The wave rises, and you paddle hard. As you pop up, something feels off. The board wobbles under your feet, and you miss the ride. Don’t worry; it happens to all beginners. But it’s not you that is doing something wrong. It’s your board. Surfboards play a big role in shaping your surfing experience. Ask any pro surfer, and they’ll tell — your surfboard isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s your dance partner in the water. In this blog post, we’ve talked about why surfboards matter so much and how to find the perfect one for your style.
How Surfboards Affect Your Surfing Performance
Every surfboard has a personality. Some are fast and aggressive, while others are slow and steady. The shape, size, and materials of a surfboard determine how it moves on the water. For example, a shorter board cuts through waves like a knife, giving you speed and sharp turns. A longer board feels smooth and steady, like cruising in a vintage car. Wave conditions also play a role. For small, mushy waves, a big board with more volume will keep you floating. For bigger, faster waves, you’ll want something sleeker and easier to control. The better your board matches the waves, the easier it is to have fun.
Types of surfboards and what they do
There are a lot of surfboards out there, so let’s keep it simple. We’ll talk about the main types:
- Shortboards: Shortboards are made for chasing big, powerful waves. They’re quick and responsive but not beginner-friendly.
- Longboards: Perfect for beginners as well as anyone who loves a chill ride. They’re stable and help you catch waves easily.
- Funboards: Funboards are hybrid-type surfboards. Best of both beginners and advanced surfers. They’re shorter than longboards but still stable enough for new surfers.
- Fish boards: These are short and wide, designed for small, slow waves. If you want to cruise and carve, they’re a blast.
- Guns: It is built for serious surfers and huge waves. If you’re not charging 10-foot barrels, skip these for now.
How do you pick the right surfboards?
Many kook surfers fall for a cool-looking shortboard. Then, they spend more time wiping out than actually surfing. Big mistake. So if you’re new, go big. A longboard or a foam board is your best friend! They’re stable, easy to paddle, and help you build confidence. Or suppose you’re an intermediate experiment. In that case, try different sizes and shapes to see what works for your style. This is when you start to figure out what you love about surfing. If you’re advanced, you can do whatever you want. By now, you already know what you need. Maybe it’s a high-performance shortboard or a custom shape made just for you.
Custom boards and tweaks
Once you’ve been surfing for a while, you can get a custom board. This is the coolest thing about surfing, that it can be as personal as you want. Custom boards are made to match your height, weight, and surfing style. They are expensive, but the difference is totally worth it. Even small tweaks can change how your board feels. Switching fins or adding grip tape might seem minor, but it gives you better control. A well-waxed board also makes a huge difference, so don’t skip that step.
Taking care of your surfboard
A good surfboard is an investment. Treat it right, and it’ll last for years. Rinse it with fresh water after every session to remove salt and sand. Store it in a shady spot, as sunlight can damage the materials. If you ding your board, fix it as soon as possible. A small crack can let water in and ruin your board from the inside. Get a board bag. It protects your board from scratches and dings, especially when travelling.
Why does the right board matter?
When you’re surfing, you have two choices — struggle with the waves or go with the flow. The right surfboard makes your ride smooth and enjoyable. Every time when you step in water with a board that feels just right, you know, you’re in for a good time.
Conclusion
Every surfer has a unique style, and your board should match yours. In surfing, different surfboards are available according to different experience levels, and styles.
So take your time, learn what works for you, and remember that it’s all about having fun out there!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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