How to Choose a Beginner Surfboard

Beginner Surfboards

Surfing is not an easy sport to learn, but starting off with the right beginner surf board will make things a lot easier. The best surf board for kids to learn on is the lightest, widest and thickest board you can find. These larger style boards are often called mals or mini mals and are used by nearly all of the surf schools.

The other beginner surf board is the soft surfboard and are usually a lot less expensive. Some call these foamies and are a good choice because because you will out grow your first surfboard pritty quick. Remember, a wider thicker board will be more stable than a narrow thin board. Also you want a beginner surf board with a single fin or three fins. A two or four fin board is too loose in the way it turns for a beginner. Choose a board that is six to ten inches taller than the child.

For the adult individual that is into surfing but realistically has limited time in the water, a fun shape in the 6'10' TO 7'10" range would probably be the logical surfboard. Plus, even if in a year or two you decide to go down to a short board or fish, you may want to hold onto your funboard for the days when the surf is smaller.

On the other hand, if getting into the water once in a while to catch a few waves is all you have in mind, then a long board may be just the beginner surf board for you. The only downside to starting off on a long board is actually getting a used board. If you are buying a new long board, you will be paying more for it than the average funboard or short board.

Notes on buying a used beginner surfboard.

The two main things to check out on a used beginner surfboard besides the size and shape are the fins and whether or not the board is water tight.

Fins are permanently glassed on to the board. See if they are on solidly. If they seem loose or have any "give" at the base of the fin .. This could eventually cause you problems. Also if there are thin cracks these will probably start taking on water down the line.

The beginner surfboard should not have dings that will allow water to get under the fiberglass layer into the foam of the board.because it will cause discoloration of the board and will weaken the board in general. As the number of dings go up the price should go down. All dings should be properly repaired before you use the board.

I hope this helps you choose your beginner surfboard and most of all have fun with it!

The Softop Surfboard (The Beginner Surfboard): Softops are high performance epoxy surfboards featuring the deck and rails wrapped in a E.V.A. foam rubber. Their unique epoxy/fiberglass construction gives softops a stiffness that helps them out-perform sponge or soft surfboards. This is a very durable board and is the board that most surfing schools use.

About the Author: Deb Andersen is the owner of http://www.water-sport-center.com which provides extensive information about Surfing, Water Skiing, Scuba, Kayaking and Kids Water Fun. Plus how to find your perfect water sport vacation. http://www.water-sport-center.com