How to Choose the Right Surfboard - A Beginners Guide

To really get off to a good start, to have the most fun and to progress as rapidly as possible the beginner surfer should choose their first surfboard carefully.

RENT IN THE BEGINNING - When you are at the very beginning of your surfing experience I suggest renting for a while if that's possible where you live. By renting you can try out some different shapes and size of boards. As you work up to buying your first surfboard you will be better prepared and have some practical experience to understand what kind of will works best for the kind of surfing you want to do.

The Long Board - The long board is the father of surfboards, in the beginning that's what people rode. I am turning 60 this year and I started surfing at the age of 12, we exclusively rode long boards. At that time in the 60's we did have various shapes for different purposes. There were boards with concave nose's for nose riding, hanging 5 and 10. The surfboards were wider and heavier than what's common today.

If you decide you'd like to ride a long board then you will need to select the right size for your weight and for the speed and maneuverability you want. With a thinner, narrower and lighter long one you will be able to stay up with faster breaking waves. But you will also will not be able to catch waves as easily or earlier before the wave moves closer to breaking. Long boards have their specific place in surfing and they are very popular. They are much easier to learn on.

THE SHORT BOARD - With a short board you can control the wave better and exert a lot more speed than a long board. You can maneuver, turn and cutback more rapidly and stay ahead of the wave. With a short board you will have to catch the waves later when they are much closer to breaking. Short boards replaced long boards for quite a while until long board made a resurgence in the late eighties or early nineties.

THE FUN BOARD The fun board falls somewhere in between the long board and the short board. It has some of the attributes of the long board, being wider and longer than a traditional style short board. It also has attributes of the short board because it is generally lighter and more maneuverable. The fun board also has it's place, but is less popular than the traditional long board design or the short board.

There are die hard long boarders who only ride long boards and confirmed short boarders. There are also people like me who have ridden both styles over the years and prefer to own and ride both long and shorts according to the type of wave.

Surf boards can cost a lot for custom built boards or special signature models. A good new quality long board well designed and well built can cost from $800.00 to as much as $1500.00 or more. The higher quality short boards a bit less. For the beginner I recommend that after you have determined the type of surfing you want to do and the right style of board, then look for a reasonable used board to start with. You may find that as you learn and get better you will ding and scratch up your board. A good used long board in reasonable condition will cost anywhere from $300.00 to $600.00. A used short board will be a bit less expensive. The fun board styles are even less.

Choosing the right surfboard can make a lot of difference in your fun and your progress.

The quicker you are up, turning and riding waves the more likely you will bond with surfing and really have fun. The right surfboard can be a critical component for the beginning surfer.

Michael writes about many subjects including health and well being as well as water sports and outdoor activities. He has been writing and submitting articles online for years. Check out his website all about wetsuits, for cold water sports. Learn about the different, wetsuit brands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Chadd

View the original article here

Surf Travel Guide - The Top Grade Guidance For Surfers

Surf travel guide is completely focused on the UK surf spot. This has become the very first spot of their choice. Fistral Beach is among the top of the other spots. This has the very first preference among the surf spots in UK that can make a very enjoyable weekend for the travel lover. Surf travel guide is capable enough to make your list of preferences for the tour at the different parts in UK. Undoubtedly this is the most popular and most surfing beach in the Europe and this is the first love for the surfers from all over the world, they love to visit this place to enjoy the most enjoyable surfing. You can have some most amazing surfing experiences in this beach enjoying completely. The beach is well known for the good waves at any point of the whole year.

This stands as the best spot according to the Surf travel guide just because you can have access on good waves at any point of time enhancing your pleasure of surfing. Such good waves give an exceptional stand to this place among the surfers from all over the world. The beach gives all tides, with good lefts and some rights. This is well protected as well on bigger days with a southwest wind. Such facilities encourage the surfers to engage in recreation in this place. The place is also well known for its usually high peaks giving the surfers an extra preference. This can give a great shape as well.

This article has been viewed 14 time(s).
Article Submitted On: November 09, 2010

View the original article here

Surfing Wetsuit Temperature Guide

Are you looking for a detailed surfing wetsuit temperature guide? Maybe you want to find out what type of suit to get and first you need to check the temperature before going out and making your purchase. This is very important instead of coming to a quick conclusion. The more preparation that you do prior to buying a suit, you will be better off protected. If you need a suit that is heavy duty and meant for maximum protection, it is recommended to get a suit that is thick in neoprene. Although we may strain ourselves in achieving a great ride on the waves, this will save you from the dangers of the sea. Not only that but you will also be warmer. Also, if you happen to be in the summer months - you can use sleeveless wetsuits to get you started. There are even some suits that come with attachable sleeves but these are very rare. Here is a little temperature guide we have put together for you to follow.

The Water Temperature

In order to find out the right type of wetsuit to wear, you need to go through the numbers on corresponding temperatures to the different type of wetsuits. To begin with, if you are surfing in waters that are 77 F or more, you generally do not need a wetsuit. However, if the temperature is 72 F and up, a short legged, sleeveless suit would do. Or you can also use half the top of a suit instead. With temperatures of 68 to 72 F, you'll need a light full suit. Keep in mind, it doesn't have to be thick, but something that covers your arms and legs. Things are becoming more chilly now, surfing in waters of 64 to 68 F and when you decide to venture in waters like this, you will need a 3/2 wetsuit. Finally, for the ultimate surfer - someone who practically risks it all may swim in 48 F and up. In this case, they will need a suit that is a 6/5/4 full body. Temperatures being this cold can certainly leave you feeling uncomfortable once you get out of the water.

Aside from this, you will need to know what type of activities you'll be interested in before making a decision for a wetsuit. Also, it is a good idea to know how you react to cold. Most people on average dislike cold environments while others cannot stand it. There are few people that can actually withstand freezing temperatures.

View the original article here