Surfboards are measured by various dimensions: length, width, and thickness. The length of the surfboard will determine how easily you catch the wave. The longer the board is, the easier it will be to catch the wave. The width of the board will help you with balance. The wider it is, the more balance you will have out in the water. Finally, the thickness of the board will provide you with float. The thicker it is, the more buoyant you will be. You will usually find these dimensions measured in inches and written on the underbelly of the board on the stringer by the tail.
Surfboards are usually made of one or a combination of three materials: wood, fiberglass, and epoxy. Wooden boards were the first surfboards ever used to ride waves but have since become expensive to make and therefore relatively obsolete. Most surfers have balsa wood boards hanging on their walls as collector’s items. They are sturdy but heavy.
Fiberglass boards are the typical boards used on the surfing circuit. They are made of foam called a blank with a layer of fiberglass over it. They are the most delicate, but in most cases the most versatile because they can be custom shaped to your liking. The newest surfboard material is epoxy. Epoxy boards are durable but manufactured by machines. They are more expensive and ride the fastest, but they are not custom made, which avid surfers eventually prefer. Beginning surfers might prefer epoxy boards over other materials. Board makers like Bic and South Point have a line of economical epoxy boards that work well for surfers just starting out.
Most recently, there are new boards being made of carbon fiber that are extremely durable but also very expensive. Hollow-core boards are also popular because they provide more float and are extremely lightweight, yet have quick response and high performance.
Most boards also have a stringer and a rocker. The stringer is the wooden line that runs down the center and length of the board. Stringers help to keep the foam and board intact. The rocker is the curve of the board, which prevents the board from catching an edge. The bigger the rocker, the easier it will be for you to turn on your board. Long boards usually have a flatter rocker because they tend to ride on a relatively flat part of the wave . Short boards, on the other hand, tend to have more rocker because they are designed to ride a much more critical part of the wave. Bigger, faster waves require more rocker in shortboards to give the rider ample board control. .
Your collection of surfboards is called your quiver. If you stick with the sport long enough, you might eventually have a quiver of 10 to 20 boards! No matter how big your quiver is, it will certainly be a collection of boards with various shapes and sizes to suit different conditions and purposes.
When a board reaches retirement, surfers believe the board “buckles.†In other words, the board has developed some kind of weakness in its core that will no longer allow it to perform as you would like it to. When the board buckles, breaks, or is just overly aged, it means it’s time to retire your board. One way to prevent your board from aging quickly is to store it in a board bag in a cool, dry place. Boards are best stored horizontally because that will cause any water that does seep into the board to distribute more evenly, rather than sending it straight to the tail if you store it vertically. Also keep in mind that dings?even bad bumps and bruises?are easily fixable, so don’t give up on your board if it has cosmetic issues!
About the Author:
Robb Bailey works for South Coast Surf Shops, San Diego’s premiere surfboard distributor and surf apparel dealer for more than 30 years. He has been inducted as a lifetime honorary member of his college surf club, the Cal Poly Surfer’s Association, and has traveled the world surfing for the past 11 years. Find out more about Robb at SouthCoast.com.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Surfboards 101: a Beginner’s Guide
|
|
SURFBOARD LOCK leash DOCKSLOCKS bag fin longboard surf $36.99 |
|
|
6′6″ DOUBLE surf board bag surfboard travel surf $168.95 |
|
|
7′6″ DOUBLE board surf board bag surfboard travel surf $168.95 |
|
|
8′6″ DOUBLE LONGBOARD BAG surf board surfboard travel $189.95 |
|
|
NEW 6′3″ FCS Dayrunner Shortboard Surfboard Bag $35.00 |
|
|
New STICKY BUMPS Single Surfboard Surf Fat Bag 6′9 $59.98 |
|
|
New STICKY BUMPS Single Surfboard Surf Fat Bag 6′1 $59.98 |
|
|
36″ DOUBLE CAR RACK PADS surfboard kayak suv bag set $35.99 |
|
|
Ding Surfboard BIG Repair Kit surf longboard surf bag $17.99 |
|
|
DaKine Regulator Triple Surfboard Travel Bag – Grey / C $209.99 |
|
|
9′6″ Longboard Travel Bag surfboard board Aircon O&E $82.95 |
|
|
8′0″ Triple Surfboard Travel Bag holds 1-4 surf boards $199.95 |
|
|
STICKY BUMPS LONGBOARD SOCK new surfboard bag — 9′0″ $35.95 |
|
|
6′0 SHORTBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $59.95 |
|
|
6′6 SHORTBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $63.95 |
|
|
7′0 SHORTBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $67.95 |
|
|
7′6 SHORTBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $69.95 |
|
|
8′0 LONGBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $78.95 |
|
|
8′6 LONGBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $78.95 |
|
|
9′0 LONGBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $78.95 |
|
|
9′6 LONGBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $83.95 |
|
|
10′0 LONGBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard fin SHIPS FREE $83.95 |
|
|
SURFING ~Wall Clock~ surf board bag surfer bedroom gift $12.99 |
|
|
5′8 FISH BAG surf travel surfboard RETRO EGG SHIPS FREE $68.95 |
|
|
6′0 FISH BAG surf travel surfboard RETRO EGG SHIPS FREE $69.95 |
|
|
7′0 FISH BAG surf travel surfboard RETRO EGG SHIPS FREE $74.95 |
|
|
7′6 FISH BAG surf travel surfboard RETRO EGG SHIPS FREE $78.95 |
|
|
NEW 7′6″ FCS Dayrunner Shortboard Surfboard Bag $35.00 |
|
|
LONGBOARD SURFBOARD – DENNIS MURPHY – 9′10 – Travel Bag $400.00 |
|
|
NEW 6′10″ Da Kine Daylight Surfboard Bag $40.00 |
|
|
Surfboard Hard Rack for Car w/ Gutters surf rack bag $74.00 |
|
|
10′0″ Longboard Travel Bag surfboard board Aircon O&E $84.95 |
|
|
VAN TRUCK CAR RACKS BAG SURF WITH PADS GUTTER SURFBOARD $89.95 |
|
|
DAKINE SURFBOARD BAG THRUSTER KNIT BAG 7′0″ OLIVE $30.00 |
|
|
Surreal NoLimits Surf Sessions Series Surfboard Bag 7′6 $55.99 |
|
|
Surreal NoLimits Surf Sessions Series Surfboard Bag 8′6 $64.99 |
|
|
Dakine Daylight Surfboard Bag Travel Bag $50.00 |
|
|
Tri fin 7′2″ Al Merrick surfboard. It includes the bag $255.00 |
|
|
NEW OGIO COFFIN SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $89.99 |
|
|
Dakine Daylight Deluxe Surfboard Bag 7′0″ Brand New!!!! $5.50 |
|
|
Surfboard Board Bag Custom Brand 6′3″ $20.00 |
|
|
6′4″ Pearson Arrow Surfboard w/ Padded Carry Bag $26.00 |
|
|
NEW OGIO COFFIN SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $89.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $39.99 |
|
|
Sticky Bumps Surf Board Bag 10′ Longboard bag $84.95 |
|
|
10′0 LONGBOARD BAG Surf Travel Surfboard Fin SHIPS FREE $84.95 |
|
|
Sticky Bumps Surf Board Bag 9′ Longboard bag $79.95 |
|
|
9′0 LONGBOARD BAG Surf Travel Surfboard Fin SHIPS FREE $79.95 |
|
|
8′ 6″ Longboard bag surfboard Sticky Bumps – FREE SHIP $79.95 |
|
|
8′6 LONGBOARD BAG Surf Travel Surfboard Fin SHIPS FREE $79.95 |
|
|
Destination Expedition Series ShortBoard Surfboard Bag $22.74 |
|
|
DAKINE SUP Paddleboard STAND UP Surf Board ~PADDLE BAG~ $27.95 |
|
|
Dakine 7′0″ Surfboard bag Nose Rider Surfboard Bag NEW $44.95 |
|
|
DAKINE SURFBOARD BAG NOSERIDER KNIT BAG 9′6″ STRIPED $40.00 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $49.99 |
|
|
CHILLI 6′2″ SURFBOARD W/ BAG LEASH AND FINS JAMES CHEAL $199.99 |
|
|
DAKINE SURFBOARD BAG THRUSTER KNIT BAG 7′6″ NAVY $30.00 |
|
|
TRADER JOE’S SURFBOARD REUSABLE BAG NEW, BEACH, GROCERY $2.99 |
|
|
Surfboard 7′ 6″ w/bag $400.00 |
|
|
PINK BLUE SURFING SURF BOARDS GIRL TWIN Bed-in-a-BAG $125.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $49.99 |
|
|
FCS G5 surfboard fins,fin bag key NEW $15.79 |
|
|
Ocean Earth Surf Board Travel Bag 6′0″ new with tags $39.99 |
|
|
SURFING ~Wall Clock~ surf board bag surfer bedroom gift $12.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO COFFIN SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $89.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $49.99 |
|
|
SUN CURE Surfboard Ding Repair surf longboard surf bag $7.49 |
|
|
COR SURFBOARD RACKS wall rack longboard NEW rack in bag $31.95 |
|
|
Tote Bag — Flip-Flops, Surfboard, Beach Chair Tote Bag $9.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $39.99 |
|
|
Komunity Project Charlie Fitted Surfboard Bag – 10′ $229.99 |
|
|
Epic Gear Adjustable Double Surfboard Bag w/ Wheels – 6 $113.45 |
|
|
Epic Gear Adjustable Double Surfboard Bag w/ Wheels – 7 $121.99 |
|
|
Epic Gear Adjustable Double Surfboard Bag w/ Wheels – 8 $146.99 |
|
|
Epic Gear Adjustable Double Surfboard Bag w/ Wheels – 1 $157.49 |
|
|
DaKine Shuttle Surfboard Bag – Drawstring Closure – 7′6 $42.99 |
|
|
DaKine Shuttle Surfboard Bag – Zipper Closure – 7′6″ $42.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO COFFIN SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $89.99 |
|
|
7′6″ LONGBOARD BAG surf travel surfboard SHIPS FREE oe $57.99 |
|
|
Surfboard ding repair SOLAREZ WHITE FILL qcell bag fin $5.99 |
|
|
Gift Bag-At the Beach — Flip Flops, Surf Boards,Chair $3.25 |
|
|
DAKINE SURFBOARD BAG NOSERIDER KNIT BAG 8′6″ NAVY $36.00 |
|
|
100% Cotton Canvas Summer Tote Bag Surf Board $12.00 |
|
|
HYPERLITE WAKE SURFBOARD BAG 5′9″to 6′1″ $19.95 |
|
|
HYPERLITE COEX WAKE SURFBOARD BAG BROWN $19.95 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $49.99 |
|
|
Surfboard Bike Rack NEW bag Longboard Shortboard side $69.95 |
|
|
CARVER BIKE RACKS longboard bag bicycle surfboard $98.95 |
|
|
GUTTERLESS CAR RACKS BAG SURF WITH PADS SURFBOARD STRAP $89.95 |
|
|
1-3 BOARD SOFT RACKS surfboard longboard bag Car Roof $24.75 |
|
|
Dakine 10′0″ Surf board Bag Noserider Board Bag – New $99.95 |
|
|
Dakine 7′0″ Surfboard bag Nose Rider Surfboard Bag NEW $44.95 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $49.99 |
|
|
SURFBOARD RACKS wall rack shortboard rack bag snowboard $21.99 |
|
|
Surfboard Sock —- LONGBOARD 10′6″ —- surf bag NEW $38.99 |
|
|
NEW OGIO DAILY SURF BOARD BAG CASE COVER BLACK CURSIVE $49.99 |
|
|
Ding All Surfboard Repair Kit surf longboard surf bag $11.99 |
|
|
SURFING POSTER pier surf travel bag surfboard surfing $19.95 |
|
|
SURFING POSTER Wave surf travel bag surfboard surfing $19.95 |
|
|
SURFING POSTER boat surf travel bag surfboard surfing $19.95 |
|
|
Surfboard Cake Toppers – 12 small surfboards $3.29 Add these to your beach themed party. 12 surfboards 2 of each design. Great for cake decorating or for party favors…. |
|
|
Bebabean Beba Bean Pee-Pee Peepee Teepees Five Surfing Teepees & Laundry Bag $10.66 The Pee-pee Teepee Blue Surfing with Laundry Bag Changing a baby girl is not all glitz and glory. Changing a baby boy is an even bigger horror story. You hold the feet with one hand and change the diaper with the other, the whole time praying “please don’t pee on your mother”. This cone-shaped pee-pee teepee cloth product makes diaper changes dry and easy! The ultimate diapering accessories for bo… |
|
|
PETCO Tiki with Surfboard Aquatic Decor $11.24 PETCO Tiki with Surfboard Aquatic Decor- Green, yellow, orange, brown…Our detailed PETCO Tiki with Surfboard Aquatic Decor will add some colorful Tahitian fun to your tank.Adding decor, plants and other ornaments to your aquarium will add depth and beauty and a place for fish to hide, swim through and feel safe, helping to reduce stress while adding a touch of excitement in your own favorite the… |
|
|
Powerex AAA 1000 mAh 2-Pack Rechargeable NiMH Batteries PERFECT for ZHU ZHU products and anything else that requires AAA ***Includes Accessory Bag*** $7.99 Powerex AAA 1000 mAH rechargeable NiMH batteries will save you MONEY in the long run and provide countless hours of POWER for your products!By making the investment for rechargeable NiMH batteries, you will save money by recharging your batteries instead of replacing them.These batteries can be recharged up to 1000 times, providing YEARS of power for your goods like: Zhu Zhu Funhouse Sets, Zhu Zhu… |
|
|
J. Michelle Chocolatier Solid Belgian Milk Chocolate Surfboard, Handmade in Hawaii, 2-Count Bag … |
|
|
J. Michelle Chocolatier Signature Valrhona Solid Dark Chocolate Surfboard, Handmade in Hawaii, 2-Count Bag … |
|
|
Stylish Large Motorcycle Trunk Silver Top Case $89.99 Travel with style! Bring this beautiful bag wherever you go. This is a brand new motorcycle trunk with universal mounting kit and it is of large capacity of 26 L to easily hold a full face helmet. The trunk is made of durable heavy duty industrial ABS with beautiful candy red glossy finish. This great Luggage Trunk Features: - Constructed of durable heavy-duty ABS - The outer dimension is 18″… |
|
|
CUSTOM Suzuki SX4 Seat Covers – FRONT FULL SET: Low Back Buckets w/ Adjustable Headrests and Side Air Bags (2007-2008) – Hawaiian Surfboard Colors – Made in the USA $215.10 Aloha! Shear Comfort Hawaiian Surfboard Colors seat covers are custom made for your specific vehicle. These high quality Deluxe Hawaiian print seat covers will fit better, last longer, and be more comfortable than standard seat covers. Shear Comfort Hawaiian Surfboard Colors seat covers are made from 100% cotton with foam backing. This makes the seat cover more comfortable, and allows the seat cov… |
|
|
CUSTOM Nissan Versa Seat Covers – FRONT FULL SET: Low Back Buckets w/ Adjustable Headrest and Side Air Bags (2007-2009) – Hawaiian Surfboard Colors – Made in the USA $215.10 Aloha! Shear Comfort Hawaiian Surfboard Colors seat covers are custom made for your specific vehicle. These high quality Deluxe Hawaiian print seat covers will fit better, last longer, and be more comfortable than standard seat covers. Shear Comfort Hawaiian Surfboard Colors seat covers are made from 100% cotton with foam backing. This makes the seat cover more comfortable, and allows the seat cov… |
|
|
DAKINE Girl’s Prom Pack $49.95 Simplify the chaos of any academic institution with the DAKINE Women?s Prom Pack. Before or after the prom years, you?ll appreciate the 1500cu inches of pocket space in the Prom. The padded laptop sleeve keeps your most prized piece of technology safe and an organizer pocket is a good home for your other electronics that you can?t lose. Also included are an insulated cooler pocket for your lunch, … |
