I am new at surfing? help!?

Question

Since I have no idea of what a surfboard is. Are there types of surfboards, I went to a shop & she showed me various types of surfboards?

How many types of surfboards are there?

Answer 1

don't jump off your board unless you see a sea turtle chasing a shark!!!

Answer 2

There are tons of different board shapes and styles.  Every shape will have its own performance characteristics so choosing aboard may be hard as a beginner until you figure out what your own particular style is or at least what you would like it to be.  They can be broken down into a couple of generic groups though.

Longboards: typically > 9 ft.  A true long board will always have at least one large skeg type fin and may or may not have smaller side fins.  They can be either slow and cruisy or fast and high performance.

Performance shortboards:  Probably 6'6" and under.  Generally a skinny tear drop shape, always a three fin cluster.  Variable tail shapes and rail cuts.  Hard to ride, almost impossible to learn on.  Gots to have some skills for these.

Fun boards:  Kind of a general learning board.  May resemble a large short board or a short long board but does not usually have a long board fin.  A compromise board that does not ride like a short board or a long board.  

Retro:  Could be any thing from a twin fin fish to a single fin egg or even a bonzer.  Each shape will have its own style of riding.

Gun:  Long, thick and slender.  For riding big waves where you need board volume for paddling speed and long rails.

Now there are some boards that combines elements from different styles.  For instance, I ride a hybrid fish which performs like a short board but has extra width which gives me some extra help with paddling and stability.

Where you surf will make a difference in the shape as well.  Smaller surf requires more volume and a different rocker than  a board for larger surf.

Answer 3

I would suggest a mini mal would be the best bet for your first board.  About 7ft 6in to 8 ft.  Mini mals have a good amount of buoyancy therefore aren’t too hard to paddle out and catch waves.  Yet they can be reasonably manoeuvrable when you get to the stage of having some proficiency.  When you have mastered this type of board you can then look at what direction you want to go with your next board purchase.  Being a Longboard or maybe a short board.

If you are really serious about learning to surf you will need to get out as often as possible.  You need to build strength and paddle fitness.  Get some basic pointers from an experience surfer at the beach, as this will get you on your way faster than trying to sort things out all by yourself.  But remember that it will take quite an effort to gain some ability and you need to stay determined.   Once you have gained some skill and experience you will find that you have become involved with one of the best pastimes available to mankind.

Answer 4

Theres shortboards and longboards. The smaller the board the harder it is to ride a wave! To start with you need to be using a longer board....mini mals are always good.

But If i were you though I'd suggest before you buy one i'd improve your surf skills a bit (rent a board for the time being) so you could buy a better long term board-that you also like! Good luck man

Answer 5

2...or3... Longboards and shortboards. And fish.

And maybe malibus can be considered another type....this last one is what you ned to start. Then a shortboard. Relatively big shortboard. 6'6 and buoyant if you're a normal /regular sized man. (85kgs)

Answer 6

i would recommend a Bic surfboard 7ft or bigger because their durable and made from this plastic material that is undentable and unlike regular surfboards that can lose float by getting dents and water getting into the foam    another board thats similar material to a bic nsp  or known as new surf project which is basically the same deal

Answer 7

Longboard

Boards are big, from 9 ". Before the decade of 70, were the most used. Actually, it is the favorite of surfers of the old and some beginners.

Gun

Despite the size, this model has less Hawaiian area of contact with the water than the longboard. It has enough mobility and is very manobrável. For large waves.

Funboard

Derivam the longboard, but are smaller, around 7 ". It is the board of choice for beginners and also a good choice for days when the sea is very crowd because you can row and enter the first wave of who is using a small board .

Evolution

It seems fun with the width and thickness, but has the format of pranchinha normal, with tip more pontudo. It is a more loose board, which enables more maneuvers than the longboard and funboard.

Performance, Minimodels or Pranchinhas

They are the favorite of surfers tops and amateurs who like speed and many maneuvers. More used to small waves.

Brasil.

Answer 8

Hey Iam just learning about surfing myself ummm I thought this might be helpful hopefully it is  these guys have about 12 lessons all about learning and understanding to surf its on youtube http://youtube.com/watch?v=09GMp-QXmTI             Let me know how things go!!