Which surfboard?

Question

Hi! I went surfing for the first time with some friends and I LOVE IT!! I really would like to buy my own surfboard, so i went to have a look at them, but there are lots of different lengths and types! Can anyone explain the difference between them all, and which would be the best type for me.......and the best brand?

Answer 1

For your first board get a longer wider board, 7.5 to 8.5 feet. Maybe even get a used on till you get better, no point in destoying a good board; and most first boards get very abused.
Once you get better,try a shortboard which start generally at 7 feet on down to 5'2", sometimes less. You might try a "fish "as a transition to smaller boards, they're wider and a lot of fun. Shorter boards require more skill as a surfer but the benefit is manueverability and speed, nothing like going sideways on the face or punting a ramp for an air. It really jacks up the thrill of surfing.
Best brands are Al Merrick(Channel Islands), Town and Country, Rusty, Stretch Reidel; but there are plenty of good shapers out there.
Don't get a Bic or NSF(?) unless you want to get laughed out of the water, those are sooooo cheesy!

Answer 2

Modern surfboards are constructed of a plastic foam core that is shaped by hand or machine and then covered with a shell of fiberglass and resin. Individual surfboards can vary in dimensions. The high performance surfboards used by top professional competitors are typically about 1.8 to 2 m (6 to 6.5 ft) long, 47 cm (18.5 in) wide, less than 6 cm (2.5 in) thick, and weigh about 2.7 kg (6 lb). These boards are also known as shortboards. On the other end of the surfboard spectrum is the longboard. Most longboards are 2.7 m (9 ft) long, 51 to 56 cm (20 to 22 in) wide, and about the same thickness as shortboards. They weigh less than 7 kg (15 lb). The bottom of a board has from one to five fins near the tail, although the three-fin, or thruster, design is standard. These fins provide the board with directional stability and enhance performance by providing additional power and forward drive. While either board can be used in professional or recreational contexts, the shortboard is better for speed and aerial maneuvers.

Answer 3

Which Surfboard

Answer 4

Basically for learning the longer and wider, the more stable the board and the easier to get up on and ride! I would suggest a mini-mal (mini longboard shape) which range from about 7-8 ft. I am a 17 year old girl, 5ft 8 inches tall weight 130 pounds and mine is 7ft 3.
NSP boards are very durable (good for beginners) and so are bic. They are also relatively cheap. If you get a cheap new or seconhand one you dont have to worry about damaging it while learning. Mini-mals have good resale value as well, as there are plenty of people wanting to learn, so when you get better you can easily sell your old board and use the money towards buying a smaller, more advanced one! Good luck

Answer 5

im a female surfer been surfing for 5 years now. i ride a fibreglass 6'1, but you just beginning would want a much bigger and thicker board, its much easier to learn the basics on. it depends on ur size really, but get 1 that doesnt let u sink in the water much, and one that is a bit bigger in height.
theres all these new surfboards out like the mac T's but i reckon the standard fibreglass board is the way to go.
And dont get a mal because they are actually really hard to ride, even for me and im pretty good, there easy to paddle but. skipp boards are pretty good thats what i ride, but just beginning it doesnt really matter what brand, wait till u get a bit better.

Answer 6

use soft surfboard, do not use the fibre glass custom ones. if u can afford it then go for pop-out surfboards.

Answer 7

get a fome one to start with its easyer to padle and turn on