For the surfer who absolutely must ride a shortboard, regardless of how weak the waves are, there’s now quite the variety of short, wide and thicc options available. While the original fish surfboards gained popularity in the 70’s, the intent and design has carried onto modern grovelers.
Fish, hybrid and groveler surfboards are, in many cases, thickened and widened versions of classic shortboard shapes. You’ll see wider, rounder noses are more common as well as plenty of squash and swallow tails with lengths generally under 6. All of these are traits added to short boards which improve their performance in small, mushy waves. You won’t see any more longboard style single fins but the twin fin makes an appearance in this category, keeping it retro like your VW bus.
These boards are great daily drivers for the surfer looking to fit in sessions before or after work and if the swell happens to be firing when you’re in a PTA meeting.
If Ricky Bobby wanted a surfboard, he’d be getting all of his nasty bad-ass speed from a shortboard. Here we’re looking at boards generally 6’ and less, narrower profiles and noses sporting knife-thin rails. These boards are all about performance in high quality, powerful waves that you’ll treat like a teenager in a horror slasher flick. Unlike Ricky Bobby, shortboards can turn right and can be a scalpel in the hands of a skilled rider. On the flip side, they are difficult to manage in less than ideal conditions or for a first-time rider. Aerial maneuvers, tube riding, competitions, and anywhere you’d want maximum maneuverability or control is the domain of the shortboard.
As waves get bigger and bigger, the traditional shortboard starts to come up short-handed. Step up boards & guns are larger, high-performance boards with outlines that resemble shortboards, but start to approach midsize & longboard lengths. At high speeds and wind common with monster swells, an improvement in stability goes a long way to keeping your head above water.
While there are several different popular materials that surfboards are made up of, the most traditional is a foam core covered in fiberglass. Surfboards can have several different core materials that give the board different characteristics. Surfboard construction can also feature foam, epoxy, cork, and other materials.
Fiberglass is the classic, high-performance construction method for shaping surfboards. Typically this takes a foam base with a wooden stringer(for rigidity & flex), wrapped in fiberglass weaved cloth, and then smothered in resin. These boards can be somewhat fragile as a result. Outside of the water, they should be treated with care and mostly kept in a protective bag or cover. Some amount of denting on the deck is somewhat normal as your body weight and foot pressure can compress the foam, but cracks need to be cared for to prevent waterlogging which kills the board’s buoyancy.
What you get in exchange for the fragility is the most beautiful surfboard construction money can buy with great flex patterning and unparalleled performance.
If you’re not quite ready for a glass cannon like a fiberglass board, or are stocking a rental fleet, epoxy boards are common substitutes for traditional fiberglass boards. Here instead of a thin resin coating, the boards get a hard epoxy treatment. This dampens the board’s ability to flex a good amount, but handles bouncing around in your vanagon quite a bit better.
Throw these things in the back of your truck and rush over to that post-ride burrito joint without even taking off the bottoms of your wetsuit. Foam surfboards use durable soft, closed-cell foam to wrap the deck and rails of these boards, keeping your chest from chaffing and providing heaps of buoyancy. Recently some boards have been using cork instead of foam, for nearly identical purposes. Forgot to wax? You're not likely to slip off these squishy decks anyhow.
Our snowboarding friends over at LibTech also happen to be some cold water fanatics as well. They’ve taken what they know from the snowboard world and made some interesting applications to surf. The Mervin manufacturing boys are using whacky eco-friendly construction to create ultra-durable versions of Lost Surfboard shapes. Would you run over your surfboard with a truck? You could if you wanted to with a Lib Tech board.
The best beginner surfboard you can buy is the board that you have the most fun on. That being said, it’s important to stow your ego and make sure you’re choosing the right board so you’re not just getting slapped around with salt water and actually doing some surfing. For beginner surfers, board choice is especially important.
Riding a wave is actually a very small component of learning to surf, so many characteristics that we’ve been talking about, such maneuverability and speed can become pretty irrelevant. What’s relevant in a good board for a beginner surfer is the ability to paddle out, manage your position in the water, and catch a lot of waves. This means choosing a surfboard with the right amount of volume. For someone who’s a very beginner, this typically means longboards & midsize boards with a LOT of volume. Refer to the above section on surfboard volume and choose accordingly.
Additionally to volume, err on the side of stability when it comes to any other feature of the board such as fins. Beginner surfers are generally working on catching waves and riding straight to the beach while staying upright. Wider bodied boards and a more locked in feel of a big longboard fin, 2+1 fin set up and thrusters simplify things so you can focus on mechanics.
Foam boards are also really popular for beginners as they’re affordable, stable, rock volume that goes to 11 and aren’t nearly as fragile as traditional fiberglass boards can be. It also helps that getting speared in the back with a foam board isn’t nearly as painful as a hard board either. Foamies come in all shapes and sizes and are now even coming in some higher-performance shapes and construction. Overall foam surfboards are a great choice for beginners.
Embark on your surfing journey with confidence by selecting the right beginner surfboard. Join pro surfer Josh Kerr as he provides expert insights and step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth ride on the waves.
Riding the waves and experiencing the thrill of surfing is a dream for many beginners. However, to make this dream a reality, choosing the right surfboard is essential. A surfboard that matches your skill level can significantly impact your progress and enjoyment in the water. In this comprehensive guide, we've got professional surfer Josh Kerr to offer you a valuable roadmap to selecting the ideal beginner surfboard.
Just as a novice wouldn't attempt to run before learning to walk, a beginner surfer should focus on finding the perfect board that complements their abilities. With Josh Kerr's insights and expertise, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the key factors that contribute to a successful start in the world of surfing. So let's dive into the details and discover how to choose the ultimate surfboard for your beginner's journey.
Josh Kerr begins by emphasizing the importance of aligning your surfboard with your skill level. Similar to learning to walk, you must start with a foundation that matches your abilities. Opt for a board that offers generous width, length, and ample surface area. This ensures stability and prevents the sensation of being on a precarious tightrope when you catch your first wave. By selecting a board that complements your capabilities, you set the stage for an enjoyable and progressive surfing journey.
Spyder Surfboard reviewsWhen entering the world of surfing, soft-top surfboards are your best allies. Available in various sizes, these boards offer exceptional stability and forgiveness. Following Josh Kerr's advice, begin with a soft top around 9 feet in length or longer. The increased dimensions provide buoyancy, making paddling effortless and wave-catching a breeze. This soft-top foundation allows you to build confidence, hone your skills, and enjoy the learning process without unnecessary challenges.
As your skills evolve, you'll eventually outgrow your soft-top and transition to a hard board. This is where the expertise of your local surf shop or a skilled board shaper comes into play. Be transparent about your skill level when seeking recommendations. These experts possess the knowledge to guide you toward a suitable hard board based on your progression. Developing a rapport with your local surf shop offers the opportunity to trade in your old board as you advance, facilitating a seamless transition.
Josh Kerr underscores the significance of building relationships with local surf shops and shapers. Their insights and expertise will prove invaluable as you navigate the complexities of surfboard selection. Patience is key; surfing is a journey that unfolds gradually. Like any skill, mastering surfing requires time, effort, and dedication. Embrace the learning curve, appreciate each milestone, and trust the process.
Selecting the right surfboard as a beginner is a critical decision that significantly influences your surfing trajectory. By following the guidance of professional surfer Josh Kerr, you'll embark on your surfing journey with confidence and clarity. Start with a forgiving soft-top board, progress at your pace, and leverage the expertise of local surf shops as you transition to more advanced boards. Remember, surfing is a blend of challenge and enjoyment. Embrace the journey, honor the process, and relish every moment as you ride the waves toward becoming a seasoned surfer.
When it comes to selecting the right surfboard for beginners, understanding the different types available is crucial. Let's delve into the details of the various beginner surfboard options to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your skill level and goals.
Soft-Top Surfboards: Soft-top surfboards are a popular choice for novice surfers due to their user-friendly design. These boards feature a foam deck that provides excellent stability and buoyancy, making them ideal for learning to balance and catch waves. The forgiving nature of soft-top boards allows beginners to focus on developing proper paddling and wave-catching techniques. The foam construction also enhances safety by reducing the risk of injuries caused by falls. When starting out, opt for a soft-top surfboard that is around 9 feet in length or longer for maximum stability and ease of use.
Longboards: Longboards are classic beginner surfboards known for their generous length and ample surface area. Their extended dimensions provide exceptional stability, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to build their confidence on the waves. Longboards offer a smooth and forgiving ride, allowing you to practice paddling, positioning, and catching waves without the challenges associated with shorter boards. Their versatility also makes them suitable for a variety of wave conditions, further aiding the learning process.
Longboards: Longboards are classic beginner surfboards known for their generous length and ample surface area. Their extended dimensions provide exceptional stability, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to build their confidence on the waves. Longboards offer a smooth and forgiving ride, allowing you to practice paddling, positioning, and catching waves without the challenges associated with shorter boards. Their versatility also makes them suitable for a variety of wave conditions, further aiding the learning process.
Funboards (Mini Malibu): Funboards, often referred to as Mini Malibus, bridge the gap between longboards and shortboards. With a length typically ranging from 7 to 8 feet, funboards offer enhanced maneuverability compared to longboards while retaining the stability necessary for beginners. These boards are well-suited for riders looking to progress beyond the beginner stage and start experimenting with turns and maneuvers. Funboards strike a balance between stability and performance, making them an excellent transition board as your skills advance.