| Different types of surf board | | | | Longboard, Malibu - The longboard is generally |
| Softboard, Foam Surf Boards or Foamies - | | | | regarded as the best for beginners. Longboards |
| Constructed from soft foam these boards are | | | | have a rounded nose and are usually between 9 |
| very buoyant and usually shaped to be very | | | | and 12 feet long. The Longboard has gained the |
| stable in the water making it easier for the novice | | | | nickname 'Malibu' because it is one of the most |
| to catch waves. The advantage for the beginner | | | | popular types of surf board used in Malibu. |
| is that a soft board will hurt less if it hits you while | | | | Fish - The fish was created by Skip Frye in the |
| training. | | | | 1970s, the fish surf boards are usually shorter |
| Moulded Surf Boards - Mass produced surf boards | | | | than a short board and offer a tighter turning arc |
| made from thick epoxy fibreglass skin, heavier | | | | making it suitable for smaller waves. |
| than softboards and custom boards of the same | | | | Gun - The gun is usually between 7 and 12 feet |
| size the moulded boards are generally steadier in | | | | long, it is similar to a short board in appearance |
| the water. | | | | but has the length of a long board. The Gun is |
| Custom Surf Boards, Glassed Surf Boards - | | | | popular in areas with big waves and is not suitable |
| Custom surf boards are shaped by hand rather | | | | for beginners. |
| than factory produced like moulded surf boards. | | | | Characteristics to bear in mind when looking for a |
| Common surf board designs | | | | surf board |
| Shortboard, Thruster - The shortboard is not ideal | | | | Length - Shorter boards offer a smaller turning |
| for beginners - The shortboard is one of the | | | | circle, longer boards glide easily but turn slower. |
| most popular small surf boards. The shortboard | | | | Small boards are good for quick aggressive |
| has a pointy nose and is smaller in size to other | | | | manoeuvres. Longer boards are good for smooth |
| boards. These surf boards are thinned down and | | | | controlled turns. |
| create a high performance but less buoyant and | | | | Width - Wider boards are sturdier on the waves. |
| harder to paddle board. These surf boards are | | | | Thickness - Thicker boards will be more buoyant |
| not suitable for small surf, they are designed to | | | | and make it easier to paddle and catch waves. |
| offer performance in good surfing conditions. | | | | |