board too thin?

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board too thin?

Postby socalventura » Mon Nov 22, 2004 6:55 pm

How thick should a longboard for a beginner be? I'm wondering because I ride a 3 and a quarter inch thick board (pretty thick), that is 9'6" and I love it. My girlfriend (also a beginner) has a 9'0" that is a lot less thin, like an inch thinner at least. She is struggling while I have been doing pretty well. I let her try my board yesterday, and she stood up her first time. I used hers and did okay, but had a lot more trouble than I do with my board. Is a 9'0' board that is about 2 and a quarter inch thick too thin. Should she try to sell it and get a thicker one? Thanks for the help. :D
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Postby jonny » Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:10 pm

Depends a lot on the weight of the two of you to be honest however 2 1/4" is very thin for a longboard though and 3 1/4", whilst not OVERLY thick is certainly above average thickness.

The other angle though is your board will have a lot more volume but I imagine be a big old beast to turn. Her board at 9'0" and 2 1/4" thick is going to be pretty lightweight and good to throw around.

You have a more traditional size mal and her's is more of a high performance/contemporary size. Her's would be a great board for charging in bigger stuff.

If she's just learning then she may want to get something with a bit more volume and stability. Will be easier to paddle and catch the wave to if it's a bit longer and thicker. The more waves she catches and gets up on the quicker she'll be back on the thinner board and ripping circles round you!
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Postby Squeaky » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:51 am

hey! well i read somewhere that the thicker the board the more buoyant it is therefore becoming more stable and easier to ride on. so i'd say ur girlfriend is prob having trouble coz maybe her board isn't as buoyant as it should be for a beginner. the best way 2 figure it out is for u 2 have a go on her board and see if u feel any difference in the stability. cya!
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