Funboards – The ‘out there’ choice for a Level 2. With less volume then both the longboard and the mini mal, a funboard offers less in stability. However, in return this surfboard type is much more manoeuvrable and so is great for offering long term surfing progression.
Most Level 3 surfers will probably have owned their own surfboard by this time as well. The pop-up technique is solid and the bottom turns are starting to progress.
Funboards – Offering a great balance between wave catching ability and manoeuvrability is the funboard. The safer choice for a Level 3 but great for keeping that wave count up to continue improving those bottom turns. These surfboards perform well in a wide range of conditions so are a great addition to any surfboard quiver.
Fish surfboards – The more daring choice for a Level 3 surfer who wants to shorten their board. Fish surfboards are perfect for those mushy conditions and easier to transport than the funboard. Watch out though, with less volume and length comes less stability and a harder time paddling
Longboards – Yes the longboard makes it’s second appearance on this list. Level 3’s are all about perfecting their bottom turns and longboards are a great surfboard to do that on. The length means they catch green waves for days and the volume gives that stability to do super chilled out big, slow turns.
If you’re this far down the list then you probably already know this stuff. You’ve mastered the bottom turn and are ironing out the creases in your cutbacks.
Fish surfboards – The fish surfboard type is a great shape for Level 4’s and offer fun in typical UK mush. The swallow tail creates two pivot points to allow for more manoeuvrability in both directions. Available in sizes ranges from 5ft 4 all the way to 6ft 4.
Shortboards – The most common surfboard for a Level 4 surfer. The shortboard provides the highest level of performance in the right conditions. With a narrower shape and squarer tail then the fish, the shortboard generates great speed on a wave and is capable of rapid turns and cutbacks.
Now, if you’re actually a big wave legend (as in you eat 15ft swells for breakfast) than that’s actually mental. By now you’ll know every trick in the book and have a huge amount of surfing experience.
Gun – When there’s big waves chasing you down there’s only one surfboard type you want under your feet, that surfboard is the gun. With its long shape, narrow profile and large rocker, this thing was designed to help you outrun the biggest waves in the ocean.
The next bit of this surfboard buying guide is trying to nail down what size surfboard you need. Again, this is quite difficult to do as I’ve seen plenty of big guys rip on small boards. For arguments sake, take the below tables with a pinch of salt.
If you wanted a fancy quiz that tell’s you what surfboard is right for you, check out my ‘What surfboard should I get quiz’.
But what else do you need to get going? Two things are guaranteed, storage space and a means of transporting your surfboard.
Yes, you’ll need some decent surfboards fins. If you’re a Level 1 or even a Level 2, most surfboard packages come with fins included. These packages take away the hassle of fin compatibility and sometimes even come with a leash and bag included!
But how many surfboard fins should you have and how they should be setup? Well, the most common fin setup to use (and the one I recommend) is known as the ‘Thruster’ setup which uses three fins. For more details on each fin setup and what each setup offers the surfer, check out my types of surfboard fin setup guide.
One thing worth pointing out…not every surfboard fin is compatible with every surfboard. There are two main fin brands that dominate the surfboard fin market; FCS and Future Fins. These fins are shaped differently and only fit into their respective fix boxes. For example, a set of FCS fins would not fit into a surfboard that has Future Fin boxes and visa versa.
This is one of the more confusing things to learn as a new surfer. So, if you’re buying your surfboard and fins separately – be sure to check they’re compatible with each other.
The next thing you’ll want is a surfboard leash. This thing will save you countless swims back to shore when you fall off, and you will fall off.
When buying a leash make sure it is at least the length of the surfboard its attached to if not slightly longer.
Spyder Surfboard reviewsThe leash length in the product description is just the length of the cord and does not include the other stuff (the cuff that attaches to you or the rail saver that attaches to your board).
The thicker the leash the stronger it is. I usually get a thickness between 6-8mm and haven’t had a leash snap on me yet. If you’re a performance surfer, you’ll probabaly want a thinner leash as it will create less drag in the water.
Get at least one swivel feature to reduce the chances of it getting tangled up – I go for double swivel leashes.
The last thing on the ‘will definitely need’ list is surfboard wax. With such a broad range of temperatures, coat types, smells and overall quality – which one do you need?
The easiest way to find out which surfboard wax you need is to know the temperature of the water you’ll be surfing in. Once you know the temperature it’s as easy as checking the table below for the type you need, from Extra Cold to Tropical.
Although surfboard wax provides a great amount of grip, some surfers opt to add an additional tailpad, also known as a traction pad.
All of this stuff can add up to one expensive bill and you’ll want to make sure that investment is going to last. This crucial section in our surfboard buying guide covers that all important surfboard care.
All of this stuff can add up to one expensive bill and you’ll want to make sure that investment is going to last. This crucial section in our surfboard buying guide covers that all important surfboard care.
A surfboard bag is (in my opinion) the most important surfing accessory you can buy. It helps you carry your board from A to B but more importantly protects it from the outside world. Remember, more than 60% of your dings will happen out of the water, a surfboard bag reduces that number.
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