If you are new to surfing, a certain number of questions may have crossed your mind. A legitimate question that you probably asked yourself was probably about the choice of your first surfboard . This choice is important because it will determine the speed of your progress and the right board will allow you to take even more pleasure during your first sessions .
Here are the criteria to take into account when choosing your first surfboard:
What is your level ?
- First waves
You want to start surfing, or have taken your first surf lesson and makes your first take off and you feel like going to take your first waves solo. Or maybe you learned on a friend's board but are tired of having to steal it from them when the waves are good. Acquiring your first board will allow you to be free to go surfing whenever you want .
Remember that the ocean is not without danger, listen to you and find the spot best suited to your level of practice. You will progress even more quickly if you are in a safe environment in which you feel comfortable.
Softboards
The foam board or “ softboard ” will allow you to progress in complete safety. Regardless of their length, these boards have very generous and well-distributed volumes which will allow you to catch waves more easily and paddle more easily. Softboards, intended for learning, have a rather soft surface and have flexible, not very sharp fins which reduce the risk of injury and will allow you to concentrate on your learning. Also very solid , you will not worry about damaging it by falling on it or scratching it.
The bigger the board, the easier it will be for you to start on the wave and get up, but keep in mind that the board should not be too easy to surf if you want to maintain a certain margin of progress and thus not have to changing boards too quickly.
- Beginner
The take off, ok. Follow the wave, ok. Now you want to gain more speed, surf bigger waves, faster and want to make your first turns.
The “Mini Malibu
Kind of small longboard , the mini malibu are easy boards to surf. They will allow you to make your first turns while enjoying the ease of paddling of a small longboard. These are also boards of a great stability and therefore who will be more forgiving of your possible support errors. These boards are not only intended for surfers in the progression phase and are often used by surfers looking for a board for a little more sluggish conditions or simply when they are looking for a board without the hassle and less technical to surf .
The “Evolutives”
“Evolutionary” type boards sometimes called “ fun boards ” are a good option when you are looking to progress. Less bulky than the mini Malibu, these models are closer to the shortboards by their designs. A slightly rounder nose and a pronounced rocker allow these boards to maintain great ease of use. Scalable boards are boards that are easy to maneuver and work in a wide variety of conditions. It will accompany you throughout your progress and you can keep it even when you have switched to a classic shortboard. It is indeed a type of board that can be surfed in small soft conditions as in consistent waves with a beautiful wall. This shape therefore remains suitable for all levels. A Funboard will make your first carves easier and surf more like a shortboard. The upgradeable ones are made to facilitate your transition from a mini malibu, or a softboard, to a performance shortboard.
The type of practice sought
- casual
If you only surf a few days a year , choose a softboard type board, rather large, which will allow you to easily catch waves and have fun. These boards also do not suffer from small everyday impacts such as scratches or dents and will therefore be ideal if you tend to travel long distances with them or if they must remain stored in a place where they risk being disturbed.
- frequent
If you surf at least once a month , you can consider investing in a rigid board such as mini malibu, scalable or even longboard. Indeed, by surfing regularly you will progress quickly and quickly feel the difference with foam boards. Although ideal for starting out and working on your basics, a foam board will end up limiting your progress when you start looking for finer trajectories, the rigid board will leave you the door wide open to progression .
Your body shape
Your body shape is another important element to take into account when choosing your first surfboard. You need to choose a board that will offer you the most optimal flotation possible. A board that is too small risks making your wave grip too difficult and you could quickly be won over by the frustration . Conversely, a board that is too big could make your learning much harder. "too easy and this could harm you. The take off being easier on a large board, the latter will not require perfect placement of your feet on your part and you would then risk creating bad automation . Learning to be perfectly positioned in relation to the wave you want to start on is also a crucial step in learning to surf. Large boards allow an early start and this excessive ease in catching waves could well prevent you, in the long term, from developing a good sense of placement and direction. wave reading .
Your physical condition also plays an important role in choosing your board. A person of good size and good shape may opt for a slightly smaller board, while a less athletic person may opt for a rather large board if they do not wish to tire too quickly and extend their sessions. It is for all these reasons that it is important to start on a board of the right size.
Children : 4'7" to 6'5
Women and small sizes : 6' to 7'5"
If you are looking for a board that is really easy to surf, favor a board that is slightly wider and at nose a little rounder like the Victory Evolutive or the CBC Wood.
Average height: 7'5 to 8'5
The construction of the CBCs makes them slightly more technical boards to surf but also more efficient. They are a good compromise if you are starting to master your board well.
Strong builds : 8'5" to 9'
Wide and voluminous models which will allow the strongest sizes to progress and of thrive at the water.
Rigid boards:
If you feel that you progress quickly or you are very motivated To improve quickly, a rigid board can be a very good option. At Woodstockshop, we have a large number of evolving surfboard models or “ funboard ”. These generously sized boards will be able to accompany you throughout your progress and beyond.
There All Rounder is a kind of small longboard that will bring you ease of paddling And maneuverability but who will easily forgive your pressing errors.
The Mid Length from Aloha Surfboard has a retro design that will adapt to a person of a level beginner to intermediate . Being a single, this board surfs slightly differently from classic boards but the feeling of speed on the wave and ease of paddling will be there.
There Fun Division As for it, it is already closer to a shortboard due to its more tapered shape and its more pinched rails. With generous volumes and a shape once again designed to facilitate paddling and catching waves, this model does not neglect performance and will allow you to perform your first radical maneuvers .
When you start surfing, it can seem complicated to distinguish between volumes, sizes, constructions... Here is some information which, we hope, will help you make your choice and that you will find THE plank which will allow you to have maximum pleasure and progress quickly!