How to Select a Surfboard

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just getting started, choosing the right surfboard for you makes all the difference in being able to ride waves successfully. There are many different types of surfboards meant for different skill levels, weights, and conditions - but just like in any sport, if you don’t have the proper equipment tailored to you, you’re gonna have a bad time.

EditSteps

EditChoosing a Style

1. Choose a longboard or funboard to learn the basics of surfing. A longboard is about 8 to 11 feet long and serves as a fantastic starting point for a novice due to its balance and ability to catch smaller waves. A funboard is a little smaller, at 7 to 9 feet long, but is wider than most other surfboards, giving it good stability.
   
   • A funboard is considered easier to maneuver than a longboard, but longboards are the best surfboard for a total beginner.^[1]
2. Try a shortboard or fish board if you want to tackle more aggressive waves. A shortboard, at 5 to 7 feet long, has a pointed front end and is meant for shredding rough and aggressive waves. A fish board is even smaller than a shortboard but wider, with a dual-pointed rear resembling a large fin, and makes turns both quickly and smoothly.
   
   • If you are just moving beyond a beginner board, try a fish board before a shortboard. You will get used to the maneuverability of a shorter surfboard while adjusting away from long ones.^[2]
3. Test a hybrid board to combine the aspects of two boards into one. A hybrid board is a combination of any two boards that are similar.
   
   • A shortboard and a fish board hybrid is a common combination, making the shortboard more balanced and able to turn without sacrificing speed.
   • A longboard and a funboard hybrid can make it easier to find stability on a heavier board, and can also serve as a good transition from a longboard to another style.
4. Paddle a SUP instead, a board you can use in any body of water. A SUP is a stable, standing paddle board that can be used to surf very small waves and, with skill, surf larger waves. You can use it in freshwater too, so if you have the surfing itch and live nowhere near an ocean, you can bring this to the lake to start learning.
   

EditConsidering the Specifics

1. Ask yourself what conditions and waves you plan to surf. When shopping for a new board, the types of waves you intend to ride and the conditions of the locations you plan on surfing at play a role in what choices you should make about your next surfboard. You don't want to bring a sup to the infamous Mavericks at Half Moon Bay, CA for example.^[3]
   
   • Smaller surfboards are great for tackling midsize to large waves and for maneuvering quickly in tall and narrow waves.
   • Large surfboards can help to keep you in the water when the weather starts turning sour, and are great for small to medium sized waves.
2. Decide whether you want your board's material to be epoxy, polyester, or foam. Most commonly surfboards are made of one of three materials: epoxy,polyester, and foam.^[4] There are certainly other materials used in surfboards, such as balsa wood, but these are far less common than these three materials.
   
   • An epoxy surfboard is very light and can handle high speeds
   • A polyester surfboard is affordable and can handle unpredictable wave patterns
   • A foam surfboard is usually recommended to beginners for its low risk of injury and its comfort on the water.
3. Consider the setup of fins on your surfboard. Beginners don’t need to worry too much about fin placement and the tail, but if you want to advance your surfing ability, knowing how to alter the shape of your board to suit your needs can get you to the next level of surfmanship. There are usually up to 5 fins on a surfboard, depending on what types of waves you plan on tackling, with three fins being the most common setup.^[5]
   
   • 1 and 2 fin surfboards can’t handle large and giant waves
   • 4 and 5 fin surfboards have a harder time with small waves than medium-sized ones.^[6]
4. Look for surfboards slightly larger than you think you need. Large surfboards tend to be more stable, making it easier for you to get to the waves and to be able to keep your balance while surfing. Professional surfer Jesse Merle-Jones suggests that most people who have issues with their surfboard simply have one that is too small.^[7]
   

EditPurchasing a Surfboard

1. Get to know local surfboard shapers. Local shapers can customize a surfboard to your specifications and needs, and knowing a handful of local shapers can open up your options for a new surfboard immensely. Having a close relationship with a shaper who knows your weight and preferences for surfing can make the difference in buying a good board and buying a great one.
   
   • If you know a shaper who is located near a favorite surfing spot of yours, they may have specific recommendations for surfing in the area.
2. Try using a rental version of the board style you want. This can show you whether you really are able to handle a shortboard or a fish board, or can lead you towards an option that feels right for you. Don’t be afraid to shell out a few dollars now to test and learn different surfboard styles before committing to a much larger investment down the road.
   
3. Test the board in the best conditions you possibly can. This will help you get a feel for riding the new board without having to worry about inclement weather or unpredictable waters. Find a location with good weather and look out for groups of other surfers in the water to find a good spot to catch waves repeatedly and see if it works for you. If you can catch waves, stay balanced, and feel comfortable riding it, congratulations!
   
   • If your board doesn’t seem as comfortable or functional as you thought, you may not be able to return it, but you can often take it to a shaper to get it refurbished.^[8]

EditTips

• Be honest about your weight, your level of fitness, and your level of skill when buying a surfboard. You may be disappointed with the effectiveness of your surfboard if you don’t have it tailored to your physical specifications.

EditWarnings

• Unlike many sports, using the equipment that surfing professionals use is not recommended. Just because you have the same surfboard as Kelly Slater, it doesn’t mean you will magically be able to surf like he does, and you will likely find yourself disappointed and unable to take to the waves with it at all.

EditSources and Citations

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