If you're just beginning with surfing lessons, there are many different shapes and sizes of boards, but most of which can be boiled down into three main categories. The type of board you choose will dictate how you're going to catch a wave, and therefore should be chosen based on your experience level and the size of the waves you'll be riding.
For beginners, usually the first stop is the longboard (7 to 12 feet). One of the longboards commonly used by beginners is a soft-foam construction, as opposed to fiberglass or epoxy. This increases buoyancy and helps the surfer catch his or her first waves. Longboards are generally good for smaller waves and their volume allows surfers to ride these waves much longer.
The next style is a fun shape, or regularly called a fun board or a fun stick ( seven to nine feet ). This board mixes the stableness of a bigger long board with the maneuverability of a smaller shape, and is commonly used by amateur to intermediate surfers on every kind of waves.
Short boards ( five to 7 feet ) are the most maneuverable of all board types, but are also the toughest to ride and so are sometimes reserved for intermediate to expert surfers. They are quicker, less stable and offer surfers more control over how they need to move in the wave.
There are no rules that say you have to learn on a longboard. There are some surfers who begin with a shortboard and master it. However, most people start out with the longboard and learn faster that way because the thickness allows you to float more and gives you more stability. A shortboard is harder to paddle and you might have more problems catching waves because it is difficult to catch a wave early with a shortboard. A longboard will enable you to catch waves and stand up easier.
If you do begin with the shortboard, try to not go with something too tiny or thin. You also need to make certain the board is wide enough to hover you. There are some good intermediate length boards that you can learn on,eg fun shapes and other hybrids. But in order to turn with extra speed, you can want something that is not as wide.
For beginners, usually the first stop is the longboard (7 to 12 feet). One of the longboards commonly used by beginners is a soft-foam construction, as opposed to fiberglass or epoxy. This increases buoyancy and helps the surfer catch his or her first waves. Longboards are generally good for smaller waves and their volume allows surfers to ride these waves much longer.
The next style is a fun shape, or regularly called a fun board or a fun stick ( seven to nine feet ). This board mixes the stableness of a bigger long board with the maneuverability of a smaller shape, and is commonly used by amateur to intermediate surfers on every kind of waves.
Short boards ( five to 7 feet ) are the most maneuverable of all board types, but are also the toughest to ride and so are sometimes reserved for intermediate to expert surfers. They are quicker, less stable and offer surfers more control over how they need to move in the wave.
There are no rules that say you have to learn on a longboard. There are some surfers who begin with a shortboard and master it. However, most people start out with the longboard and learn faster that way because the thickness allows you to float more and gives you more stability. A shortboard is harder to paddle and you might have more problems catching waves because it is difficult to catch a wave early with a shortboard. A longboard will enable you to catch waves and stand up easier.
If you do begin with the shortboard, try to not go with something too tiny or thin. You also need to make certain the board is wide enough to hover you. There are some good intermediate length boards that you can learn on,eg fun shapes and other hybrids. But in order to turn with extra speed, you can want something that is not as wide.
About the Author:
Melinda is a surfing enthusiast who writes for a number of online magazines and articles including Beginner's Surfing Guide
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