What is a surfboard?
Characteristics of a surfboard:
A surfboard has several characteristics which influence its drive (its handling in a way), its maneuverability, its ease of paddling and take-off (when the surfer gets up on his board), the surfer's trajectories, etc. .
Length :
The length of a surfboard is expressed in feet and inches which are English measurements (for example 6'2'').
You can do the conversion here:
www.the-converter.net/fr/lengths/ft/cm
Outline:
The outline designates the general shape of the board, the main beam (widest point) largely determines the outline.
The more forward the beam, the more stable the board is at high speed and allows driving with a lot of flow . The further back it is, the more maneuverable the board is at low speed and allows radical turns .
Different types of outlines:
Source: Boardcovers
Tail:
The tail refers to the rear of the board, there are a multitude of different tails and tail combinations. A wide tail offers lift and maneuverability but is unstable at high speed. A narrow tail offers less maneuverability but ensures good stability at high speed. 
source: Thewealthbuilding
Nose:
The nose designates the front of the board . A pointed nose allows you to attack hollow waves while a rounded nose allows easy and more comfortable paddling on small to medium waves (and nose-riding on a longboard).
Rails:
It designates the junction between the top and bottom of the board, it can be more or less pinched. The more the rail is pinched , the more the board catches the water .
“A round rail will give you stability and be more forgiving of your mistakes!”
Source: surf'n kite
Rocker:
It designates the camber of the board . The weaker it is, the faster the board is, but the greater the danger of “sticking in” (planting the nose) .
“On the other hand, a strong rocker adapts to hollow waves and allows you to surf in your pocket”
Source: Jock Surfboards
Hull:
Refers to the underside of the board . It can be V-shaped, concave, double concave, double concave V, with channels... a multitude of combinations are possible.
Source: Standup Guide
Drift(s):
Refers to the fin(s) of the board; they are used to steer the board . There are several assemblies , single fin (central fin) , twin fins (two side fins) , thruster (twin + central fin) or quad (two side fins) .
You must choose your fins according to your weight and your level. The heavier you are, the bigger your fins should be and the more muscular you are, the stiffer they should be.
The thruster is the most widespread, it allows contemporary maneuvers to be performed. But trying other montages will offer you new sensations and the possibility of drawing new trajectories!
“Fins are responsible for half of surfing accidents, if you are a beginner opt for soft, non-cutting fins”
Choice criteria :
To choose your board you need to determine several criteria:
Weight & physical condition : The volume determines the buoyancy of your board, it must be adapted to your weight and your level.
“If you are an occasional surfer, favor a little more volume for better paddling comfort which will allow you to catch more waves!”
| WEIGHT (in kg) | Beginner | Intermediaries | Confirmed |
| 50 | 35 | 23 | 21 |
| 55 | 37.5 | 24 | 22 |
| 60 | 40 | 25 | 23 |
| 65 | 42.5 | 27.5 | 24 |
| 70 | 45 | 30 | 25 |
| 75 | 47.5 | 32.5 | 27.5 |
| 80 | 50 | 35 | 30 |
| 85 | 52.5 | 37.5 | 32.5 |
| 90 | 55 | 40 | 35 |
| 95 | 57.5 | 42.5 | 37.5 |
| 100 | 60 | 45 | 40 |
| 105 | 62.5 | 47.5 | 42.5 |
| 110 | 65 | 50 | 45 |
| 115 | 67.5 | 52.5 | 47.5 |
| 120 | 70 | 55 | 50 |
Size
"Your size is not the most important selection criterion, but..."
If you are very tall, avoid choosing a 5'4 even if you have a correct level because your back foot risks ending up in the water at take-off ;) If you are more of an all-purpose type, don't worry you can still go longboarding!
“In reality it depends a lot on the practice that interests you & the place of practice!”
Rather shortboard or longboard?
This is a question of taste, the shortboard will allow you to perform very radical maneuvers and have a very aggressive style in hollow waves while generally speaking, the longboard will allow you to enjoy a much more fluid and gentle ride. .
Shortboard Credit: Claytonsurf.com
Durability/strength:
Your first board is a bit like your first car , you will remember it all your life. Shocks come quickly, the lip of the wave can fall on your board. You probably don't want to leave with a piece under each arm at the first session, so choose a very solid board, made of softboard foam or epoxy.
If you are looking for performance then choose a PU (polyurethane) or epoxy board with a light glaze .
Level
Determining your level is the most complex task in choosing your board. You have to be realistic and take into account your past experience and your frequency of practice.
If you surf occasionally , choose a board with volume and/or length so as not to struggle with paddling during each of your sessions.
If you go to the water every day, choose a board that will allow you to progress a lot; and if possible opt for a quiver of two or three boards which will optimize the potential of the different conditions.
“If you can, try different board models to get a concrete opinion”
Beginners:
The priority when starting out is to find a board offering paddling comfort, safety and stability.
The outline must be rounded and the height must be between 7'2 and 8'2 (with less, you will not have enough stability, and with more, not enough maneuverability).
Mini-Malibu and Malibu type boards are well suited to beginners (be careful, longboards are often wrongly recommended for beginners, as they are bulky and dangerous for someone with little experience).
"The foam board is a beginner's friend, it ensures good flotation and above all reduces the risks of practice"
Intermediaries:
Shortboard orientation:
If you are opting to practice with a shorter board, choose a board between 6' and 7' which will offer you more maneuverability while maintaining a fairly wide outline and sufficient volume. Opt for example for the egg, the fish or even the scalable.
Longboard orientation:
If you are moving towards longboarding, opt for a board between 8' and more. Choose a longboard with a low rocker, rounded rails and a “large” central fin which will be more suitable for surfing small waves and moving on the board (cross steps for example).
“Today, Polyurethane and Epoxy constructions are the most widespread.”
Epoxy has the advantage of being more rigid , which gives it more reactivity but also greater longevity .
Intermediate to advanced:
“If you have an advanced level, don’t hesitate to contact us for personalized advice!”
Drifts
The fins are used for directional control and are responsible for up to 30% of the board's efficiency.
There are different fin assemblies, which can be fixed or removable:
Thruster: the most widespread today, it offers a good compromise of stability and maneuverability; which makes it the ultimate weapon for performing maneuvers in the contemporary repertoire.
Quattro : also called quad, it is ideal for hollow waves. It provides speed and grip but remains less maneuverable than the thruster.
Twin fins: often coupled with a board with little rocker, the twin allows you to generate maximum speed but does not allow tight turns and offers less grip than the quattro.
Single ending: this is the oldest montage; the single will allow you to cruise and carve big curves like any good self-respecting soul surfer.
To choose your single fin and understand how it works, here are the essential elements to take into account:
Length: by increasing the length of your fin you gain stability, by reducing it you improve maneuverability and responsiveness.
Width (base): by increasing the width of your fin you gain speed, by decreasing it you improve maneuverability and responsiveness.
So choose for example a large and wide fin if you prefer noseriding, and a smaller and narrower one to make your turns easier and reduce the arc of your curves.
The rake: the greater the rake (therefore the more "deep" the fin is), and the more drive the board will have, i.e. hold and stability in curves.
Flex: the more flexibility the fin has, the more you will gain in maneuverability and recovery, but the more you will also lose in pure speed.
Beyond the very characteristics of each fin, their placement in the case is decisive:
The further back the fin is and therefore closer to the tail, the more stability and grip you will have but the more maneuverability you will lose.
On the contrary, the further the fin is from the tail, the more maneuverable and responsive the board will be, with the tradeoff of losing stability.
Have fun moving your single fin forward or backward as the sessions progress, the difference is obvious and you will be able to surf the same board with completely different approaches and styles.
Single fin drift:
Leash
The leash is the element that connects you to your board . Attached to your ankle or sometimes below the knee on a longboard, it will prevent you from swimming to the edge when your board slips from your hands and, above all, from hurting someone! 
Be careful, don't hold your board by the leash, you risk hurting your hand!
As a general rule, your leash must be adapted to the size of your board:
Board size:
However, you can take a larger leash if you are a beginner and a smaller one if you are an experienced surfer.
How to attach your leash to your board?
1/ Tie the cord
To connect the leash to the plug you need to make a small loop (approximately the width of the leash hook) with a cord. If your loop is too big it will damage the tail of the board.
2/ Scratch the leash on the cord
You can now hook the leash onto your cord. This is the wide part which must pass above the rail in order to avoid wear by friction.
Where to attach your leash?
If you surf: on your back ankle or above the calf for certain longboard leashes.
If you practice: bodyboarding on the biceps on the plug side (element of the board where you will hang your leash)
Source: Surf-prevention.com
“The leash cable should go behind you and slightly outwards so as not to get in your way.”
Wax
There are several types of wax:
The base coat , to be applied to the board as a first fixed base.
Cold water wax.
Tempered water wax to add to the base coat depending on the water temperature.
Hot water wax.
You can also choose to stick a pad which will give you better grip (these days most surfers only use a rear pad; although the full pad is starting to be popular again.)
Step 1: Remove the existing wax (if the board is not new)
In order to start again on a clean base, it is strongly recommended to remove the old layer of wax present on the board. To do this you can use a wax comb (with the flat side) and scrape off the old wax completely.
“For optimal results and a board like new there is a magical tool at your disposal: the Pickle Wax Remover”
Step 2: Apply a layer of base coat
Making the first layer in base coat will create a durable base on which you can add the classic wax and then re-add a little before each session.
Indeed, classic wax (especially softer cold water wax) will come off a little in the water and a little on your surf suit (and on your car seats if you forgot your surf cover one day). summer.)
Draw a grid with the slice of your wax bar on the board. Then make circular movements with the flat part of the wax bar. The goal is to create a multitude of small “mounts” of wax. They will be created more easily at the intersections of your grid. The goal is to cover all surfaces likely to be in contact with your feet (often from the tail to three quarters of the board, unless you choose to place a pad)
“If you want to try nose-riding, don’t forget to wax the nose”
Step 3 : Apply the wax
Using circular movements, spread the wax over the base coat.
“It is not useful to put tons of it each time, it is better to put a little before each session”
Step 4: Return to step three before each session (for optimal grip)
The wax will come off with friction, so it is necessary to apply a thin layer before each session for maximum grip.
“If your wax seems flattened, use a comb (tooth side) to re-wax more easily”
At WoodstockShop, we are here to answer all your questions, so don't hesitate to contact us.
Happy surfing!