Which Board for Me ?

It can be confusing buying a surfboard. There are so many different styles, sizes and materials to choose from. This guide had been designed by 0800 80 surf to help to get the right board for you. We've been helping people surf for over 10 years. We can help you choose the right board.

Happy Surfing
Aaron Lock.

This guide is for the BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE surfer who surfs mostly in the Christchurch region.

Size Does Matter

The Bigger the surf board the more stable it is and the easier it is to ride. Most beginners need a board over 7 ft in length.
It's not just length however it's over all volume. The width and thickness of a board are important too. Most beginners are looking for a board at least 19 inches wide and at least 2 ½ inches thick. You will normally find the dimension of a board written in small letters on the base of the board near the tail along the stringer line.

e.g. 8'6'' x 19 ' x 2 ½ ' means the board is 8 foot 6 inches long, it is 19 inches wide at its widest point and is 2 ½ inches thick at its thickest point.

How Long is too Long

There is a compromise between the stability of the board and how easily it turns . The bigger boards are more stable but turn more slowly. A short board does not offer much stability but is extremely manoeuvrable.
Longer boards are also heavier and can be more difficult to get out in larger waves. The longer boards paddle faster though and go well in smaller surf. Where as the shortboard are more difficult to paddle and are suited to steeper more powerful waves.

How Big you are

The heavier the person the larger board they will need.

How Strong you are.

Big boards are great but you still need to be able to carry it easily to the water. If you do not have much upper body strength then you will need a shorter board. Your arms need to be long enough to reach around the board. Check how easily your board fits under your arm.

What style of surfing. Short boarding or Longboarding

One thing you need to decide is what style of surfing you like.

Longboarding is the traditional surfing style. It's is about grace and style, hanging ten and cruising. Trimming and graceful turns. Christchurch waves are well suited to Longboarding. If you like this style of surfing then you are best to learn on a Longboard straight away.

Shortboarding.
The shortboarding style is all about high speed turns. Radical changes of direction, aerials, vertical re entries, swooping cutbacks and barrel riding. This style of surfing is best in steep powerful waves. If you like this style of surfing, then you will need to start on a bigger board and then gradually progress using shorter narrow boards as you improve.

Don't limit yourself.
Surfing is all about fun. Some days the surf is better for longboarding other days shortboarding. Try to learn to use as many different boards as you can.

Types of Board

There are four main categories of surf board.
" Longboard
Any board over 9 ft with a wide rounded nose.

" Mini Mal
A board between 7 and 9 ft with a wide rounded nose.

" Shortboard
A board normally under 8ft with a narrow pointed nose.

" Hybrid and Fun boards
These boards are half way between a mini mal and shortboard.

Shapes
There are lots of variations of boards in each category. Variation in nose shape tail shape, rail shape , template , rocker all have subtle differences in how a board performs.

Fins
Fins make a big difference to how a board performs. You can have removable fins or fins that are glassed to the board. Most boards have three fins in a thruster configuration. Some shorter boards have just two fins and some longboards have one big fin. The fins affect how a board turns though the water.

Materials
Boards are normally made from a hand shaped foam core that is laminated in fibre glass. There are some boards that are now machine made but constructed along similar lines. There is a lot of time involved in shaping a board and the material are expensive too. That's why a good board is a valuable item.

Board Buyer Guide Table Summary

Download pdf 32 kb

Have a Lesson
You can save a lot of frustration when Learning to Surf by having a lesson with a skilled surfing instructor. If you've just purchased a board come and have a lesson and learn how to drive it. Learn how to find your boards 'sweet spot' and find the perfect trim position.
We'll also teach you the basics of
" Standing
" Reading waves
" Rips and currents
" Catching waves
" Paddling out
" Duck diving
" Turning
" Riding green face
" Intermediate moves
" Advanced moves
" Competitive training

All lessons take place in a fun safe environment. You can use your own boards or ALL EQUIPMENT can be supplied.
Booking Essential
Call 0800 80 SURF for more info or try www.surfcoach.co.nz

TRY Before You Buy
If you are still unsure as to which board to buy then 0800 80 surf has a huge range of hire boards. Come out to Sumner and hire a wide range of different boards to see what suits you the best. Then come on back in store knowing exactly what you want.