Things to Consider Before Buying a Surfboard

5 June, 2017

surf lessons Adelaide buying surf board

The beach is a wonderful place to spend your free time with your friends and family. Since you enjoy the beach so much, you signed up for surf lessons Adelaide with our friends and after the surf lessons, you believe that you are ready to take it to the next level- buying a surfboard.

Buying a surfboard can be challenging and crucial since it can affect the way you surf. You will encounter a lot of challenges if the surfboard does not fit you and your surfing style.  The waves may roll under you or you might have difficulties in changing directions. To help you out and for you to enjoy your first surfboard, here are the things that you should consider before buying one:

Determine your experience level. If you are a beginner without too much surfing experience, surfing the waves and maintain balance will be a challenge for you. You have to choose a longer and wider surfboard so you have enough space to manage your weight. These kinds of surfboard tend to be more buoyant in the water which will also help you out. If you want to master the basics of balancing yourself in a surfboard, you can opt for a private surfing lesson. If you already have some experience with surfing, you can choose a surfboard that will allow you to make sharper turns that will give you power as you ride the waves. Lastly, if you are already an advanced surfer, you might want to consider a surfboard that will help you with motion and maintaining a straight travel line as you surf.

Surfboards have different volumes depending on the type that you will choose. If you are a beginner, it is important that you know that volume of your board plays a lot on how you surf. The wider the surfboard is, the easier it is maintaining your balance.  You have more space in your surfboard to manage your weight. The best way to get the surf volume is to find a board that is thicker and longer.

Check the materials and features of the surfboard. The simplest feature can make a great impact on how you surf. For example, choosing a surfboard with a leash. This feature keeps you latched on your surfboard no matter how bad the wave wipeout has made.

A number of fins you want your surfboard to have. The fins help you drag across the waves. The placement of the fins in your surfboard serves a lot of purposes. Here are the designs you can check:

  • Single Fin - Best to use when starting to learn the basics of surfing. Single finned surfboard suggests that you rely on the rails and sides to make turns.
  • Double Fin – This type of surfboard fin allows you to manipulate the waves easily. Compared to a single fin, dual finned surfboard can help you make a turn using the fins and not the rails.
  • Thruster Fin – This is the most common type of surfboard set-up. This type of fin will help you balance stability and speed.
  • Quad Fin – This type of fin allows you to maneuver heavier waves. You can also have them as adjustable fins, allowing you to shift to a single fin, double fin, thruster fin and quad fin.

 Decide what type of surfboard you are up for. There are different types and various options that you can choose from. If you plan to surf few times a year, you can opt for a cheaper kind but if you plan to surf often, you need to invest in a quality surfboard.

There are a lot of things that you should consider before buying your first surfboard and it is important that you get it right. You can always ask for expert advice so that you can get the best fit for you. If you want more tips, you can read more from our blog!

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