A surfboard: how to choose one?
From Wavy Surf Camp, we’ll give you some advice to enable you to choose your surfboard according to your preferences.
The guide that we’re offering you is an orientation from surfers and shapers to show you how to choose your surfboard. If you examine every aspect, you can get a better idea of the surfboard that you need:
1.Calculate the volume of your surfboard.
The volume of your surfboard is variable and you can calculate it in a very simple way: you only have to take into consideration your weight, skills, age, physical condition and your preferences for the waves.
Large volume: a surfboard with a large volumen will float better and will make it easier to paddle and to catch waves.
Small volume: a surfboard with less volume will be much lighter and more maneuverable but it will require more effort to catch a wave.
2. Type of waves that you are going to surf.
Try to have clear the type of wave that you are going to surf, and look for the wave that corresponds to your level.
Each model of surfboard is designed for a different type of wave according to its qualities.
- Wide tail: soft waves
- Narrow tail: powerful waves and round waves
3. Be sure of your surf level.
It is very impotant that the surfboard that you choose goes well with your surfing level.
Have a clear idea of your performance and stability, for example high performance surfboards are very sensitive and demand a high level and good control.
4. Choose the correct length for your surfboard.
Start by measuring your height, it is the most important factor to choose your surfboard, in that way you will achieve your objectives and you will enjoy all the advantages of the sea.
If you already know your size and your volume, it will be a lot easier to find your surfboard.
5. The different types of surfboard tails.
One of the most important facts is the tail choice, as each type offers some advantages to provide these capabilities in the water.
- Square tail – This is good for maneuvers but is less stable in powerful waves. It is better for small and mellow waves.
- Round tail – Semicircular tail form which offers a good grip on the wave. It is used for medium-sized and big waves..
- Swallow tail – This offers good manoeuvrability and grip on small and soft waves.
- Pin tail – This offers a good grip on the wave but it is less manoeuvrable. It is used just for big waves, generally guns.
6. Choose the edge of the surfboard well
- Wide edges– Surfboards which are flat on the surface offer a lot of buoyancy but are less agile at the moment of turning because of the amount of foam along the edge. It usually goes very well for big people, or for short surfboards for small waves.
- Sharp edges. These give you a lot of speed but the mobility of the surfboard is reduced. They are perfect for those riders that put a lot of weight on the tail.
- Round edge. This is the type of edge which allows us to make turns easily although we lose a bit of the inertia offered by a regular edge. These are the softest and easiest to master.
7. Type of rocker.
- A less pronounced rocker on the nose. This provides speed on the take off but it restricts the turning radius in the pocket. It gives us speed in the sections. It is good for soft and mellow waves.
- A more pronounced rocker. The surfboard will be more manoeuvrable but it gives us less speed. It is much better on stronger waves and rounded waves of any size, whether soft or less resistant waves.
- Less rocker on the tail. This provides speed but makes it difficult to turn and change direction quickly.
- More rocker on the tail. This gives more maneouvreability to the surfboard but it will give us less speed on the turns. It is good for mid, faster and powerful waves.
All the previous information is the foundation that all surfers need to have to find their perfect surfboard – and we are here for help you to find yours!
What are you waiting for to book your place at Wavy Surf Camp and to enjoy an unforgettable experience?
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