When buying a used surf board what should you look for?

Question

inexperienced surfer here. looking to buy a used board to learn on.

Answer 1

You need to start out on a 8 ft. fun shape board (round nose). Avoid used boards with cracks in the fiberglass/epoxy. Pressure dings are ok. Also make sure the board isn't super heavy as it is probably waterlogged...Good luck!

Answer 2

Find one without a shark bite in it.

Sorry, I can't give myself a thumbs down.

Do it for me.

Answer 3

There are many aspects to surfing, and the proper equipment is fundamental to your success. Firstly, a board is required to catch a wave and you want a board to suit the conditions. Usually I choose a board to suit my size and conditions I want to face. Stay away from a board that's shorter than your height (until your better), I'm 6ft and my boards are 6/7, 7/3 and an Island gun 8/2x23in. Have a look in a surf shop, find the second hand section, handle the board, get a feel for it, make sure it's not too heavy. Ideally, you want to be sitting on your board in the surf with the water level near your belly button. Your weight will be significant in determining the ratio. All shapers will ask you these details when ordering a new custom board.

Check all over for any damage, dings are a sign of use, and are basically fracturing of the fibrglass finish coats, allowing water into the foam(contributing to weight) and will discolor, a clear board will show this rot. Too many dings underneath the board will compromise the original design . Grab a thruster (3 fins) hopefully, easy outs. then you won't limit yourself. You shouldn't pay more than $500, usually 2-300. Enjoy !!!

Answer 4

make sure theres no delamination - on the deck of the board, the fiberglass will seperate from the core, causing "air bubbles", dont get a board if it has any of those at all.

Everybody elses advice is good too, just wanted to add this.

Answer 5

You want it kinda big, and flat! A curbed board is for tube riding mainly. Flatness will make it easier to paddle and remain stable while standing up. its good to have some width and a bit of thickness. Nothing too big though. A 6'8 to 7'2 would be ideal, but for a beginner. And you want it light of course, so as few dings as poss.

Answer 6

somthing that doesn't have,cracks,chips,seals on it or a great white mite take a bite,and it doesn't need to be rough..!!

      P:S:the guys above me haven't seen a board in there life.

Answer 7

c**p, the guy above took my answer!!!

Answer 8

dings on the tail, rails. nose, the bottom and make sure your fins are not chipped. and use good judgement

Answer 9

There are "beginners boards" but they aren't real attractive and they're kinda funky. Cheap but funky. (If price is an issue at all)

This should help if you want a regular used board though, scroll down the page:

http://www.wavejammer.com/surf/beginners...