Surfboard Buy Tips - How To Buy A Surfboard
First decide if you want a new or used surfboard. If you are a beginner you should try out a few styles before investing a whole lot of money in a new board.
Beginners often learn on foam “soft top” surfboards that are safer and work well for your first few times. If you can rent one of these at a surf shop that is a great way to get started surfing. Then you will be able to try out a better surfboard and decide which type you would like to purchase then you will be ready for the surfboard buy.
The Local Surf Shop
If you are ready to buy a new surfboard then consider check out the boards at your local surf shop as well as online because there is nothing better than being able to hold the board in your hands. You also avoid the problem of shipping if you can find one that you like at the right price.
Inspecting the Surfboard
When you are inspecting a surfboard for purchase make sure and look it over very closely for any nicks, scratches, dents, dings, compression marks, etc. Also check for any past damage to the board that may have been repaired. Is there any delamination? Was it a good repair job? Is there any damage to the foam and surrounding areas that occurred due to the damage? Make sure all of the wax is removed so you can see beneath it - unscrupulous characters have been known to cover their dings with wax gobs.
New boards often sustain damage during shipping, so just because a board is new don’t assume that it is undamaged. Wiggle the fins. Are they in tight? Is there any damage to the fin boxes?
Seeking Knowledge of the Experts
If you are at a surf shop try to find the person who is most knowledgeable about surfboards and have a discussion with them about what kind of surfing you will be doing and get their advice. This is particularly valuable information for someone wanting to buy a surfboard because the worker can see your body type so they will be able to judge what board you in particular will do best with.
Paying Cash for a Surfboard
Once you have found a board that you really like consider offering the store owner cash for a significant discount. Smaller surfing shops in particular are willing to negotiate for a sale.
Getting “Extras” With your Surfboard
See if the shop is willing to throw in some extras with the board. Can you get a leash along with the board? Do fins come with the board?
If not can they be added in for the purchase price? Also helpful is a traction pad for the top surface of the board? Can you get these all as part of your great surfboard buy!
Buy Surfboard “Package Deal”
Considering that you might need all of these things - a surfboard, leash, traction pad, fins, perhaps a rash guard - what would be the discounted price for all of the items together.
What is the price if you pay cash to buy the surfboard? On your way out the door mention that a few sticks of wax sure would be nice!
Buying a Surfboard Online
One disadvantage of buying a surfboard online is that you won’t be able to give it the close visual inspection that you can in person.
Nevertheless, if you know what you want, and if you are ordering from a trusted online surfboard company, there should be insurance during shipping to protect both parties against the chance that something might happen during transit that damages the surfboard.
Surfboard Dimensions
If you are buying a surfboard online then make sure you know in advance the precise dimensions - the length, width, and thickness - of the perfect type of surfboard that will suit your needs. You can determine this by visiting a surf shop and then use the information to search online.
A typical width is from about eighteen to twenty-one inches while thickness typically ranges between two and three inches.
Surfboard Shipping Costs
If you are buying a surfboard online then make sure you are fully aware of all of the shipping costs, including any hidden costs that may not be mentioned in the bold print. Who will pay for insurance? How long will it take to arrive? What is the return policy on the surfboard?
Ordering a Custom Shaped Surfboard
If money is not a big problem and you want to treat yourself right while also stoking out your local shaper, then order a surfboard custom shaped just for you.
Ordering a custom shaped surfboard is often the best way to get the perfect board for your particular needs, though people don’t always live near a shaper they can consult with, and it can be kind of pricey, so it isn’t always an option. Sometimes young, up and coming shapers will give a great deal so they can get some experience.
Slow Down, You’re Going Too Fast
Never buy a board in a rush. You may own the board a very long time so give yourself a little time to find the right surfboard before you commit. Follow the helpful tips and make a sensible decision before completing your surfboard buy.
If you plan on riding fast breaking waves or waves that pitch out quickly like many shorebreak areas you may consider the goal of riding a shortboard so that you will be able to shred these quick peelers with the local shortboarder rippers.
If, on the other hand, your local spot is a gentle point break offering big rolling soft waves, and the spot is inhabited by longboarders, then maybe you want to get a longboard so you won’t be stuck on the inside cursing them every day as they glide by on the waves you wish you could catch.
In general, a shortboard is typically shorter than about seven feet and has a pointed nose. People also call these thrusters and a variety of other names. Shortboards are great for cranking turns, aggressive surfing and a range of aerobatic maneuvers.
Longboards, on the other hand, are typically about nine feet in length or more, and usually have a more rounded nose. A longboard gives you more paddling power which often makes it easier to catch the waves, but you sacrifice maneuverability.
One benefit of a longboard is that you can make smooth sweeping turns and graceful maneuvers along the face of the wave, even going out to the very front of the board and hanging two toes off the end as you glide down the line.
Funboards - The Mid-Size Surfboard
Somewhere between the shortboard and longboard is the funboard. These are great for people who are a little lighter and want that longboard feel, or people who are a little bigger can try to ridge them in the shorebreak.They are fun for small to medium surf and no one can argue with the versatility of a funboard.
Wipe Out! Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
One argument for starting off with a decent used board is that your first few months learning may be rife with dramatic wipeouts.
Sometimes these wipeouts involve dents and dings on the board due to such things as other rocks, coral reefs, other surfboards, and even your own head - the author was cracked so good in the head once by his longboard that he summarily examined the ding he left in the board only to find multiple strands of hair embedded in the cracks.
The point is that you can buy a good used board, surf it for a few months to get the hang of things, and then when you fork out the big bucks for a sweet, classic surfboard that will stay in your quiver many years, you won’t be beating that nice board up for the first few months while you learn to surf.
Big Board for Big Boy!
If you are a big dude, and I mean 215 pounds or more, then you need to consider getting a board that is longer than nine feet and also a bit thicker than average. Say three inches thick and 21 inches wide and at least nine feet six inches long.
For women and kids, they shouldn’t make the mistake of buying too big and thick of a board because it will hinder their surfing. It can also be more dangerous when it is flying through the air after a wipeout.
In summary, the board should be big enough to float you well and give you some paddling power so you will be able to catch waves. It shouldn’t sink completely underwater when you are on top of it, and when you paddle hard it should begin to glide over the water.
Buying A Leash
Get a surfboard leash that is a bit longer than your surfboard so if you are longboarding you will have enough leash to walk to the nose. If you bought a used board and it came with an old leash you should think about upgrading.
The last thing you want is to lose your board when you get washed by a big wave and are floundering out there in the ocean. Get a nice new leash with high quality velcro, and use a proper cord to attach the leash to your surfboard with proper knotting. Don’t skimp on your most important equipment.
If you don’t have a traction pad on your board make sure and wax it up good so your feet don’t slip. Most people wear a rash guard when they surf, if it is warm enough to go without a wetsuit.
Boardshorts are designed so the pockets don’t fill up with water. Don’t wear your normal shorts for surfing as they will hinder your performance. Get the proper gear, and put some sunscreen on while you’re at it.
Most of all, good luck on your surfboard buy! Have fun in the water!