subject: What Surfboard Will Help Me Learn? [print this page] It can be a bit confusing when you go to buy your first surfboard.
The first thing you will ask yourself is "What surfboard should I buy?"
How much money will I have to spend?
Soft Surfboard or Hard Surfboard?
When buying a surfboard, the choices are almost endless. It's no wonder you are confused and wonder what surfboard you should buy. Surfing technology has come a long way in recent years, with over fifty years behind us. Thanks to the modern surfboards of today, learning how to surf has become a pleasurable experience. The beginner's surfboards are much lighter, tougher, and safer than the older surfboards.
The Benefits of a Soft Surfboard
The most popular surfboard for beginner's these days is the soft surfboard, and for good reason. Because they are very buoyant, paddling is extremely easy. When you are wondering what surfboard is right for you, if you are a beginner you should consider a soft surfboard. They have more grip, stability, and buoyancy compared to a regular fiberglass surfboard. These boards are usually between 7 and 10 feet long because a longer board is much easier to balance.
The soft, rubber like material that is used for the top surface of these surfboards provides plenty of stability and will hold up in even tough conditions. While it is very strong and durable it is also safe enough not to hurt anyone if you happen to lose your surfboard among a crowd of swimmers.
The Base of the board consists of a smooth, yet still soft skin. It is this skin that reduces friction with the surface of the water and allows you to glide with some of the speed of a fibreglass board.
What surfboard height should I purchase?
If you are looking at getting a Surfboard then length will be something to consider. Most people will learn on a board that is a few feet longer than them. Just remember, the longer the board the more stability you will have. If you are a heavier person then perhaps something a little thicker than normal would be a good idea. A surfboard height and weight matrix will help you decide.
New or Used?
The answer to this will largely depend on your budget. Something else to take into consideration is how often you will be using the board. Someone who uses it regularly is going to progress faster and will outgrow a soft surfboard very quickly. Due to the hard wearing construction of the soft surfboard there are plenty of used ones in good enough condition to learn on.
Do I need lessons?
To put it simply, YES! Just because you have friends that surf doesn't mean that they are good surf instructors. Surfing is an individual thing, you need to learn a few basic techniques and skill first but once you have them down you can begin to refine it into your own and unique style. So go and get yourself a proper lesson or two and have an instructor teach you those all important basics. Having a good quality instructional DVD or book is also a handy thing to have around.
A surfing instructor will also teach about the important safety procedures. You will learn how to identify a safe place to surf, an undertow, and a rip tide. There is a globally recognized set of rules that apply to surfers regarding the right of way in various situations. If you are going to surf in crowds, you have to learn these rules.
While its important to know what surfboard is right for you, a soft surfboard or a hard surfboard, its more important to be patient when you're learning how to surf. Remember that surfing can be tricky to really get the hang of. With each ride lasting just a few seconds, less time is spent standing up than with skateboarding or snowboarding. For this reason it might take some extra time to move to the next level, but believe me, its worth it.
