5 Must Know Ways to Improve Your Breath Hold For Surfing
We all love surfing and pushing ourselves to get bigger, better & gnarly waves. Progressing and improving are all part of the game. So inevitably you’re going to want to feel comfortable in some of those bigger condition hold downs and knowing you can hold your breath for over a minute or 3 is a good way to start
(1) Do Exercises
While there is no way to increase your lung size, there are many ways to increase the amount of air your lungs take in, and the efficiency with which they capture oxygen. In particular, it helps to exhale fully before taking in the breath. Any cardiovascular training or interval sprint training to help get you out of breath will help
Any excess body fat or unused muscle will reduce your body’s efficiency in using oxygen, so to help keep it efficient make sure you’re in great shape and lighten the load.
Quitting will considerably increase your lungs’ ability to release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen.
(4) Eating Well
Eating well is critical to improving your breath hold making your body as efficient at transporting oxygen and conserving energy. Fruits vegetable proteins, vitamins and seeds can all help improve blood flow and the efficiency of oxygen transfer.
(5) Practice
Before practising your breath hold – Breath, inhale and exhale slowly from deep within your diaphragm. By doing this, you will start to slow down your heart rate and help your lungs get rid of low-quality air try to breathe for 5 seconds in 5 seconds out trying to push every last drop of air out doing this for 2 minutes will help maximize the efficiency of your lungs and increase your lung capacity do this for two minutes, and be sure that when you exhale, you push out every last “drop” of air.
Before you hold your breath push every last bit of air out then take 7 short breath until your lungs are filled 80-85% so that you still have room to relax. Always do this with a partner as it’s possible to lose consciousness without warning.6
Splash cold water on your face. It has been observed that putting a person’s face in contact with cold water triggers bradycardia, or the slowing of the heart rate, which is the first phase of the mammalian diving reflex.
Whilst holding your breath Relax every muscle in your body. Try to relaxed your body and think about something else other than holding your breath. Totally relaxed thoughts almost getting to a Meditative state. This intern will lower your heart rate helping your body consume less oxygen by mentally focusing on slowing your heart beat, it is possible to lower your heart rate significantly and increase the time you are able to hold your breath for. Concentrate this distraction technique will help when held underwater and teach you to relax whilst you’re being held down.8
Exhale slowly. When you can’t hold your breath anymore, try to avoid exhaling all the air in your lungs in a mad rush. First, exhale about 20% of your air, then inhale again so that oxygen gets to your most critical areas faster. Then you can exhale and inhale completely.
Repeat these steps 3-4 times per session. It is not recommended to do this anymore, as it could damage your lungs and body. Try one session in the morning and one session at night if you wish. Keep practising and before you know it, you will be able to hold your breath for several minutes.
Another great surf specific way to train your breathe hold is to hold your breathe for as long as you can then when you exhale breath out slowly talking another full breath in and repeating the breath hold minimizing the time you have to get extra breath just like being held down on a few waves in a row you might not be able to get a clean breath and have to survive on very little
Tips
The urge to breath is caused by a build-up of carbon dioxide in your body, not a lack of oxygen.
Try not to think about holding your breath. If you think about pleasant things, you’re less aware of the breathing reflex.
Relax your body waiting for the wave to let you up helping to conserve your energy
Restrain yourself from swallowing when you start feeling fatigued; this will slow the increasing desire to surface.
Warnings
Never try to hold your breath past your maximum capability, you might go unconscious.
When you’re practising holding your breath, please do it in a safe, controlled environment under professional supervision.
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* Fine Tip Permanent Marker * Dust Mask (Optional) * 5 Minute Epoxy * Stir Stick * Mixing Tray
1) To measure paddle length, stand the paddle Upright next to you with the tip of the blade touching the ground.
2) Using a fine tip permanent marker, mark a line on the shaft where you will make the cut.
WARNING: Make sure to compensate for the additional length with the handle installed.
3) Wrap a strip of masking tape around the shaft where you put your mark to prevent splintering while cutting.
4) Using the hacksaw, cut the shaft. Note: Paddle length is a personal preference. We recommend the total paddle length to be approximately 8” to 12” above head level, including the additional length with the handle installed.
* A longer length shaft is recommended for racing and flat water cruising.
* A shorter length shaft is recommended for wave riding.
5). Using the sanding block, sand the end of the shaft flat and smooth out the edge. Remove the masking tape
Handle & Blade Installation
1) Using the mixing tray and stir stick, mix the epoxy thoroughly. And insert heat shrinking loop over paddle shaft
2) Coat the inside of the handle with the epoxy. Repeat this stage with the blade
3) Insert the handle onto the shaft. Line up the flat side of the handle with the outward facing blade while the epoxy is still wet.
4). Line up the flat side of the handle with the outward facing blade while the epoxy is still wet.
5) Once the handle has dried, drip a bead of epoxy around handle connection to prevent leakage. Wipe off any excess resin
6) Slide heat shrinking loop over blade and shaft connection and apply heat until tight
After this, your paddle should be complete and ready to youse, have fun and see you in the water.
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Top 20 Surfing Exercises for Paddling and Stability
Nothing prepares you for surfing fitness better than surfing itself. There are however, a few things you can do to keep the right muscles in working order and help you surf longer with more power. The following exercise will work out a full range of surf movements as well as isolated surf muscles to help increase strength and power specifically in paddling and stability.
(1)Bosu ball surf crouches
Exercise– Stand on the floor or a bosu ball starts to twist your hips and crouch down towards the floor using your hands for balance. Until your knee touches our chest then start to reverse the movement back to the original starting position.
Surf specific– This exercise uses the same movement as a pop up as well as a crouching position that is used to maintain stability and balance whilst moving on the bosu ball very similar to turning and popping up action on a surfboard.
(2)Bosu ball, medicine ball wood chops
Exercise– Start standing on the floor or a bosu ball on 1 foot, hold the medicine ball in both hands and move it from your left side of your body’s waist to above your head on your right side whilst maintain your balance on 1 foot. Return to the starting position. Repeat on both sides.
Surf specific – This action is using a lot of foot stabiles to help to maintain your balance, the same muscles used whilst riding a surfboard and moving the board from side to side engages in the core similar to turning on a wave whilst maintaining your balance. Great exercise to improve your stability and balance.
(3)Bosu Ball Dumbbell Press
Exercise – Start the exercise standing on a bosu ball with Dumbbells and your wrist and palms facing towards your chest. Slowly rotate your wrists and bring your arms up to your shoulders at right angles then extend and straighten them above your head. Revers the action until you are back at the starting position.
Surf specific – This exercise is using your core and legs whilst maintaining stability which is the very essence of a surf movement it’s also working your should muscles and extension of your arms to help with more powerful paddling.
Make it harder– Take 1 leg off of the bosu ball and stand balancing on 1 leg and complete the same action as before.
(4)Bosu ball Kettle bell clean and press
Exercise– Start standing on the bosu ball with your 2 feet shoulder width apart. Hold a kettle bell in 1 hand between your legs. Start the motion of bringing the kettle bell up to your chest twisting your arm to move the kettle bell on to your shoulder then extend the arm above your head and return to original position. Repeat on both arms.
Surf specific– This movement is a full body exercise moving from a low balanced position to a fully extended balanced position, great practice for turning, working your core stability arms & shoulders.
(5)One Arm Lateral Pull Downs
Exercise– Star in a balanced position feet shoulder width apart, your arm buy your side and opposite arm at head height on the cable machine.
Surf specific– This action is contracting your core in an isometric contraction maintaining its position whilst the arm is mimicking the action of paddling. This is great exercise to improve core strength and paddle strength.
(6) Triceps pulls
Exercise– stand facing away from the cable machine with feet shoulder width apart and slightly bent legs hold the cables/ or resistance bands in an un flexed position. To start pull your hands forward until they extend in front of your head and are straight try to maintain your original body position to help isolate the triceps. Slowly return to the start position and repeat.
Surf specific– Triceps do a lot of the work in paddling so this exercise utilize the triceps to the fullest extent to make sure you are engaging the full muscle.
(7)Bosu ball kettle bell swing
Exercise– Start off standing on a bosu ball legs shoulder width apart in a slightly crouched position with your back straight and a kettle bell between your legs start the exercise by swinging the kettlebell forwards up to head height whilst maintain straight arms, back and your balance. Return to starting position for the next repetition.
Surf specific – This exercise is full body major muscle groups exercise using stability and strength specifically in the in the shoulders and core to help create momentum to move the kettlebell similar to creating momentum for a powerful turn in surfing .
(8)TRX Suspended Push ups
Exercise– Start with arms straight and body in a straight rigid position holding on the handles. Slowly lower your body down until your head reaches your hands whilst maintaining your straight body position. Push back up from this in to your original starting position.
Surf specific – This exercise is great for isolating and prolonged contractions in the core whilst the unstable TRX helps to use all your stabilizing muscles in your shoulders and pectorals all the muscles needed to pop up on an unstable wave great exercise for improving stability in your pop up.
(9) TRX Role Out
Exercise– Start with your body and back straight in an upright position and your hand by your waist holding on the TRX handles. Slowly lean forward engaging tension in the TRX slowly raise you hand above your head and lower your body maintain its rigidity throughout the movement.
Surf specific– This exercise is great for working your core and your back maintain your contractions thought out the entire exercise is crucial when making a turn in surfing. Your arms and shoulders are also under great stress due to the unstable nature of the movement needing great control and stabilization in the arm and shoulder muscles used when paddling.
(10) TRX Squat Row
Exercise – Start by holding in to the TRX handles with your legs evenly spaced looking up, pull your body up towards your hands with your head still looking up towards the ceiling until your hands are in line with your chest, then lower yourself back to the original start position.
Surf specific – This is a great counter exercise to do as something different to help improve arm and pictorial strength as well as explosiveness, whilst also engaging in your core stability.
(11) TRX one arm rotation rows
Exercise– Start with knees bent, arm straight, holding on to the TRX looking up with a straight body. Move your hand closest to the floor up to the sky whilst maintaining even balance and a contracted Core throughout the movement. Once at the top return to starting position and repeat.
Surf specific – This exercise simulate the twisting movement of turning but also all the core muscles used to perform a lay back as well as building rotational strength.
(12)Bosu Ball Bent Arm Row
Exercise– Start in a slightly crouched position on a bosu ball and barbell in both hands extend. With a straight back not hunched pull the barbell close towards your abdominals whilst maintaining your position. Lowers the barbell to the original position then repeat .
Surf specific – This exercise is really focusing on your back and shoulder muscles a great compound movement to engage a lot of your paddling muscles whilst the core and legs maintain balance.
(13)Bosu ball push ups
Exercise– Lay with your arms bent at 45 degree angles on the bosu ball back and legs straight, shoulder width apart head looking forward. Slowly push against the ball until your arms are straight then reverse the process until in the starting position. Try to make each pop up last 4-6 seconds.
Surf specific– This exercise is probably as close as you will get to making popping up on land as realistic as in the water the constantly moving bosu ball provides a great replacement for a board that is constantly unstable and learning how to push up on an unstable board will defiantly help your initial stages of your pop up.
(14)Bosu ball dumbbell reverse fly (3 variations)
(#1)
(#2)
(#3)
Exercise– in all 3 variation lye on a Swiss ball with your head up and body straight feet shoulder width apart though out all 3 variations maintain your body as still as possible to help isolate the moving muscles .
(#1) Start with the dumbbells on the floor with your arms straight initiate the exercise by moving both arms together until above your head.
(#2) Start with the dumbbells on the floor with your arms straight initiate the exercise by moving both arms together directly adjacent from your body until they become parallel with your shoulders. Try to maintain your arms and straight as possible.
(#3) Start with the dumbbells on the floor with your arms straight initiate the exercise by moving both arms together. Lift your arms behind your body as close to your waist as possible until they become in line with your body then return back to original starting position.
Surf specific – This is a great exercise to working your core stability and lower back muscles in almost the exact way needed to maintain balance on a board when paddling. Whilst all 3 variations work in slightly different muscle contractions they all are used to help mimic paddling.
(15) Paddle pulls rows
(#1)
(#2)
Exercise– both these variations you need to be lying on a box or raised platform in a prone position head up and chest off the boxes.
(#1) Start with both hands on the resistance band at the same length in front of your body pull back with both arms maintain slightly bent until they reach your waist . Reverse the exercise to the starting point each pull should take between 2-3 seconds.
(#2) Start with both hands on the resistance band at the same length in front of your body pull back with your right hand until it reaches your waist then return it to the starting position. Whilst your right hand is returning to the start position your left hand will engage in the opposite movement of pulling similar to swimming.
Surf specific – This exercise is great for improving paddling strength and control whilst also keeping your body in a stable position are all transferable movements and muscles used in paddling on a surfboard .
(16) Bosu ball weighted lunge
Exercise– Stand with legs evenly spaced in a straight position whilst holding the dumbbells just above your shoulders at right angles with a bosu ball places 1 meter in front of you. Take 1 step forward and place you leading leg in the centre of the bosu ball until your leg create a right angle creating a lunge. Push back in to your original position and repeat with the opposite leg.
Surf specific – This exercise is great for first time foot placement as well as lateral stability just like surfing getting your foot in a stable position and keeping it there is important as set up your control for the rest of the ride.
(17) Weighted Paddle
Exercise– Lay in a prone position on a box or platform off the floor with your head and leg raised and the unused arm by your side. Start with a small weight in your hand and tuck it close to your chest. Start the exercise off by moving the weighted arm behind you at first but then in a circle of rotation finished with the weight back at the starting point. Repeat this for both arms.
Surf specific– Similar to the paddling position, these slow weight contractions in the paddling movement improve all the major muscle groups used whilst paddling in the water, the advantage of this exercise is there it will help to give more precision to your paddle.
(18) Bosu Ball/ Medicine Ball Twist Lunges
Exercise– Stand with legs evenly spaced in a straight position whilst the medicine ball in front of your chest with a bosu ball places 1 meter in front of you. Take 1 step forward and place you leading leg in the centre of the bosu ball until your leg create a right angle creating a lunge. In this moment your body should be twisted with the medicine ball on the outside of the leading leg Push back in to your original position and repeat with the opposite leg.
Surf specific– This exercise is great for first time foot placement as well as lateral stability just like surfing getting your foot in a stable position and keeping it there is important as set up your control for the rest of the ride. This exercise all incorporated great core power and stability to move the medicine ball from side to side in a similar way that you initiate your turns in surfing.
(19)One arm dumbbell paddle
Exercise– starts in a lying down position with your legs and head in a prone position and a dumbbell in one hand by your chest. Maintain your prone position whilst extending your dumbbell arm forward and retracting your opposite arm in a paddling action. Repeat on the opposite arm.
Surf specific – This exercise is great for maintaining core stability needed when paddling whilst also improving the control and endurance in your arms need for powerful paddling.
(20) Medicine Ball Alternative Twist Lunges
Exercise– start with the medicine ball on your right side move the ball round to the other side whilst switching your leading foot until the ball reaches the left side repeat this until the ball has reached the original starting position.
Surf specific– This movement is using a lot of muscles used in powerful turning and other manoeuvres on a board whilst maintaining your balance in a lateral position engaging in your core quadriceps hip flexors and arms.
Disclaimer:The information found within this site is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your own doctor or any other health care professional. SBSboards.com is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the information shown within this website. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.
Stretching before and especial after a surf session is vital for getting the best out of your surfing performance, The best stretches for surfers should help in a range of movements as well as better long-term contractions of your muscles which will help to decrease the risk of cramping up or injury.
It’s also crucial to your recovery from surfing as will help your muscles to recover quicker and be ready for the next surf. Its important to keep in mind to do very light stretching before a surf and try to maximize the time to 7-10 seconds per stretch, Longer stretches should be done after a surf, slowly bringing your muscles back to a normal state. When stretching after your surf, try to hold the stretch for a minimum of 12-15 seconds.
Stretch: Side Neck stretch
How to perform:S tart with your shoulders relaxed, gently tilt your head towards your shoulder. Assist stretch with a gentle pull on the side of the head if need be.
Stretch: Static Overhead stretch
How to perform:S tanding straight up, start with your hand by your waist and slowly bring them above your head. Keep your shoulders down as you extend your arms upand holf as hight as you can for 12-15 seconds.
Stretch: Static chest stretch
How to perform: Stand with your hands together, arms extended directly in front of you. This will be your starting position. Keeping your arms straight, for 12-15 seconds then move your arms back as far as possible and hold them together as straight as you can for 12-15 seconds.
Stretch: lying cross over “knee across body”
How to perform: Lie on your back with your legs extended. Cross one leg over your body with the knee bent, attempting to touch the knee to the ground. Your partner should kneel beside you, holding your shoulder down with one hand and controlling the crossed leg with the other. This will be your starting position. Attempt to raise the bent knee off of the ground as your partner prevents any actual movement. relax the leg repeat with the other side.
Stretch: Cross over reverse lunge
How to perform: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position. Perform a rear lunge by stepping back with one foot and flexing the hips and front knee. As you do so, rotate your torso across the front leg. After a brief pause, return to the starting position and repeat on the other side, continuing in an alternating fashion.
Stretch: High Lunge
How to perform: . High Lunge: Benefits: Stretches and strengthens your legs, especially thighs, knees, ankles and psoas muscle; opens the groins and hips, and lengthens the spine. Benefits: Stretches and strengthens your legs, especially thighs, knees, ankles and psoas muscle; opens the groins and hips, and lengthens the spine.
Benefits: Releases tight hips, hamstrings and back muscles.
Stretch: Standing Toe Touch
How to perform: Stand with some space in front and behind you. Bend at the waist, keeping your legs straight; until you can relax and let your upper body hang down in front of you. Let your arms and hands hang down naturally. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.
Improves the flexibility of the spine which is important for long paddle outs. stretches the shoulders and the backs of the legs, which will allow your surfing stance to be more relaxed.
Stretch: Hip gluteus stretch
How to perform: The gluteus are dominant in most lower-body power moves. Go to the bottom of a lunge and place your back knee on the ground. Slide your front foot forward and drop the knee out to the side. Place your hands on the ground on either side of the foot. Lower your chest towards the ground. Lean down further to increase the stretch. Hold for 12-15 seconds then change.
Stretch: Back Stretch/ Cat Stretch/ Kneeling Quad Stretch / On Your back Quad Stretch
How to perform:
Start with your hand on the floor shoulder with apart in a kneeling position; slowly maintain the actual natural curve from the spine, down their back. Hold the stretch for 12-15 seconds.
Start with yourself on the floor on your hands and knees. Pull your belly in and round your spine, lower back, shoulders, and neck, letting your head drop. Hold for 15 seconds.
Kneel on the floor, holding your heels with both hands. Push your buttocks up and forward while bringing your head back to look up at the ceiling, to give an arch in your back. hold for 12-15 seconds.
Lie flat on the floor, and hang one leg and arm over the side. Bend the knee and hold the top of the foot. As you do this, be careful not to arch your lower back.
Stretch: Standing Knee To Chest
How to perform: Helps to relieve tight hip muscles and lower back and increase the range of motion particulary helping flexing of the knee, start in a balanced standing position gently raise one bent knee up enough so you can grasp your lower leg with both hands. Gently pull your bent knee toward your trunk using your hands. Relax your legs, pelvis and low back as much as you can while you pull. Hold for 12-15 seconds return leg to the floor, repeat on other side.
Stretch: Standing Quadriceps
How to perform: Boat Pose: Benefits: Strengthens your core, and helps with deep breathing.
Stretch: Spiderman stretch
How to perform: helps mobilize the hips and the spine helping in the popup and turning. Start with your feet together and hand in a “T” shape by your side and lunge forward.
Stretch: Extended arm & shoulder stretch
How to perform: Start in a standing position with your fingers clasped together and thumbs pointing down push as hard to the floor as you can and slowly move your braced arms in front of your chest then up to the sky. Disconnect your finger briefly as you then reconnect behind your back making a wide circular motion. For an extra stretch lean forward.
Stretch: Triceps stretch
How to perform: Reach your hand behind your head, grasp your elbow and gently pull. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, and then switch sides.
Stretch: Shoulder stretch
How to perform: Reach your left arm across your body and hold it straight. With your right hand, grasp your left elbow and pull it across your body towards your chest.
Stretch: Standing lateral stretch
How to perform: Arch side – Slowly reach one arm over your head, keeping your arms in line with the hips. Take a slightly wider than hip distance stance with your knees slightly bent. Place your right hand on your right hip to support the spine.
Raise your left arm in a vertical line and place your left hand behind your head. Keep it there as you incline your torso to the right. Keep your weight evenly distributed between both legs (don’t lean into your left hip). Switch sides.
Stretch: Foot twirl
How to perform: Lift the right leg in the air (just around 2 inches from the floor) and perform a circular motion with the big toe. Pretend that you are drawing a big circle with it. Tip: One circle equals 1 repetition. Breathe normally as you perform the movement. When you are done with the right foot repeat with the left leg.
Stretch: Standing hamstring and calf stretch
How to perform: Hamstrings – The hamstring stretch is a great post surfing stretch, use it very lightly as a pre surf movement. Sit up straight on an exercise mat. Bend one knee and put that foot on the floor to stabilize the torso. Straighten your other leg and flex your ankle. Using a band, towel, or your hand if you can reach, pulls the toes toward you. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, and then switch sides.
Stretch: Alternative To touches
How to perform: stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart bend down and try and touch your left foot with your right arm and then switch and repeat with the other foot do 8-10 reps.
Stretch: Torso Rotations
How to perform: Stand upright holding an exercise ball with both hands. Extend your arms so the ball is straight out in front of you. This will be your starting position. Rotate your torso to one side, keeping your eyes looking at your hands and hold for 12-15 seconds. Now, rotate back to the opposite direction. Repeat for 10-20 repetitions.
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So you got the bug and you decided to buy your first surfboard you have a couple of goes and looking to make that first purchase and commit to the surfing life style, but what one to buy?, One of the most common questions asked by beginners. Whatever your level of surfing experience, is getting the right board for your skill level, this is crucial to you progression in surfing
Surfing is personal to everyone and with today’s ever increasing variety in choice of boards, styles and materials, It can be difficult to pinpoint your perfect board. Below we have given you a rough board guide to what boards would be suitable for your progression subject to personal interpretation, depending on how much you surf.
When buying a surfboard it’s always a good idea to try to get some expert advice either from a surf coach/instructor a local board shop or an experience friend as they will be able to gauge a better idea of you surfing level, local conditions and needs. This being said whenever buying a new board it good to keep in mind 3 key principles that will make a big difference to your surfing success
Rocker
A higher or increased nose rocker is usually attributed to boards designed for bigger-more hallow waves. More rocker in the nose allows for a shape that will not “pearl” or plunge into a large, steep wave face when you dropping in were as a flatter more relaxed rocker will help the board to plane quicker and more efficiently, but it will reduce manoeuvrability and increase chance of pearling on take off.
Increased tail rocker can be found in boards shaped for optimal manoeuvrability. A tail that bends off of the water’s surface provides more lift and sensitivity in the tail for driving through radical turns.
Generally speaking, on your standard surfboard, less overall center rocker means the board will glide and paddle better and be more suitable for beginners. More rocker will accommodate intermediate and experienced surfers looking to use every area of the board in order to generate speed and turning power. Aggressive surfers may seek more rocker in their bigger wave boards because the curvature of the nose allows for late drops on consequential waves.
Volume
Volume: the amount of space a surfboard occupies, usually expressed in cubic litres (i.e., 35 CL’s). Basically, the surfboards [length x width x thickness] will yield the volume of a surfboard. However, the key to the placement of the volume, as well as the surfboard’s foil, affects the overall volume of a surfboard greatly.
Volume at its fundamentals can be displaced in a variety of ways in a surfboard e; a 6’6 good wave shortboard can easily have less volume than a 5’6 groveller surfboard. Knowing the right volume for you – a subjective combination of personal preference, body weight, experience, age, fitness, skill level, riding style, etc. – will ensure that you don’t buy a surfboard with too much or too little volume.
To get a rough guide on the volume you need check out our volume calculator
Too little volume on your board means you won’t catch as many waves and will have trouble generating speed this is because of increasing resistance (Drag). Too much volume means the board will feel bulky, hard to transition and turn. But will have less drag and be easier to paddle and catch waves as well as achieving planning speed with less velocity. The more drag you have, the less acceleration you’ll have. Surfers know this intuitively. How many waves have you paddles for and missed just barely, by a half stroke? With a little more volume and little less rocker to help with speed Imagine how many more waves you can catch.
Length
Length of a surfboard is the distance from the nose to the tail of a board. Length can be hugely critical to a surfer’s progression as many beginners make the classic mistake of buying a board too short for them limiting their progression and success in surfing
A few other Considerations to think about when buying a board…
Durability– as a beginner you may hit things with your board or fall on it, so you want to make sure that your board is durable
Practicality will it fit in your car, do you have some were to store it
Manoeuvrability– being able to hold you board under your arm or on your hard and even the right weight can all affect manoeuvrability in and out of the water
Progression– if you’re lucky and are planning on surfing every day think about buying a board that you can progress with. Or if you’re going to surf 1-2 times a year think about a board that will allow you to have fun for in that time.
Fins – as a beginner 3 fins (thruster set up) or a single fins will be adequate also make sure that your fins match the fin boxed of your board i.e. (FCS, Future fins)
So what should I look for?
Length
This is pretty important between 6’8″ to 8 ft long as a beginner “depending on your height”. Try to keep it about a foot to a foot and a half taller than you.
Width
Wider the better. The wider the surfboard the more stable it will be the easier it will be to ride and stand, anything from 20 to 22 inches across, you want to be able sort of fit it underneath your arm, of course this won’t be possible if you got short arms.
Thickness This is important because the thicker the surfboard the more buoyant it is and it will be easier to paddle. Stay within 2-1/4 to 3 inches thick dependent on your weight.
If you are a small person then the thickness can be around 2 to 2 1/2 inches
If you are average size then go for something 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches.
If you are a big dude then 3 inches should float you.
Don’t get something to big and thick because then you will have a very hard time maneuvering it around.
A rough guide to what surfboards would-be a good idea
“I only surf 1-2 days a year” = Foamboard
“I surf about 5-7 days a year” = Foamboard, Longboard, Minimal
“I surf at least once a month” = Longboard, Minimal, Magic Carpet
“I surf a few days a month” = Longboard, Minimal, Magic Carpet or Fish big shortboard, Grovler.
“I surf every week” = Longboard, Minimal, Magic Carpet, Fish or Big Shortboard, Grovler performance shortboard
Best Surfboard for a beginner.
Depending on you height weight and skill level you will want something with the following quality’s
Long
Wide
High volume (depending on your weight and weight) Check our Volume calculator to find your perfect volume (Button )
stable
easy to catch waves
easy to paddle
easy to control
A great first time beginner board would be either a “soft top” or a “mini mall” board.
Choosing the right surfboard for you
Foam Board/ Foamie: Length 7ft – 9ft
Pros
Cheap to buy (Lost of secondhand surf school boards available)
Soft Safe – if it hits you won’t hurt like a hard board
You can surf white-water
Easy to catch most waves
Perfect for surfers surfing one or twice a year
Cons
Weight – holding can be quite difficult for big and heavy
Larger boards harder to transport
Can absorb a lot of water
Not much cheaper than hard surfboards
Not ideal for surfing over shoulder-high waves
Can be difficult to paddle out on when surf is bigger
Wont last as long as a fiberglass or epoxy boards.
Longboard: Length 8ft – 9ft+
Pros
Fast track progression, your learning to surf a hard board
More responsive, faster and more maneuverable than foam boards
Can learn to do longboard moves – like cross stepping, hanging 5 etc
Able to surf in bigger waves above head high
Holds its re-sale value well.
Always great to have a longboard for smaller summer conditions.
Cons
Difficult to fit in most cars if it’s over 8ft
Heavier and bulky to carry item to carry
Hard surfboard means it’s going to hurt more than a foam board if it hits you
Can be more difficult to catch waves than a foam board
Can be difficult to transport on airplanes because of their length
Good for unbroken ‘green’ waves not as great in the whitewater
Mini-Mal Surfboards: Length 7’0 – 8’0
Pros
Smaller than longboard, easier to carry
Fits in to most small cars
Easier to paddle out in bigger surf than a large foam board
Likely to progress your surfing a little faster and improve paddle fitness
Epoxy versions can be very durable.
Good resale value. Small amount of depreciation from new
Long term investment, you can surf minimal forever and perfect for smaller days
Possible to take on planes
Cons
Harder to catch waves than a longboard or foamie
Size – Can be difficult to get out back in overhead high
Not as fast as smaller surfboards
Fun Board “Magic Carpet”: Length 6’10 – 7’2
Pros
Similar to minimals, but smaller, fun boards/ Magic Carpet are
Very stable easy to balance
Single fin and thruster options available
Easy to carry Lighter than large longboards and foamies
Slightly smaller than minimals, can be faster/ easier to paddle out back in bigger conditions
Good wave range from knee-high to overhead high surf
Small enough to be allowed on most airlines if you travel
Progressive enough that you could carry on surfing this type of board for a long time
Popular boards with the general surfing public, so hold resale value well.
Small enough to fit in most cars
Cons
Less volume than a longboard so requires more effort to catch waves
Can be a more challenging board to learn on for complete beginners than a longboard
Difficult to rider on steeper more hallow waves because of flatter rocker and wider nose
Not as fast or as maneuverable as shortboards/ have quite a big turning radius.
Large Fish Surfboard: Length 6’4 +
Pros
Lots of cool designs available at affordable prices
Faster and more maneuverable than the other boards covered above (longboards, foamies, minimals and magic carpets)
Relatively light and easy to carry
Easier to duck dive under waves when paddling out
Epoxy versions can be durable
Can surf small waist-high to overhead waves
If a beginner can surf a fish then it might be the only board they ever want
Twin fin, tri 3 fin thruster and quad versions are available
Small enough to be allowed on most airlines
Cons
More difficult to catch waves compared to a with larger boards
Lower wave count for beginners likely. Need to be able to catch unbroken green waves to get the most out of a fish not designed to catch white water with
Be proficient at duck diving to help get under waves when paddling out.
Non – epoxy versions get damaged quite easily particular on the nose and fishtail.
‘Big’ Shortboards /Guns /Step ups – 6’6 to 7’2+
Pros
Fast and easier to turn than longer boards#
Able to catch bigger waves without sacrificing short board performance
Lightweight and so easier to carry around
Will fit in cars easily
Easier to duck dive out in bigger surf
Epoxy versions can be durable
Small enough to be allowed on most airlines
Tri (3) fin thruster and quad versions are available
Cons
Harder to catch waves and paddle. Lower wave count for beginners
Beginners might struggle, shortboards are mainly designed for surfing bigger waves – chest to head high+
Ability to catch unbroken green waves, not designed to catch white water
Need to be able to duck dive to be able to get under waves when paddling out.
Ability to turn and generate speed on a shortboard is key.
resale value less compared to some of the other boards.
Performance Shortboards 6’6 – 5’10
Pros
Fast light and very responsive, easy to turn
Lightweight and so easier to carry around
Perfect for high performance surfing
Will fit in cars easily easy to travel with on airplanes
Easier to duck dive out in bigger surf
Epoxy versions can be durable
Variations of Tri (3) fin thruster, and quad (4) available
Cons
Harder to catch waves and paddle for beginners slower paddling
Designed for quality unbroken green waves chest to head high+ not for whitewater
Need to be able to duck dive to be able to get under waves when paddling out.
Need good balance to maintain stability
Good Ability to turn and generate speed, to keep you the power zone and the board planning
Can have weaker resale value compared to some of the other boards.
Looks the cool but hardest to surf
Grovelers Shortboards 6’2 – 5’4
Pros
Designed for high performance surfing in small waves (up to shoulder height)
Fast light and very responsive, easy to turn
Lightweight and so easier to carry around
Faster and Plane better than performance shortboards in smaller waves helping to keep speed through turns
Will fit in cars easily easy to travel with on airplanes
Wider than performance shortboards easier to paddle and balance.
Epoxy versions can be durable
Variations of Tri (3) fin thruster, and quad (4) available
Cons
Usually has higher volume than performance board so can’t turn as hard
Less responsive than a high performance board
Harder to catch waves for beginners more time spent paddling
Designed for quality unbroken waves or choppy condition chest to head high+ not for whitewater or overhead high bigger waves
Usually Harder to duck dive in bigger waves than performance board
Need to be able to duck dive to be able to get under waves when paddling out.
Need good balance to maintain stability
Ability to turn and generate speed to stay in the power zone to keep the board planning
Can have weaker resale value compared to some of the other boards.
Conclusion
So hopefully some of this information has helped you make a decision on what board is best for you. Surfing is a challenge for a lifetime so whether you have hundreds of board or just one. It all comes back to personal preference and the waves you going to be surfing. If you still unsure always good to seek local advice as they will be able to give you firsthand knowledge of the appropriate board to get for the conditions. Remember the more you practice the better you get the more choice will become available to you.
