How to Choose a Shortboard
"Pick a board that you like to look at and touch. If it's your only board, you'll have to look at it and ride it all the time." - Timmy Reyes, O'Neill Surf Team
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Instructions
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Go to your local surfboard shop and visit the board racks.
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Ask the salesperson what boards are working well for people.
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Consider your weight, and buy a board that is long enough and thick enough to float you. It should also paddle well.
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Buy a smaller board that will perform well in the surf you see most often.
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Pick a board with more thickness (volume) throughout if you need more paddling power or if your local break is a slow mushy wave that requires speed for maneuvers.
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Choose a board that is wider and more curvy for snappy turns.
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Buy a "gun" (a longer, drawn-out version of a shortboard) if you plan on surfing in larger, more critical surf.
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Tips & Warnings
"These days, I ride all rounded pin-tail Al Merrick's. I keep the rails soft with the exception of the tail, and it seems to work great as an all-around board." - Timmy Reyes, O'Neill Surf Team
Surfing is a physically demanding sport that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.
