Good surfers can make it seem truly effortless catching wave after wave and gliding elegantly into shore.
However, anyone who has tried to learn to surf will know it takes hours and hours of practice to reach that level. With so many different boards out there, it can be bewildering knowing which one to buy as a beginner, so which would be best for your first go?
As a general rule, the bigger the board the better. It will be easier for you to learn, and more enjoyable, with a larger board more forgiving of your rookie errors.
From here, it depends on what your goals are. If you want to progress to riding a shortboard like you see in movies, you’re better off with a funboard.
Funboards are a cross between a longboard and a shortboard. While they aren’t the easiest to learn with at first, they do offer you the chance of progression without having to immediately reinvest in another board.
Funboards are easy to paddle and carry, while still offering a challenge. Make sure you get a proper fitting when you buy a board, as the length you need depends on your height.
When it comes to width, stick to slightly wider than average. The same can be said for thickness, as thicker boards are more buoyant. However it’s important not to go too big and thick because smaller people will have trouble maneuvering it,
With a proper fitting, you will be able to choose the right board for your needs and start surfing as quickly as possible. Don’t buy a shortboard straight off the bat only to be defeated and give up altogether.
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