How to Buy a Surfboard

A surfboard is a big investment. A lot of work goes into the design and manufacture of each board to ensure you get the most out of it. Here at FIND we want to make sure that you choose the board that is right for you. The right board, cared for properly, will last you for many years. It is important to note that there are many different types of surfboard; each tailored for different styles, conditions and riders. This guide is aimed to help you choose the board that is perfect for you.

Buying online offers great convenience and incredible deals, however the process should be the same as if you're buying a board from a physical shop. You should expect and obtain as much information as possible so that you can be confident in your final decision. If you are unsure at any stage you can contact our dedicated staff who will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction.

Expect your board to be in perfect condition. There should be no marks or dings. Every board, even machine shaped boards, are hand made to a degree and subtle variations can exist board to board. Do not be afraid to ask to see more of the same model. Find Boardsports offers free postage on all our boards, so you will not be out of pocket should for some reason you need to make an exchange.

Second hand is an option. Most beach town surf shops have an array of second hand boards, especially in the summer. Be warned however, they may not be cheap! Ebay and other online listings offer great prices but quality could be an issue. Without being able to see the board in person it is difficult to see damage and other issues that will affect the performance of your board. Buying new can give peace of mind and with very competitive prices, sometimes even cheaper than second hand.

You can never ask too many questions. Feel free to call or email our dedicated staff at anytime to discuss which board would be perfect for you. If you can make it into any of our fantastic stores we would be more than happy to show you the boards and discuss the pros and cons with you. We are more than happy to chat to you about a sport we are truly passionate about!

There are so many different types! What type of board is best for me?

A beginner is generally looking for a board with lots of buoyancy. Bouyancy makes it easy to paddle and catch waves. Bouyancy is governed by the volume of the board i.e., its overall size and its materials. A bigger board (longer, wider, thicker) would be more buoyant than the smaller board. A bigger board however will be less maneuverable, which is something to consider as you progress. A smaller board is also easier to duck dive and use in bigger surf for advanced surfers. Be honest in your appraisal of your ability. It is important to not get a board that is too advanced for you, as this will only make it harder for you and you may not have as much fun!

Longboards

Longboards, as the name suggests, are big surf boards, often between 8 and 9 feet in length. Also known as Malibu's or Mal's, they are ideal for beginners as they offer heaps of buoyancy and the margin for error is large. They are easy to paddle and very stable. That is not too say that advanced surfers wouldn't appreciate longboards too. They are a mainstay in a career surfers quiver and are perfect for cruising and making the most of smaller conditions.

Shortboards

Shortboards are far and away the most popular board in modern surfing. They usually range between 6 and 8 feet in length. When compared to a longboard they are much narrower with sharper rails and pointy nose. They are usually a lot thinner too and therefore less buoyant. They are a lot faster and more maneuverable. They are easier to duck dive but more difficult to paddle. They excel in bigger surf. Their narrow profile means that precise foot placement is key to balance which can make them more difficult for beginners.

Funboards

Funboards, sometimes called Hybirds, combine elements of short and long boarding. They are designed to excel in a variety of conditions making them ideal for an intermediate rider. They retain the buoyancy and ease of use of a long board whilst handling more like a short board. They are usually between 7 and 8 feet in length.

Mini mals

Mini mals, like the name suggests, are smaller versions of the Malibu or Longboards. They are usually 7 to 9 feet in length. They are great for smaller beginners as well as people wishing to progess into shortboarding but aren't quite ready for a hybrid.

Fishboards

Fish are generally wider and shorter than traditional shapes. They are instantly recognizable due the the vee tail. They excel in smaller conditions and are more suited to intermediate to advanced riders.

Guns

Guns are designed to ride big waves. They have minimal volume and offer excellent pace and traction. Usually the domain of experienced surfers, these boards are notoriously difficult to paddle and catch waves.

What size do I need?

With so many types of board it can be very difficult to narrow a person down to one size. The length of the board is not as important as volume. It is key to get a board with enough volume for you to paddle and catch waves easily. Essentially, the bigger you are, both in weight and height, the more volume you need in your board. Also, the better you get the less volume you need, so ability is also a big factor. In general, a bigger board will be easier to start with whilst a smaller board will offer more performance.

Care and Maintenance

Look after your board and it will look after you!

When not in use keep it in a board bag in a cool, dry and safe place. Do not rest things on top of it. Where it can be avoided keep it out of direct sunlight. If you do damage your board see that it is fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and water entry. Be sure to inspect your board thoroughly after each surf, including under the wax, as some damage may be hard to detect. A well cared for board can last for many summers!