The Basics of Surfing: What is the Right Surf Board for Beginner Surfers?

After learning how to surf from an instructor with a rental surfing board, the next step would be buying the right surfboard for you as a beginner surfer. Choosing your surfboard is one of the most important steps in surfing. If you choose the right board, then you will be able to have a better ride. However, if you choose the wrong board, you can expect to wipe out often which can really discourage you and abandon the sport altogether.

When choosing a surfboard, the first rule is to make sure that the surfboard you choose is the right width, length, and thickness. You need to remember that there are different types of surfboard available, which comes in all shapes and sizes.

The principle behind the different sizes is that the wider and thicker the board, the more stable it is in the water. The rule of thumb for beginners and if you are already an adult is that you should choose one that is 1 to 2 feet taller than your standing height. For kids, 6 to 18 inches taller is basically enough as they are lighter and therefore, more buoyant.

If you want to surf all summer long or you want to surf the entire season of surfing in your area, then you may want to make sure that you should get a board that will be able to last more than one season. You also need to pick a board that you will not outgrow in a short amount of time. However, you also want to make sure that you should get a cheap one at that in order for you to prevent feeling bad about the dents and dings that the board will usually get.

Getting a used surfboard is a great idea to save money on the surfboard but always be aware of any delamination or cuts where the foam is showing. This is a bad sign and it will mean that the board will not last really long. If you have the money for it, you can get a custom made board. Although custom made boards will cost you money, it will be made according to your specifications which means that you will be able to have a better feel for the board whenever you hit the water.

As a beginner, don’t be worried about the amount of fins that the board you choose has. This is not really a factor when you are just learning how to surf. Fins help in turning, which you will not really use if you are a beginner. And, you need to keep in mind that you won’t be making any fancy twists and turns when you are just learning how to surf.

As you can see, the criteria for the best surfboard for beginners are not really all that complicated. Always keep in mind that whatever board you choose, never fall for the board that looks really cool and decide to get a short board instead. These boards are short and narrow, which have thin edges, which are basically designed for doing fancy maneuvers by advanced surfers. Always start with longer, wider and more buoyant board if you are a beginner surfer.

After mastering the basics, you can always purchase a cool looking short board that you will be able to use properly.