| Once you have decided to learn to surf...just what | | | | worry about how many fins the board you |
| is the right surfboard for you, the beginning | | | | choose has. This is not a factor in learning to surf |
| surfer? | | | | as the purpose of the fins is to help in turning. |
| The first rule is to make sure the surfboard you | | | | You won't be worrying about fancy turns while |
| choose is the right length and width and thickness. | | | | learning. |
| The wider the board and the thicker the board, | | | | The best surfboard for a beginner is the minimal.. |
| the more stability you will have in the water. It | | | | They can be bought with softtops that cushion all |
| should be 6 inches to 2 feet taller than your | | | | the falls you will take in the learning stage. Even |
| height, depending on your age. Kids are lighter | | | | the fins on the softtops are soft so the chance |
| than adults therefore more buoyant so can get | | | | of injury are minimal. They range in length from 7 |
| by with a board 6 to 18 inches taller than their | | | | to 8 feet with a thickness of 2 to 2.5 inches, |
| height, Adults should choose one that is 1 to 2 | | | | have a rounded nose.. with a great stability that |
| feet taller than them. | | | | allows for great paddling and catching of waves. |
| For beginners who want to surf all summer long, | | | | You may be tempted to try a longboard. which |
| it would make sense to pick a surfboard that will | | | | are about 9 ft in length. Resist that temptation. |
| last more than one season, one which you will not | | | | They are much bulkier, turn harder, and you |
| outgrow in a short time... but choose a cheap one | | | | won't have much fun hauling them across the |
| to start with so you won't feel bad about the | | | | beach, and if your goal is to graduate someday to |
| dings and dents it will get. A used one makes | | | | a shortboard, the minimal will point you there. |
| great sense. However.. do not buy a used one | | | | Whatever you do, do not fall into the "LOOK |
| that has delamination or cuts where the foam is | | | | COOL" factor and decide to get a shortboard. |
| showing.. which of course is just common sense. | | | | They are not meant for beginners... as they are |
| You can get a custom made board.. one made to | | | | short and narrow and have thin sharp rails, or |
| your specifications as opposed to a factory | | | | edges, that are designed for fancy turns and |
| carbon output one, but that will cost more money. | | | | maneuvers by advanced surfers. Start with the |
| You can always go better after you learn the | | | | longer, wider, more buoyant board and you will |
| basics and are really ready to put on a show. You | | | | soon be looking for that cool shortboard and will |
| will by then be past the heavy dinging stage. Don't | | | | be able to use it by then ... properly. |