Monday, July 27, 2009

Surfboard Selection for Newbies

By Melinda Paradise

There are numerous different surfboard styles, but almost all of which can be boiled down into 3 main classes. The kind of board you select will dictate how you are going to catch a wave, and so should be selected primarily based on your experience level and the dimensions of the waves you will be riding.

For newbs, often the 1st stop is the longboard ( 7 to twelve feet ). One of the longboards typically utilised by newbies is a soft-foam construction, vs fiberglass or epoxy. This increases buoyancy so helping the surfer catch their first waves. Longboards are sometimes good for smaller waves and their volume permits surfers to ride these waves much longer.

The next style is a fun shape, or often called a fun board or a fun stick (7 to 9 feet). This board combines the stability of a larger long board with the maneuverability of a smaller shape, and is often used by beginner to intermediate surfers on all types of waves.

Short boards ( five to 7 feet ) are the most maneuverable of all board types, but are also the toughest to ride and so are sometimes reserved for intermediate to expert surfers. They are quicker, less stable and offer surfers more control over how they need to move in the wave.

There are few rules that say you absolutely must learn to surf on a longboard. There are some surfers who start with a shortboard and master it. However, most folk start with the longboard and learn quicker that way as the thickness permits you to float more and gives you more stability. A shortboard is harder to paddle and you may have more issues catching waves as it is tough to catch a wave early with a shortboard. A longboard will allow you to catch waves and stand up simpler.

If you do begin with the shortboard, try to not go with something too tiny or thin. You also need to make certain the board is wide enough to hover you. There are some good intermediate length boards that you can learn on,eg fun shapes and other hybrids. But in order to turn with extra speed, you can want something that is not as wide.

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