Board Buyers Guide
Beginner
A beginning surfer has never purchased a board and will definitely need guidance. A common suggestion is the use of soft-surfboards whose foam materials make it easier on the learning process - they're not intimidating. Beyond that, egg shapes (shorter, more responsive version of a longboard), mini-mals and longboards are recommended.
| Size | Height | Weight | Board Length | Width | Thickness |
| XS |
5'0"-5'6" |
45 - 60 |
7'0"-7'6" |
20" |
2.5"-2.75" |
| S |
5'6"-5'9" |
60 - 70 |
7'6"-7'9" |
20" |
2.75"-3" |
| M |
5'10"-6'0" |
70 - 78 |
7'10"-8'0" |
21" |
2.75"-3" |
| L |
5'11"-6'3" |
78 - 85 |
7'11"-8'3" |
21" |
3"-3.25" |
| XL |
6'1"-6'6" |
85 - 110 |
8'1"-9'6" |
22" |
3"+ |
Novice
A novice surfer has purchased one or two boards, yet still needs direction. A novice rider has the ability to ride the face of the wave and is beginning to try first turns. Hybrid (a cross between traditional shortboard and speed egg) and egg shapes are recommended in this class.
| Size | Height | Weight | Board Length | Width | Thickness |
| XS |
5'0"-5'6" |
45 – 60 |
6'0"-6'6" |
18.5"+ |
2.35"-2.65" |
| S |
5'6"-5'9" |
60 – 70 |
6'6"-6'9" |
18.75"+ |
2.5"-2.75" |
| M |
5'10"-6'0" |
70 – 78 |
6'10"-7'0" |
19.5"+ |
2.65"-3" |
| L |
5'11"-6'3" |
78 – 85 |
6'11"-7'3" |
20"+ |
2.75"-3.25" |
| XL |
6'1"-6'6" |
85 – 110 |
7'1"-7'6" |
20.5"+ |
3"-3.5" |
Intermediate
An intermediate surfer will always insist on a more advanced board. They have a couple of years under their belt and are able to do turns with commitment. Stock boards (a progressive board with general dimensions) are recommended.
| Size | Height | Weight | Board Length | Width | Thickness |
| XS |
5'0"-5'6" |
45 - 60 |
5'4"-5'10" |
17.5"-18" |
2-2.15" |
| S |
5'6"-5'9" |
60 - 70 |
5'9"-6'1" |
17.75"-18.25" |
2.15"-2.25" |
| M |
5'10"-6'0" |
70 - 78 |
6'1"-6'3" |
18"-18.5" |
2.25"-2.35 |
| L |
5'11"-6'3" |
78 - 85 |
6'2"-6'6" |
18.25"-19" |
2.35"-2.5" |
| XL |
6'1"-6'6" |
85 – 110 |
6'4"-6'9" |
18.5"-19.5" |
2.5"-2.75 |
Advanced
Advanced surfers have relationships with their local shapers. Board dimensions are more specific in regards to type of break, size of wave, style of surfing, and physical size. In other words, you better know what you want.
Surfboard Care Tips
- Do not leave your board in direct sunlight > If you do, it will turn yellow
- Use a bag or board sock to protect it from dings while transporting / storing
- Rinse under fresh water after surfs if possible.
- Remove fins for travel - especially on planes!
- When packing for travel, pad bag with bubble wrap (or towels and clothes), especially along rails and tail of board.
- Try not to wrap your leash around your fins - this can cause damage to your leash.
- Check leash regularly for nicks which might cause it to snap - You don't want to be swimming in!
- If a ding has cracked or broken through the fiberglass, let the board dry thoroughly before repairing / taking it to be fixed - Don't just cover it with a sticker and wax!
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