By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_L_Nixon]Tom L Nixon
The most important piece of equipment when learning how to surf is the surfboard. Thanks to modern technology, the different types of surfboards available today are endless. Even though there are so many surfboards to choose from, the 3 main shapes of surfboards are short boards, long boards, and fun shape boards. The size and shape of a surfboard will make a significant difference in the maneuverability and performance of that particular board. We'll cover each shape in detail, but not to overwhelm you, and suggest which one we feel is best for the beginner. Keep in mind that your priorities for a surfer starting out are to catch a wave as easily as possible and stay up on your board.
Short boards, which typically range in size from 5-8 feet in length, are known more for their performance capabilities and are geared more for the experienced surfer. They allow for quick, powerful turns and very tight maneuverability. The thickness of a short board is generally only a few inches, which makes learning on a short board very difficult. The nose and tail of a surfboard vary as well. Pointed noses are more common in short boards as opposed to a more rounded nose, which is common in longer surfboards. A pointed nose will make it easier when dropping in on a wave at the last second or when duck diving under a wave. Obviously, for the novice surfer, dropping in on a wave at the very last second is not something we want to teach you. That is something that takes a lot of practice and skill. With all this in mind, we do not suggest learning on a short board.
Longboards are primarily single finned surfboards with large rounded noses and can range in length anywhere from 9-15 feet in length. These characteristics make for great surfing in a variety of conditions. Long boards are also a lot thicker and wider than a short board. As a beginner, this is better as it makes for more stability whether you're paddling, sitting or standing. A great advantage to a longboard, due to its size and shape, is its buoyancy. This enables surfers to ride waves that are too small to propel on a short board. With all this being said, the longboard is more suitable for a beginner because of its large size and we strongly suggest learning on this type of board.
Fun shape boards combine the elements of both short boards and longboards and are typically midsized, which is 7-8 feet in length. Fundamentally, the fun shape board's design allows waves to be caught more easily than a short board, yet the board is more maneuverable than a longboard. The fun shape is large enough to make it easier to catch and stand up on a wave yet isn't too large to where you can't control it. Learning how to surf on a fun shape board is also easier than learning how to surf on a short board.
Another element of long boards and fun shape boards, which make them ideal for beginners, is that manufacturers can make these boards "soft" with a foam top, instead of a fiberglass. These are called "softboards". While these softboards are still very strong and durable, the primary benefit is the safety aspect. If you happen to be in a crowded location and the surfboard gets away from you, if it were to hit another person or yourself, it wouldn't hurt as much as a fiberglass board would.
Hopefully, we've made your decision a lot easier for you in deciding which board to learn how to surf on. If you have any questions or like this article, please leave a comment below.
If you are interested in learning how to surf, please check out Teach Me How To Surf at [http://www.teachmehowtosurf.com]http://www.teachmehowtosurf.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Surfboard-For-A-Beginner&id=6436687] The Best Surfboard For A Beginner
No comments:
Post a Comment