Selecting a Surfboard

Selection of a surfboard in the past was simple. I believe mainly because there seemed to be less surfboards on the market. These days there are so many different shapes and sizes of surfboards that you may become confused if you do not know the type of surfboard that you need for the type of surf break you are wanting to surf. Sometimes surfers have decided the type of surfboard that they feel they need and it just doesn't work for their weight or body type. So many times I have visited my local surf shop with a particular surfboard in mind, only to find out that the type of surfboard that I think that I would like is not suited for my skill level. Or worse yet the surfboard isn't suited for the particular surf break that I will be surfing. I like to own a surfboard that I can control, so first and foremost in my mind is control of the surfboard paddling out and of course on the wave. I do better on a surfboard that isn't too heavy but has plenty of flotation. I search for boards that are similar to the surfboard that I know work for me.

If you do not know what surfboards would be good for you. You probably have your work cut out for you. You can sometimes rent surfboards to try a certain shape or design. Sometimes you can test a friends surfboard while they are in the water. Trade surfboards and try a few waves on your friends board. This will help you in selecting a surfboard. At least you will have an idea if you can or cant catch waves on your friends surfboard. Then you can sort of gauge if a larger or smaller surfboard similar to your friends would work for you.

Believe it or not different surfers have different goals when it comes to riding waves. Some of us like to rip and tear the waves apart while others are content to ride them as far as the can and try to ride the nose. What ever your goals are it always helps to have a surfboard that catches waves and does what you want to on the waves.The more control that you have on your surfboard the more fun you will have in the water and the less likely you are to run into someone. So take your surfboard selection seriously. You will seriously have more fun in the long run. Make safety a priority and you will remain in the water longer and catch more waves. Always respect other surfers and beach goers to insure the maximum potential to have fun and surf.