The Beginner Surfboard Types
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
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