Any surfers out there? As you’d know the season for tropical surfing is around the corner and what better way to prepare for surfing than buying a surfboard? If you’ve never tried surfing before, we suggest you rent one and try the sport first. If you’re an amateur surfer or even a pro-surfer in that case, there are no doubts on investing in a surfboard.
However, there are a few things you must keep in mind before buying a surfboard. It could be from an online store or a physical shop, these are crucial.
The Size
We would insist on measuring the size especially if you’re buying off an online store. Many stores would try to sell their mini boards as easy to carry and convenient during traveling, but the longer it is, the more exciting it would be when you’re playing with the waves. True, it could be a hassle if you want to carry your surfboard overseas. But in such cases, there are plenty you could rent.
Material
If you’re an amateur, it’s best to get a molded board made out of Foam or Epoxy. Fiberglass can be a little difficult to handle. In the case of your board getting bashed on a rock or if you’re traveling far, Foam or Epoxy boards would be long-lasting.
Cracks and Dents
Not many surfboard manufacturers are experts in molding perfect-looking boards. Especially if the price is a sensitive factor to you, you may naturally look for an affordable option above other aspects. In this case, you’d come across surfboards with cracks and dents in them. These don’t mean they are old, but something went wrong in the manufacturing process. Small fingerprints and little holes can be looked over, but cracks are not really a good place to start with.
Thickness
It’s always better to get a thick board over a thin one. It’s true that thin boards are easy to carry around, but when you’re in the play, the thicker the board, the more you get to stay on top floating. The width too matters in this case. A wide board would assure you consistency in standing as it gives more stability on the water.
Fins
Fins are one of the most important features in a surfboard. It’s very much the anchor on a ship. However, there are types of fins you can use. Although fins are just plastic, they can be quite expensive. If you’re unclear of your surfing purpose, the wrong set of fins can be a disaster. Many resort to buying Futures and FCS. These are all-rounders which are also built for sport. So you need not worry if you wish to change your simple hobby of surfing to a profession.
The Bottom Line
So these are a few points you should keep in mind before buying a surfboard. Being completely honest, surfboards can be pretty expensive. Hence why you should be very careful before purchasing. Try to buy at a physical store if possible, unless it’s a reputed online store you don’t have to worry about it. Good luck and happy surfing!