9 things to consider when buying surfboards

Buying a surfboard can be a daunting process. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get confused by the seemingly endless options and terminology you will face when buying your first board. One of the most common questions beginner surfers have is what type of board I should get? The simple answer is: it depends on how well you surf.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of 5 factors to consider when buying surfboards in NZ:

• Where will you be surfing? 

The type of wave and conditions in your area will determine what board works best for you. For example, thick, soft boards are great in small mushy surf, whereas thicker boards with more volume perform well when there is more power in the wave.

• Am I paddling or dropping in?

If you’re riding a longboard and your friends are on shortboards, chances are they’re dropping in on you. This makes it harder to catch waves and limits your ability to learn new tricks. A shortboard designed specifically for dropping in will allow you to focus on the other skills associated with surfing.

• Am I advanced or intermediate?

Generally speaking, advanced surfers prefer shorter and thinner boards than intermediate surfers because advanced surfers can handle smaller waves

• The type of surfer

There are different types of surfboards designed for different types of people. Beginners will find it easier to get on their feet if they use longboards, which are heavier than shortboards but easier to control. Other options include fish boards, which are used for carving through waves, and hybrid boards that combine the best qualities of different types of boards into one product.

• Know your style

Are you looking for a bigger board for riding small waves or the bigger stuff? Are you looking to ride waves on your own or with friends? It’s important to consider your style before buying.

• Decide how much you want to spend

Surfboards can cost anywhere from $100 to $5,000+. If money is no object, go for it! But most people are looking for something more affordable, so it’s important to set a budget.

• Look at reviews

There are plenty of boards on the market that are of great quality but still don’t live up to expectations. Reviews are fantastic because they provide real insight into what makes a board good or bad.4. Be honest with yourself about your skills.

• Know your needs

Some surfers want nothing more than a board that can handle small waves at the local break. Others plan to hit the road in search of bigger waves. Still, others want to paddle out in search of perfect barrels or work on their aerial game.

Surfing is an incredibly diverse sport, and it’s important to know exactly what you want out of your surfing experience before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on something that may not fit your needs.

• Consider all available options

If you buy online, it’s easy to wind up with the cheapest board possible without giving any consideration to other factors like durability, performance, or repairability. Before making your purchase, it’s important to consider all available options and think carefully about how each will fit into your overall budget and lifestyle.