Everyone knows how to paddle their surfboard, right? Well it is one thing to paddle and it is a whole other thing to paddleeffectively. In fact proper paddling technique is one of the quickest ways to become a better surfer. Paddling correctly can help you move faster with less fatigue, catch more waves, surf longer, and be more comfortable in the water. Plus, when you’re catching more waves, that’s more opportunity to improve your surfing!
There are literally hundreds of different brands of surf accessories out there but there really is only a short list of items you need to go surfing. This is one of the most amazing elements of surfing is the simplicity of the lifestyle. Basically a board and you and you are all set but there are a few things you want to have ready before you paddle out.
We often meet people who buy surfboards without any understanding on what their shape will do. They often say they picked the board because it simply "looks cool" and come to find out the hard way that it does not ride the way they expected. Beyond the basics of general board shape, each shape has certain characteristics that makes those boards behave in the specific way that they do. To help you understand what is making your board behave like it does we have compiled a surface level overview of the most common board shape specifics.
There is a lot of talk among surfers about "Pop Out" surfboards. You may be asking yourself, what is aPopOut? What is the difference between this type of board and other traditionally made surfboards. The words "Pop Out" usually hasa negative connotation among surfers, especially those who have been involved in the traditional hand made methodof making surfboards. Are they bad? Well that depends on who you talk to and what the purpose of the board is that is being purchased.
There is a ton of information online about new technology in surfboards. Each brand has their own terms they use to describe the board they are selling. You will see lots of terms that make no sense to the average surfer. Our goal is to break things down to simple terms to help you understand what the differences are in construction which is the explanation of what the board is made of.
The answer to this question requires a bit of understanding to determine what is best for you. It depends on the surfers experience, their weight, height, paddling ability, where you surf and goals with your surfing. As a general rule, Epoxy boards are better for new surfers as they are as much as 50% more durable and paddle much easier than a traditional Polyurethane (AKA Poly) board. Poly boards are sometimes better for more experienced surfers who require a more sensitive ride feel and are not as concerned with durability.
When you’re talking about buying a surfboard for your kids, the rules change a bit. First of all, they grow like weeds, and this means that a surfboard that is the right fit for them now, won’t be next year. Second, their ability to learn new things and adapt is superior to adults, so the style of board that you get them is really relative.
Once you have mastered your longer boards you are ready to progress to a shorter, performance board. Here's a few tips that will help you with your progression into riding a shorter board.
As your surfing skill improves, you will paddle better and will be able to make your pop up without major issues. Getting into the wave requires the right paddle position on the board.
Sizing our customers up brings a whole new dimension to surfing. Typically, as a beginner surfer you are forced to buy a surfboard with one primary focus, stability. The bummer about this is even though you are able to stand up... once up, you can hardly turn your board. This forces you to buy another board just to progress and move on (just what you wanted to do... buy 2 boards to learn to surf).
A lot of the time when you’re starting out the cheapest solution is often the most sought after, and used surfboards are typically going to be your cheapest option. Unfortunately they can also be the worst choice a new surfer can make. Here’s what we mean...
