If you love the sea, then you must have thought about surfing at some point. Imagine yourself riding the waves and doing awesome moves with your board. It’s a fun experience and it’s good for your body, especially if you’re planning to do it weekly. Surfing is an intense but fun cardiovascular exercise. You will work on your core muscles, upper, and lower body strength too. However, before you can hit the waves, you need to pick the best surfboard that you feel comfortable with.
Read on to learn more about the process of choosing the right surfboard that can help you catch some of the most tubular waves ever!
1. Surfboard Volume
Since purchasing a new surfboard is one of the most important steps to get started with surfing, you need to familiarize yourself with what surfboard volume is. The surfboard volume is calculated and measured accurately to design the board meticulously. It contributes significantly to your purchasing decision because it can establish the best board choice that fits your needs. You measure the volume by multiplying the length, height, and width of the board to get the accurate number.
Before you buy the board, ask about the volume and see if it’s already measured. Most surfboard manufacturers would have the volume number recorded on it. But if not, then you should calculate it and figure out the buoyancy of the board to know how well it rides in the water. Compare it with your body volume and remember that you should always go for a board that has a higher volume than you.
2. Sustainable Clothing
You should consider getting sustainable clothing with your surfboard because you might not be able to surf with just your bathing suit. Think about clothes that won’t get damaged easily from the water or paddling. You need to protect your body from rashes and scrapes from your board. Also, to protect yourself against Australian weather changes, you might need a vest, wetsuit, shirts, and long sleeve tees to wear in the water and stay warm. Advice from the manufacturers and clothing retailers at https://www.southernman.com.au/brands/stussy/ suggests that improving your surfing experience is achievable by going for popular clothing that fits the lifestyle of a surfer.
You need clothes that will cover your basic needs in the water. You can’t catch those waves without the high-quality fabrics and durable material that can give you warmth and protection from the board and water while surfing or paddling.
3. Nose and Tail Shapes
Every beginner should know that a surfboard’s nose and tail shapes have significant importance. You must make your decision based on the shape of your board. Familiarize yourself with the effects of the nose and tail design. You will know the type of wave performance in the water this way with the specific board you go for. A rounded nose will give you more buoyancy and it’s a great choice for efficient paddling. However, a pointed nose is designed to reduce drag in the water and it lowers your swing weight.
The tail of your board is your indicator of how good the board will be when you’re standing on it to surf. A squash tail will give you excellent speed and generate good lift with weak waves, but it’s not a good choice for bigger waves. If you want efficient maneuverability and control in powerful and large waves, then you need a pin design for the tail. Consider which board you need for rail engagement, control, maneuverability, or paddling speed.
4. Material
Surfboards are made out of different materials, but most of them are good choices for your first one. Just remember that the most popular boards are made out of epoxy, fiberglass, cork, or foam. The recommended choice is fiberglass boards with a foam core because of its high-performance levels and beautiful design. However, they can be fragile if they are not properly protected. Make sure to keep your board in a protective cover or bag when you’re not in the water.
When it comes to picking out your surfboard, it can be easy for people to notice that you’re a noob/kook. Don’t be discouraged because experienced surfers will always be happy to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for tips or advice on choosing a surfboard that fits your skill level.
You need one that has the perfect shape, size, and board design to help you as a beginner to grasp the essence of surfing. Remember to test the boards out to avoid getting the wrong one. The last thing you need is to get a surfboard that will ruin your experience in the water.
