A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Surfboard

A barrier island in New Jersey, Long Beach Island, or LBI, is a tourist favorite when it comes to water sports, especially surfing. LBI is also home to the Museum of NJ Maritime History, the Fantasy Island Amusement Park, and the Surflight Theatre.

Let’s shift our focus to surfing.

Surfing is a lot of fun. Conquering wave after wave and gliding over water like there’s no one to stop you is an exhilarating feeling. But, besides waves, there’s one important thing you need: a surfboard!

Choosing your very first surfboard can be confusing. Before you head to the best surf shop in LBI to make your purchase, give this article a go. It contains useful tips on how to choose your first surfboard. Read on!

1. Determine Your Skill Level

You should consider the types of surfboards that beginners should use and go for those. These are stable and easy to use. Choose a board that enables one to catch waves and maintain their balance easily. A thick board is generally stable, and that is why beginners will prefer a large board to practice on.

2. Learn Different Kinds of Surfboards

There are three classes of surfboards:

• Longboard
• Funboard
• Soft-top surfboard

A longboard is well suited for first-timers as it is big, relatively stable, and easy to control. They are normally 8-10 feet long with a rounded nose. This comes with the advantage of ensuring that one has a smooth ride and a relatively easy paddle.

The funboard measures 6-8 feet and provides good stability. It can be tilted easily for direction changes. They are therefore ideal for learners who would like to start practicing tricks.

Soft-top surfboards have a soft velvet-like surface on top. The deck is made from a foam-like material to enhance buoyancy and safety. They are suitable for learners as they lessen the chances of falling.

3. Look at the Volume

It is very important to get the volume of a surfboard right. A larger volume means better floatation capabilities and, therefore, better stability. Seek out a board with enough thickness to help you learn the ropes quickly.

4. Choose the Right Material

Surfboards come in various materials, each with its own advantages:

• Foam: Foam surfboards are preferred by beginners. They offer improved stability and buoyancy.
• Epoxy: Epoxy surfboards are lighter in weight, making it easy for beginners. They also last long.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass surfboards offer better performance when compared to foam boards. They are incredibly strong and weigh extremely little.

5. Go to a Trusted Surf Shop

To get professional tips and choose the appropriate board, go to the right store. There are plenty of shops in LBI that offer boards for all skill levels. Visit one, have a chat with the people there, and choose one that fits your budget and needs.

6. Test Before You Buy

It is preferable that, before making a decision, the customer try out the board. As in many activities carried out by surf shops, it is possible to rent the boards and try them out. It will be easier for you to find out what is good for you when you try them.

Picking your first surfboard is an important decision as you continue on your surfing journey. It is therefore important to consider your skill level, distinguish between board types, and visit a suitable surf shop in LBI to get the right board for you and start surfing.

Stability and simplicity should be your priorities, and it is always useful to consult a professional before making a decision. Also, remember to have a fixed budget and practice restraint to avoid going over it. Happy surfing!