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