My First Surfboard

All your friends are surfing now. You tried it out and you are stoked. You have been trying to figure out how much to spend on a surfboard? Should you buy a new one? What about a used surfboard? You have seen the new surfers on the beach that have payed hundreds of dollars for a surfboard that they cant even catch a wave on. What is up with that?

Sure its nice to have an experienced surfer help you choose a new custom made surfboard just made for you. Even made for your surf break. That would be great. But I would not recommend buying a new surfboard unless you know exactly the type of surfboard that works for your surf break. I tend to study surf breaks and try to discover what type of surfboards that the average surfer is riding at that surf break.

It isn't always best to listen to other surfers because more than once I have been steered the wrong way by well meaning surfers. Even professional surfboard shapers would try to tell me that I needed a different surfboard than I really needed. So do not just go out and buy any surfboard. Get to know the surf break. In doing so get to know your self. I know that sounds weird but all surfers are different and have different goals.

Maybe you just want to catch small waves and cruise. Or maybe you want to learn to rip the waves,. What ever your goal it always helps to know your ability and not to over estimate it. Keep your ego in check. Surfing is a discipline and should be treated as such.

When I am transitioning from a short board to a long board I like to buy used surfboards from people I know and have seen catch waves on the surfboard. I figure that if they can catch a wave on the surfboard I should be able to also. Of course this isn't always the case. But do not pay to much for you first few surfboards. In fact get a few used inexpensive surfboards to scratch up when you are just learning. They when you are standing up consistently and you are more aware of what your surfing goals are purchase a newer surfboard. You will be much happier that you did.