What do surfer's look for when buying a surfboard?

Question

What do surfer's look for when buying a surfboard? When buying a surfboard what are the usual customer requirements? What makes a good surfboard?

Answer 1

As others have said it really depends.

What I've looked for is:

shape:  longboard, shortboard, fish, etc

fins: I like a thruster fin setup with a long single and two short outer fins.

weight: how much does the d**n thing weigh

float: I'm relatively lightweight but I let a lot of my heavier friends ride my boards.  Will it float me well enough?  Will it float my friends?

rocker: the amount of "curve" in the board front to back... this affects maneuverability

Price:  don't let anyone tell you this isn't a concern.  Some of us can afford to buy a lot of boards, others of us can't.  If price is a factor buying a versatile board is important.

And of course graphics.  A stick must be functional first, but it also has to be something I like aesthetically.  

For me name brand doesn't matter so that's never an issue.

Answer 2

That's too broad a question. What do you look for in buying a car? or buying golf clubs, or buying a fishing rod. Everybody has certain requirements to fill with their unique and individual surf board purchase. Firstly, does it float me enough that (at my particular skill level) I can paddle and catch a wave? Given the surf conditions I will be using it in, will it provide me with the type of ride I want? (again, at my particular skill level); does it meet my expectations in cost? (In other words, can I afford it.)

Although technically irrelevant, do I like the color, graphics. designs etc.? Some people pay big money to have elaborate graphics on their sticks.

Another significant consideration is, is it well made? Is the quality of workmanship suitable? Does it have the fin set up I want?

I own lots of surfboards, and I have owned lots more, going back to 1966. Two of my favorites were custom made for me, to my specifications.

But, I guess the ultimate bottom line is: It is a good surfboard if I am riding on a great wave on it.  Check out the links, they may clear up some concepts.

http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t...

PS: the phallic reference is uncalled for, and probably a sign of someone who is insecure with his own phallic identity.

Answer 3

what do drivers look for when buying a automobile?

Answer 4

basically their phallus.

those with trouble getting up, get the bigger board

those secure in their performance go smaller

Answer 5

there is no universal "good" board i think my board is like heaven but my friend hates it

it's all up to the surfer

Answer 6

Depends where your a beginner or advanced surfer tbh.

beginner I'd be looking for a good long board (because its way easier to balance on them) And a long board isn't considered a long board if your taller than it.

And advanced I'd be looking for a good fish board (simply a short fish like figure of a board) and these kind of boards just move way faster than a long board in the water so they take alot more skill.

With specifications of what other people have answered aswell.

My surfboard is 6'3 (I'm 5'3, so its perfect for me) :) similar to a fish board but also a long board aswell, its a mix between the both

Answer 7

surfers look for a few things...

the fin set up (removable or fixed)

design

length

thickness

shape (bullet, longboard, mally, etc)