Buying a surfboard - The ultimate guide

Differences in material and production:

• Epoxy:

  • Use of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core

  • Coated with epoxy resin

  • Manufacturing process often lighter and more environmentally friendly

• Polyurethane (PU):

  • Use of PU foam core

  • Coated with polyester resin

  • More traditional manufacturing method, often used by handmade boards

Advantages and disadvantages:

• Epoxy:

  • Advantages:

    • Lighter than PU boards

    • Stronger and more resistant to dents and breakages

    • Better buoyancy

  • Disadvantages:

    • Stiffer, which some surfers find less "sensitive"

    • More expensive to manufacture

• Polyurethane:

  • Advantages:

    • Softer and more flexible feel on the wave

    • Traditional surfing experience, preferred by many pros

    • Often cheaper to buy

  • Disadvantages:

    • Heavier and less resistant to dents and breakages

    • Can absorb water and increase in weight over time

Effects on performance and durability:

• Epoxy:

  • Better buoyancy and lightness increase paddling speed and make it easier to catch waves.

  • Higher durability leads to a longer lifespan, especially with frequent use.

• Polyurethane:

  • The softer and more flexible material provides a better feel for the wave, which can be beneficial for finer maneuvers.

  • The lower durability can lead to damage more quickly with intensive use.

Properties and advantages:

• Properties:

  • Core made of soft foam, often covered with a soft top layer

  • Low hardness, which minimizes injuries while surfing

  • Mostly equipped with flexible, rounded fins

• Advantages:

  • Very safe, especially for beginners and children

  • Inexpensive and easily accessible

  • Robust against bumps and dents

  • Easy to paddle and stable in the water

Target group and areas of use:

• Target group:

  • Beginners and children who need safety and stability

  • Casual surfers who are looking for an easy-care board

  • Surf schools and rental stations that need robust and user-friendly boards

• Application areas:

  • Ideal for small to medium, gentle waves

  • Perfect for learning environments and safe surfing conditions

  • Well suited for crowded beaches where the risk of collisions is high

Beginner:

• Recommended boards: Longboards, funboards, softboards

• Properties: Stability, easy paddling, good flotation

• Why: Beginners need boards that are easy to handle to keep their balance and catch waves more easily.

Advanced:

• Recommended boards: Fishboards, hybrids, shorter funboards

• Properties: Combination of stability and maneuverability, versatile for different wave conditions

• Why: Advanced surfers need boards that are more versatile and allow them to refine their technique and ride different waves.

Pro:

• Recommended boards: Shortboards, specialized hybrids

• Properties: High maneuverability, responsive, adapted to specific surfing conditions

• Why: Professionals need boards that are extremely responsive and allow them to perform complex maneuvers and tricks.

Influence on the choice of board:

• Weight: Heavier surfers need larger and thicker boards to ensure sufficient buoyancy and stability. Lighter surfers can use smaller, thinner boards that are more maneuverable.

• Size: Larger surfers benefit from longer boards that offer more stability and are easier to paddle. Smaller surfers can choose shorter boards that are easier to handle.

General guidelines:

• Light surfers: Smaller boards (under 6'0") with less volume

• Medium-weight surfers: Medium boards (6'0" to 8'0") with medium volume

• Heavy surfers: Larger boards (over 8'0") with more volume

Typical wave heights and types at your surf spot:

• Small waves (under 3 feet):

  • Recommended boards: Longboards, funboards, fishboards

  • Properties: More volume for better flotation and stability

• Medium sized waves (3 to 6 feet):

  • Recommended boards: Hybrids, shortboards, funboards

  • Properties: Blend of volume and maneuverability to provide both stability and maneuverability

• Large waves (over 6 feet):

  • Recommended boards: Shortboards, specialized big wave boards

  • Features: Lower volume for better control and speed, rugged construction for durability in demanding conditions

Additional considerations:

• Beach or reef breaks:

  • Beach breaks: Longboards and funboards are well suited as they make the most of gentle and slow breaking waves.

  • Reef breaks: Shortboards and hybrids are better as they are suitable for fast, hollow waves.

• Wind and weather conditions:

  • In strong winds: Heavier and more stable boards are advantageous for gliding better through the water.

  • In calm conditions: Lighter and more maneuverable boards can be used optimally.

The fin setup of a surfboard significantly influences its performance in the water. There are different configurations, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:

• Single fin:

  This setup consists of a single fin in the center of the board. It offers a stable ride, good control and smooth turns, but is less maneuverable and faster than other setups. Single fin boards are ideal for longboards and retro boards, especially suitable for small to medium waves.

• Twin Fin:
  Two fins are arranged symmetrically. This setup enables high speed and maneuverability as well as easy turns. However, it offers less stability in big waves. Twin Fin boards are perfect for fishboards and small to medium waves.

• Thruster (Three-Fin):
  The Thruster setup includes three fins - one center and two side fins. It offers a balanced combination of stability and maneuverability as well as good control. However, this setup can be slower than twin fin or quad setups. Thruster boards are the most common on modern shortboards and offer all-round performance in various conditions.

• Quad Fin:
  With four symmetrically arranged fins, this setup offers high speed and stability as well as good control in steep waves. However, it allows for less loose turns than twin fin setups. Quad Fin boards are ideal for performance boards and big, steep waves.

• Five-Fin Setup:
  This setup offers the possibility to switch between different configurations (single, twin, thruster, quad). It offers versatility and adaptation to different conditions, but can be complex and affect performance depending on the setup. Five-fin boards are ideal for surfers looking for flexibility and adaptability.

The choice of fin setup significantly affects the stability, speed, maneuverability and control of the surfboard. Single fin and thruster setups offer more stability, while twin and quad setups provide more speed and loose turns. Thruster and quad setups also offer better control in steep and big waves.

The rocker refers to the curvature of the surfboard from the tip (nose) to the end (tail). A flat rocker offers more speed and makes paddling easier, which makes it ideal for small to medium waves. However, a flat rocker can offer less control in steep waves. A strong rocker, on the other hand, offers better maneuverability and control in steep and large waves, but reduces speed and makes paddling more difficult.

The rails (edges) of a surfboard also influence the riding behavior:

• Full rails (thick rails):
  These round, thicker rails offer more buoyancy and stability and are more forgiving in the event of mistakes. They are ideal for beginners, longboards and softer waves, but offer less maneuverability and control in critical situations.

• Tapered Rails:
  Thinner and sharper towards the edges, these rails offer better maneuverability and control, especially in steep waves. They offer less buoyancy and stability and are better suited for advanced and professional surfers as well as shortboards.

• Hard Rails:
  With sharp edges, especially at the tail, these rails enable fast, precise turns and better grip in the wave. They are less forgiving and require more skill, ideal for performance boards and experienced surfers.

• Soft Rails:
  These rounded edges offer a smoother ride and more stability, are good for slow turns, but are less precise and responsive. They are ideal for beginners, longboards and softer waves.

Considering these additional features will help you choose a surfboard that is perfectly suited to your needs and the conditions at your surf spot.

• Beginner boards (€150 - €400):

  • Material: Often softboards or cheaper epoxy boards

  • Properties: Stable, robust and safe, ideal for beginners

  • Expectations: Good durability and easy handling, but possibly less performance-oriented

• Mid-range boards (€400 - €800):

  • Material: Higher quality epoxy and PU boards

  • Properties: Better performance, combination of stability and maneuverability

  • Expectations: Good balance between price and performance, suitable for advanced surfers

• Premium boards (€800 and more):

  • Material: Highest quality materials, often custom-made PU and epoxy boards

  • Properties: Maximum performance, lightweight and robust construction

  • Expectations: Top quality and performance, often used by professional surfers

When buying a surfboard, you are faced with the decision of whether to buy a new or a used board. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages:

• New surfboards:

  • Advantages:

    • Latest technology and materials

    • No wear and tear or repairs necessary

    • Warranty and support from the manufacturer

  • Disadvantages:

    • Higher price

    • Loss of value after first use

• Used surfboards:

  • Advantages:

    • Favorable price

    • Opportunity to purchase high-quality boards at a fraction of the price of new

    • Sustainable

  • Disadvantages:

    • Possible wear and tear and repairs necessary

    • No warranty

When buying a used surfboard, there are some important points to consider to ensure that you get good value for money:

• Condition of the board:

  • Dents and cracks: Look out for larger dents or cracks in the deck, especially on the rails and tail. Small dents are normal, but larger damage can affect performance and durability.

  • Water damage: Check the board for water damage. This can be indicated by yellowish discoloration or soft spots on the board.

• Fins and fin boxes:

  • Condition: Check whether the fins and fin boxes are in good condition. Damaged or loose fin boxes can be expensive to repair.

• Deck and underside:

  • Glaze: Look for cracks or flaking in the glaze. These can lead to water absorption and further damage.

  • Delamination: Check whether the fiberglass fabric is detaching from the foam core, which is a sign of severe damage.

• Make and model:

  • Research: Find out the make and model of the board to make sure it is suitable for your needs and is reasonably priced.

• Price comparison:

  • Market value: Compare the prices of similar used boards to make sure you're getting a fair deal.

Buying a used surfboard can be a great way to save money and still get a high-quality board. With careful inspection and a little research, you'll find the perfect board that meets your needs and will last you a long time.

There are several options when buying a surfboard, each with their own advantages:

• Online stores: A wide selection of brands and models, often with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. Good prices and regular offers are another advantage. However, shipping costs can be high and you can't inspect the board in person before buying.

• Local surf stores: Personal advice and the opportunity to see and touch the board before buying. Local stores support the local economy and often offer repair services. However, the selection can be more limited and prices higher than online.

• Online stores:

  • Advantages: Large selection, often lower prices, convenient shopping from home.

  • Disadvantages: No opportunity to test the board before buying, shipping costs, possible problems with returns.

• Local surf stores:

  • Advantages: Personal advice, opportunity to inspect the board, support for the local economy, often also repair services.

  • Disadvantages: Possibly higher prices, more limited selection.

Use of test centers and consultations:

• Test centers: Many surf stores, especially in surf-intensive regions, offer test centers where you can try out different board types and models before making a purchase decision. This is particularly helpful for comparing the feel of different boards and finding the model that suits you best.

• Consultation sessions: In local surf stores, you can benefit from the experience and knowledge of the staff. They can help you find the right board based on your experience level, weight and preferred surfing conditions. Online stores also often offer customer service and advice by phone, email or chat.

Tips for taking advantage of advice and testing opportunities:

• Open questions: Be prepared to share detailed information about your surf level, your preferences and the conditions at your surf spot.

• Patience when testing: Take the time to try out different boards. A few test rides can help you get the right feel for the board.

• Use advice: Don't hesitate to use the expertise of the sales staff. They can often provide valuable advice and help you make a decision.

Buying a surfboard is an investment that will have a significant impact on your surfing experience. With the right advice and testing options, you can ensure that you find the perfect board for your needs and enjoy it for a long time to come.

Having a custom surfboard shaped is a great way to get a board that is perfectly tailored to your individual needs and surfing style. With a custom surfboard, you can customize every aspect, from the shape to the dimensions to the design. This not only gives you the opportunity to improve your performance in the water, but also to own a unique board that is exactly what you want.

The price of a custom surfboard depends on various factors, including the choice of material, the complexity of the design and the experience of the shaper. In general, the cost of a custom surfboard is between 550 and 1,100 euros. Key cost factors include the materials used, such as the foam core and fiberglass, the shaper's labor costs and additional features such as special color schemes or additional layers of glazing.

Working with an experienced shaper allows you to develop a board that is not only functional, but also meets your aesthetic needs. A custom surfboard can take your surfing skills to the next level, giving you a personalized, handcrafted product that performs in every wave.

• Types of surfboards: There are different types of surfboards such as shortboards, longboards, fishboards, funboards and hybrids, each with different characteristics and areas of use. Choose the board that best suits your experience level and wave conditions.

• Materials and construction: The choice between epoxy and polyurethane boards has an impact on performance and durability. Epoxy boards are lighter and more robust, while PU boards offer a more traditional feel. Softboards are ideal for beginners and children.

• Important factors to consider when buying: Take into account your experience level, weight and height as well as local surfing conditions to find the right board.

• Additional features: Pay attention to the fin setup, rocker and rails of your board, as these affect stability, maneuverability and control.

• Budget and value for money: Surfboards come in different price ranges. Used boards can be a cost-effective alternative if they are in good condition.

• Tips for buying: Surfboards can be purchased both online and in local surf stores. Test centers and consultations are valuable resources for finding the ideal board.

Encouragement: Take the time to choose the right surfboard to suit your individual needs. With the right board, you can maximize your surfing experience and enjoy surfing to the fullest. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, the right surfboard will help you get the most out of every wave and develop your skills. Have fun and successful sessions in the water!