Surfing Waves

Hello!!

I've started surfing 3 months ago in Bali and really enjoy it! now I'm back in Barcelona trying to catch some waves, though is difficult to have waves at the Mediterranean...

Anyway.. i want your advice in when do you know your're ready to change from a foam board?

Thanks!

Lynn.

lynn82 wrote:Anyway.. i want your advice in when do you know your're ready to change from a foam board?

Whenever you want.

Softboards are only 'beginner' boards for two reasons - firstly, in a surf school with lots of people around who don't know how to control their boards, its less likely to result in injury. Secondly, for a beginner who doesn't know how to control his/her board, its less likely to cause injury to the rider or others.

Essentially they are substantially for safety. They are large and floaty and that is also great for beginners. However, many people start on a proper longboard and will advance their skills as fast and probably faster than people who start on a foam board.

Of course, its important to learn to control your board. By this I don't mean being able to turn or not fall off - that is down the track. I mean knowing how to turtle roll (or duck dive) rather than just letting your board go and diving under. Knowing where to paddle to stay out of the way. Knowing when taking off on a wave should be aborted because there is someone right in front of you. With a softboard the injuries are usually a solid thunk and maybe a bruise; with a hard board it can be a split head

So if you understand these concepts and want a proper board, go and buy one. Being a beginner and being in the Mediterranean you will want a big board ie a longboard.

As soon as you can! I waited one year to change from a foamie to a fibreglass board and I really regretted it. It makes a huge difference to a beginner when surfing as the foamie just doesn't cut it when you're trying to turn.

Just make sure you get a board that is long, wide and has enough volume for your height and weight!