As a learner surfer buying your first surfboard and entering a shop or shopping online is like being back in a candy store as a kid. But if you don’t know what type of surfboard is the best for you it sometimes gets frustrating. So if you are thinking of buying your first surfboard but you don’t know which one is the one for you, then make sure to keep on reading this article.
I have some exciting tips, that will make your experience of buying your first surfboard much more exciting and fun. Let’s talk!
It is a tradition or rites of passage in the surfing community when learner surfers decide to buy their first equipment, from renting out boards to finally getting one of their own. Moreover, this doesn’t only root from the fact that you can be more familiar with having your own equipment while surfing. But knowing exactly what particular type of equipment is right for you helps you progress ins your surfing journey.
WHAT TYPE OF SURFER ARE YOU
There are plenty of factors to consider when buying your first surfboard. These factors will greatly affect how you improve your surfing. The simplest and first question that you have to answer is the simple question, “what type of surfer are you or what type of surfer are you trying to be?” What I meant by this is, you have to know if you want to be a short border or a longboarder.
SHORT BOARDER
Most people may think that they really want to be a short boarder because you saw this one person you adore so much doing fast and radical moves. Most people associate short boarding as a difficult skill only for Pros. Respectfully so.
Short boarding takes a lot more precision, skill, speed, and athleticism when surfing. If short boarding is the route for you or it has been on your mind repeating the phrase, “that’s the kind of surfing I would like to do,” the faster you learn the basics then the faster way you can achieve your goal. Make sure that before you go ahead and buy your first shortboard that you have learned the basics well on a longer or a more beginner board.
LONGBOARDER
However, if you’re someone who isn’t necessarily fixated on trying to achieve a certain style of surfing and just want to have a great time and learn how to surf, then getting yourself a longer board wouldn’t be a problem. Naturally, bigger surfboards allow you to get more stability, control, and balance as a learner surfer. All of which helps you master these skills and progress in your surfing journey.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING YOUR FIRST SURFBOARD
Now that you’ve answered that question, what’s the next step you ask? My best tip is to factor in your height, weight, and your athletic abilities. All of which will help you decide the right board for you.
Remember that the most common mistake that learner surfers make when buying their first surfboard that I’ve seen over and over again, is trying to progress to a shorter board too quickly. When you do this, you don’t only skip a few learning stages in your journey but you actually hurt your techniques and basic skills needed to surf on a shorter board.
Knowing when to transition from a shorter board after learning all the basics in a longer board is essential. Once you’ve fully learned the basics then go right ahead and try on transitioning, but if you’re having a hard time then go back to basics.
My honest opinion and genuine recommendation for anyone reading this are to get an appropriate surfboard for your size and body type. There is no one right board for every learner surfer because everyone is different. Then again, having a soft-top board that is around eight (8) to nine (9) feet loon would be a safe margin.
Once you can fully catch green waves in this board then you can slowly transition to a much shorter board. Make sure that you can move your board from left to right on a green wave and exhibit small turns and even cutbacks. Then and only then can should you transition to a shorter board.
If you are eager to transition much quicker or learn all the basic skills in surfing, you can find a wide assortment of online courses you can take that I’ve personally made based on all my experience as a surfer and as a surf coach. We also do consult, digital surf schools, and both luxury and empowered surfing retreats, that you might consider looking into at our website after reading this article.