Do you surf all the time? Do you constantly find that something is missing while you are riding waves? It may be the fact that you are riding the wrong type of surfboard. This could have happened for a number of reasons. You may not have known the proper surfboard to buy, you may be riding waves that are more tailored for another style of board, or you may just need a different board for your body type. Whatever the reason is, we want to offer you some inside tips on how to pick the right surfboard.
The first thing you need to remember is that a surfboard has 7 basic points on it. They are:
1. Nose
2. Tail
3. Rails
4. Deck
5. Bottom
6. Fin System
7. Leash Plug
All of these parts work in unison to insure that the surfboard performs to the highest standards when on the water. Many things can affect the way a board performs in the water. They are:
1. Body Height compared to surfboard height.
2. Body weight compared to surfboard weight.
3. The type of board you are using in comparison to the type of waves you are trying to ride.
4. The overall height and weight of the board itself.
5. The board fins.
For optimal performance, you need to match the correct surfboard to the correct body style and surfing style. We want you to make to best surfboard choice possible. In order to do that, you need to know what surfboard options you have available to you.
Shortboard: This is the type of design you will most commonly see. It is the most popular, and is used for very high performance surfing.
Longboard: Not for big wave riding, but one of the most popular surfboards available because it is the easiest to learn to ride.
The Gun: The most common designed used by professionals. This is what they shred the big waves with.
The Fish: This design is most optimal for catching smaller waves.
The Funboard: Easy to paddle and easy to maneuver in the water.
These are the most common types of surfboards that you will come across. Are their others? Yes, but there is always something in development. The ones listed here are the ones you want to make an educated choice on. Picking the correct surfboard will allow you to perform smoother and easier in the water.
Now that you know what types of surfboards are out there you can make a more educated decision when it comes to choosing the right surfboard. I guarantee you will immediately feel the difference if you have the right surfboard. Remember, there is a reason surfers don't take longboards into huge waves. Having the right board for the right body type and wave is of vital importance.