Classification of surfboards

Below 7 feet (excluding 7 feet) is called a shortboard. 1 foot is equal to 30 cm.

9 feet (feet) includes 9 feet or more to become a longboard (longboard).

7-9 feet is called fun board

The orthodox fish plate (the fish) is under 6 feet, it has the width and thickness of the long plate so it has better buoyancy, and its dovetail can also provide better driving force.

The gun board (the gun) is specially designed for big waves, and SUP (stand-up paddle board for short)

For novices, it is undoubtedly the best choice to use a softboard when getting started. The shape of this board is round and fat, and it has good buoyancy to chase the waves. It has a layer of foam on the surface and a soft safety rudder made of rubber to prevent Injured.

Surfboard introduction

-Length (length)-the length from the head to the tail (the measurement of the wave board is based on the imperial unit). The length is usually the basis for distinguishing the types of surfboards

-Width (Width)- Generally, a wider board has better stability, and a narrower board has better flexibility.

-Thickness (thickness)-thickness is usually the main factor affecting the stroke

-Rail (board edge)- The design of the board edge has the greatest influence on the steering function of the board

-Rocker (radian)- Rocker refers to the degree of bending from the bottom of the board to the board head. The larger Rocker is not easy to penetrate the board head in relatively rolling waves, and the steering is more flexible, but if the Rocker is too large, it is easy to turn over. A situation that is difficult to control

-Bottom (board bottom)- At present, the design of the bottom of the board is mostly based on the shape of Concave (concave). The so-called Concave refers to the concave surface at the bottom of the corrugated board. When flowing water passes through the Concave, it will raise the board and increase the speed of the board. ! There is also a Channel (groove) plate bottom design, this type of plate type can see several deep and obvious grooves at the bottom of the plate, so that the water flow enters from the head of the plate and discharges from the tail of the plate more quickly. The acceleration is better but the stability is worse! In addition, there is a Vee board bottom design that has been rare in recent years.

-Stringer- The stringer in the middle of the board! Usually called the keel, the main function is to increase the strength of the board

-Tail (board tail)-the shape of the tail may be one of the most important factors affecting the performance of the board

Surfboard tail

Pintail Pointed Tail: Pointed tail board provides excellent control and stability of the board, and is most suitable for big and curly waves! Almost all gun boards (Gun) dedicated for big waves are of this kind of board tail design. Generally speaking, you need to use it There are not many opportunities to get to this type of board.

Round Tail: Because the contact area between the tail and the surface of the wave is large, small waves can also play. The design of the round tail makes the turning of the wave more smooth and gentle.

Roundpin Tail: The characteristics of the board tail are between Pintail and Roundtail. This type of wave board responds well to waves with a medium size ranging from shoulder to two persons.

Squash Tail: This is a more common design with short boards, the steering is simple and sharp but slightly blunt

Swallow Tail: Swallow tails are actually two pointed tails. The contact area between the tail and the surface of the wave is relatively large, so it is a good choice for small waves. The acceleration on the waves is good, and the steering flexibility is also excellent

Bat Tail Bat Tail: This is a rare tail design in the past, but there has been an increasing trend recently! Bat tail basically has the same characteristics as Swallowtail, but an extended midpoint of the tail adds more stability.

Diamond Tail: The original purpose of Diamond Tail is to have a soft and square tail and retain its speed. Its characteristics are somewhat between Squashtail and Roundtail

Surfboard material

In surfboard materials, the material war for many years is the battle of "EPOXY and glass fiber". Generally speaking, the types of surfboard materials on the market can be divided into the following types:

A. Glass fiber (PU or POLY for short)

B. EPOXY (Chinese is epoxy resin, simply AB glue)

C. Plastic (ABS, S-Core)

D. Foam (EVA, PP, PE, EPS)

E. Wood (Old school series)

The characteristics of the fiberglass board: elasticity; light fastness; moderate buoyancy, the hole in the board and the water will only stay on the surface

The characteristics of EPOXY board: light weight; impact resistance; good buoyancy, the whole board will be water when the hole enters the board

Surfboard shape and warpage

The shape of the board head is generally the shape of the board head of the long board is semicircular or semicircular and pointed. Of course, the semicircular and pointed head will be more flexible when turning (the sharper the head, the more flexible the turning. ).

The flatter the board is because it has more contact area with the water surface, so it is easier to be driven by the waves, so its speed will be faster, but the steering is less flexible; the more the board is, the more flexible it is. But the speed is relatively slow.

About weight

Board weight: A board that is too light only means that it is easy to handle, but it is not strong and easy to break. The following is a comparison of the size and weight of the board for reference

Below 6 feet 4: about 3.8KG

Below 7 feet 2: about 4.5KG

Below 7 feet 8: about 5.2KG

Below 8 feet 1: about 5.6KG

8 feet 2: about 5.9KG

9 feet 0: 6.8kg lighter, 7.3kg standard, 7.8kg stronger

10 feet: about 7.5KG

11 feet SUP: about 8.5KG

How to choose the right equipment?

If you are a pure beginner surfing, the best way is to ask your surfing friends to borrow a surfboard or rent one. If you are new to surfing, it is best not to have a small and stylish surfboard, a very expensive wet suit or other equipment. There are two good reasons. First of all, you may find that you will not fall in love with surfing. Secondly, for novices, the right board is often not small and light at all.

For novices, a large board is more suitable, you can bring as much as you can. Understand? It is best to bring a board with a length of at least 8 feet, and it is better if it is more than 9 feet. It would be even better if you can get a foam texture. Now in the Chinese market, you can also buy many beautiful long boards.

You don't have to consider that you have to use short boards for surfing. Shortboards are just a category of surfboards, and they can only be used under certain conditions, not all times and anywhere. The longboard is the classic surfboard, a traditional style that most surfers have been using for decades. It was only in the 1970s that people designed shortcomings.

At the beginning of training, use a larger soft board (that is, practice board) to ensure that you can catch the waves more easily. In the first few days, you will continue to fall on the board or be hit by the board. Use the practice board to avoid injury. . So if you go to the beach, you might as well find a coach to make sure you can use a soft board. This is for your safety. Remember, surfing is more than just chasing huge waves like you see in the movie. Who knows, maybe one day, you will really find yourself a very talented extreme surfer. But more often, surfing is a kind of enjoyment, allowing you to safely be with your friends in the ocean and experience the fun of the ocean and nature.

We might as well quote the words of Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, the originator of modern surfing: "The best surfer is the one who enjoys more when in the water!).