You can learn to surf on anytype or size board but certain
surfboards are easier to learn on and safer for beginners than others.These tips will help you select the right board for your
skill level.
1.
What type of surfboard should I buy?
Soft surfboards, sometimes called “softboards” or “foamies”,
are ideal for beginners because
- the soft foam construction offers excellent buoyancy, which allows the beginner to easily catch waves;
- the dimensions provide more stability in the water so that it easier for novices to stand up; and
- foam boards consist of the same materials as boogie boards so theywon’t cut you or knock you out if the board hits your head.
Fiberglass and epoxy surfboards are better suited for
immediate and advanced surfers as they are heavier and it is easier to be injured
by these boards if you are inexperienced.
2.
What size board do I need?
A good beginner’s surfboard is thick enough to float well for
easy paddling and is wide enough to be highlybalanced in the water. Most people
can learn comfortably on a board that is about 7’8” or longer and 21-22″ wide. If
the board is any shorter or narrower, it becomes unstable for a beginner. If
you must go smaller, choose a board that is slightly shorter but keep the
width. The advantage of a smaller board is that it’s easier to maneuver once
you’re up and riding.
If are naturally athletic, try a 7’6”-8’ funboard. Funboards
are a cross between longboards, which are 9’, andshortboards, which are around
6’.A good funboard will be about 22” wide and 2.5-3.5” thick. Make sure that it
has a round nose and a good amount of rocker (the overall curve of the
surfboard from nose to tail).
The round nose will help you catch the waves, and the extra
rocker will help prevent nose dives on takeoff. A board with no rocker is flat
and it’s easy to dig the nose into the water.
Both funboards and longboards are tons of fun on small waves
for any skill level.
3.
What about fins?
Fins are essential for control. Funboards usually have a tri-fin
setupbut they sometimes have a single fin. Either configuration works fine but
it’s easier to turn a tri-fin. Longboards come with a single fin or a long
center fin with two stabilizing fins on either side (2+1 setup).
Beginners should always have flexible fins on their surfboards. This is important because most
surfing injuries come from the fins slicing the skin. If you are new to
surfing, you will frequently fall off your board and if your fins are rigid, there
will be many opportunities for the fins to cut you.
We welcomeall Outer Bankssurfing enthusiaststo explore our
line of surfboards as well
as our skateboards, skimboards, bodyboards, balance boards, and stand up paddleboards
(SUP).Ourknowledgeable
staff while help you find the right board for your body type and experience.
We also carry a full line
watersports gear for men, women, and children. From watches to wetsuits, get all your
boarding gear at the Outer Banks Boarding
Company!