the board)

If you do look at a custom board, then you can look second hand but be careful to look out for some of the following.

Check that the nose hasn't been damaged. Check that the fins haven't been ripped out and re-glassed. (Actually on both these points, you should be able to tell if they have been well repaired, in which case you should be OK, except if the whole nose has been broken off - you'll see a big line if this is the case)

Check that the tail has not been damaged - the tail is important and misshapen tails will affect how the board handles in the water. Also check down the rails for obvious damage.

A second hand board will have lots of dents or 'pressure dings' particularly on the deck where the riders feet go, but they are not a problem. UNLESS the foam underneath is yellow.

If there is any yellow foam, don't buy the board, it means that it is leaking and will get water logged. Avoid like the plague.

Hope all this helps

Sinista

[sinistapenguin]

Also a couple more tips.

When buying custom, try and get a bag to transport it in - it will save accidental damage.

Make sure you look at a board with no wax - take the wax off anything you look at (it might be hiding damage)

Never buy a board from a guy with a first name that is also a city/ state. ie. Chicago Jack or Texas Bob.

[SuperGuest]

I tend to like challenges sinistapenguin, would I still be able to learn on a 6'3, 18 1/2 wide, and 2 1/4 thick? I don't want to take the easy way out and tend to have to plan for long term.

[Uluwatu]

to the above:

learning on a short board of any thickness or width is super frustrating. if you have a high frustration tolerance, go ahead be my guest. You should be able to stand up on it, but paddling will be extremely difficult for a beginner.

go big on the board, small on the wave. Get used to the waves, when to paddle, when and where to take off, how to take off. A longer board will give you time to do these things because at first you have to think about what you are doing. After a while of doing it it will become second nature. thats when you get the shorter board.

but if you are one of those bull headed chargers, hey go for it. I know people who have done it. It took them longer to "get" surfing than the guy who started with a bigger board, but they got there.

[sinistapenguin]

I agree with Uluwatu

I started on a 6'4 popout and moved to a custom shortboard - 6'6 X 18 X 2 1/4. too early. I spent 8 years on this board, most of it incredibly frustrating. On a small board like that you need to be a demon paddler. Any waves under 3 ft and you may as well forget it. You also need steep fast waves. Slow waves and you will have VERY short rides.

2 years ago I moved to a small (7'5) mini-mal and I now charge harder and faster than I ever did on my shortboard.

If you're seriously thinking long term - I would go with something a little thicker/ wider. You will still be able to charge this!

It's one of those things, you can learn on a short, narrow board, but it will be a lot harder and it will take longer and you will have less fun until you get the hang of it!

I would seriously look at a progressive mini-mal, lots of rocker and a more pointed nose. These are real performance surfboards and you will have a lot of fun.

Cheers

Sinista

[mezza]

how do pick one out for you to start on

Code: Select all

hi im trying to find a new stlish board a thruster would be good 8)

[new zealand girl]

i found this site which pulls apart all the different shapes and factors that go into making a surf board and explains what each thing does. its actually really helpful go to; <dead link>
and learn about different kinds of rails, rocker etc. and you will have a better understanding of what you need. it also gives weight to board ratio guide.

[help]

i am about 5'10"~130lb........i am a beginner......can u guys give me some direction in the sive of my board?.........thanks

[help]

sorry ...............size