Not even the biggest store that sells equipment for surfing, offers many different types of boards. To choose the right Board is not so simple. How not to get lost among the variety of assortments surf-shop we’ll cover in this post.
The variety of choice
The majority of boards today are made from Styrofoam and covered with a layer of fiberglass, so that they become durable and light weight. Meet and foam boards with a polymer coating. This is usually the cheapest model. In addition to the material of the Board, have the value of its thickness and shape. Dimensions of the Board, its thickness, the shape of the stern and nose significantly affect the behavior of the Board in water, the handling. For example, the longboard are characterized by greater stability and therefore, they often opt for novice surfers. In addition, they are easier to paddle. The thicker the Board, the more it is floating. Therefore, the heavier the athlete is, the larger the Board should be chosen. Narrow and thin boards are gaining a lot of speed, but less stable, harder to keep them under me. The shape of the nose and the stern Board will affect the maneuverability and ability to perform various tricks. Let’s try to briefly describe the most common types of boards.
Longboard
The Longboard is the Board familiar to almost every beginner surfer. They are long, 8 feet and over, a sufficiently wide and thick, the nose of the longboard round. They are bulky, heavy and bad maneuvering, but stable and easy to rake. So often these boards are used for teaching the basics of surfing.
Mini-Malibu or Mini-Mal
The Mini Malibu or Malibu just resembles the shape of a longboard, but slightly shorter and narrower. The main characteristics of this type of boards are very similar to a longboard, but the mini-Malibu is still somewhat more maneuverable.
Shortboard or ‘Thruster’
The Shortbord or “Thruster” is the most common type. The length of these boards varies from 5ft 6’ to 6ft 4’. The width is usually from 16 to 19 inches. They are chosen mostly for experienced surfers because these boards are very agile and fast, they’re easy to manage. While they are not too comfortable for rowing and a beginner is unlikely to cope with this Board, especially on a small wave.
Fish
The Fish is another type of boards. From shortbord it differs in size, but primarily in the form of poop. I fish it forked and resembles the shape of the tail of a swallow. This form of poop helps catch a wave without sacrificing speed and maneuverability. The length of such boards ranging from 5 ‘2’ to 6′ 4’, width is from 18 to 23 inches. These boards are ideal for small and medium waves.
Gun
The Gun – this is the Board designed for the big and steep waves. They are quite long, from 6 to 10 or more feet long, the nose and feed them pointed. Such shape and length make it possible to gain enough acceleration to catch the biggest waves.
Funboard
The Funboard are boards that occupy a niche between short and medium boards. Their length varies from 6 ‘6″ to 8 feet, and in width from 20 od 22 inches. They are well suited for different waves and is quite suitable for beginners.
Soft-top or Foamboard
The Soft-tops is a type of boards specifically for teaching. They are usually cheap (because they are made of foam with a rubber coating on top). Their strength is poor, and performance is mediocre. However, they are very buoyant and stable and therefore better than any other boards are suitable for the first steps to conquer the waves.
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