HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURFBOARD
The right surfboard needs to match both your ability and surf conditions. Unfortunately, the perfect board for all conditions does not exist. As the swell changes every day and your surf level evolve with experience, you will need to build a quiver: a set of different boards (various sizes, shapes, and styles) used according to the type of waves and style you want to perform. Of course, this comes along with your goal and comfort zone. Do you love to have fun in small waves with a longboard? Then no need to force yourself to go smaller.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN GUIDELINES TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURFBOARD?
You will need to consider three factors:
Skill Level - Are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer?
Knowledge - Do you master the fundamentals behind board design, sizing, shape?
Wave Type - What type of waves will you surfing?
SURF LEVEL
Your surf level is the first criteria to figure out which board will suit you.
I am a beginner surfer -
Beginners, who never surfed before, will feel more comfortable on high volume boards that provide stability. Balance is vital to stand up on a surfboard for the first time. Therefore, a soft-top would be a good option as its primary characteristic is stability.
I am an intermediate surfer -
After having the fundamentals sorted, you can start looking into fiberglass boards. They provide less stability than a soft-top surfboard, but they will prepare you for shorter boards and bring the first manœuvre sensations.
I am an advanced surfer -
The more you will progress, the more you will seek high-end performance boards, harder to control but allowing to realize more critical manœuvres. There is a wide range of advanced shortboards, and at this level, surfers tend to have a quiver composed of different performance boards.
KNOWLEDGE
Surfboards are available in hundreds of different shapes, sizes, styles (longboards, shortboards, hybrids, fish, retros, quads, thruster, twins and single fins) - which can be very confusing when you don’t know what you are looking for.
Learning and understanding how the dimensions and volume can impact your surfing are crucial for choosing the right surfboard.
The length will be dictated by the design of the board and your body height and surf level.
The width depends mainly on your weight and the surfing style you are after. Obviously, the heavier you are, the more volume you will need.
Thickness has an impact on the board’s volume. The thicker the board is, the more buoyancy it will have. This criteria is specifically relevant when you are looking for more balance and floatability.
Volume is the result of the combination of the three dimensions cited above. It is the measurement of how much flotation the board has.
BOARD STYLES
Burnetwood Surfboards
If you know about the dimensions of a board and want to calculate its volume you can use this formula:
(Length in cm x 58%) x (Height in cm) x (Width in cm) = Volume
If you don’t have a board yet and wish to calculate your ideal volume, you can use this formula:
(Ability & Weight) x (Age factor) x (Fitness level) = Volume
Ability & Weight
Use the following chart to find your coefficient:
Firewire surfboards
2. Age Factor
Multiply your above answer by the below factor based on your age:
Firewire surfboards
3. Fitness Level
Use the below table and multiply your above result by the factor that seems the most reasonable to you. Try to be honest with yourself!
Firewire surfboards
WAVE TYPE
As you know, the swell is different every day, impacting on the waves type. You can use reports and forecasts ( for Lombok www.surf-forecast.com) to determine your local conditions, but nothing is as accurate as checking yourself if you live close enough to the spot. Unfortunately, you will not be able to find a single board model that will suit every wave.
FAT & MELLOW WAVES
Longboards are a great option for those kind of waves. They are very stable, buoyant, and allow to generate speed in thicker, slower-paced waves. A board with the size 7’0 or bigger is your way to go and to enjoy the session! Also, you can try different styles, a thruster fin setup, or a single fin. Both offer a different surf experience.
STEEP & POWERFUL WAVES
When it comes to stronger waves, shortboards are suitable to handle the take-off drops. Indeed, they are designed to be maneuverable and allow surfers to stick to the pocket of the wave. Surfboards between 5’6 and 7’0, depending on the size of the wave, your surf level and fitness condition, are a good choice.
MASSIVE & BIG WAVES
When it comes to big waves riding, the gun is a must. Their long pointed design allows you to catch massive waves of 12 ft and bigger. Usually, their length reaches 7 ft or more to ensure balance and speed after the takeoff.