Boards

Take a look at the side profile of the board and you will see what is known as the rocker line. It’s the curve in the tail and the nose looking from the side of the board. A board with a pronounced rocker is maneuverable and turns easily. A flat rocker means the board will be fast but a little harder to turn. Look at the board’s outline. A wide outline is good for smaller waves. A narrow outline is better for larger, more powerful waves.

You will see the nose of the board has lots of rocker. This is to allow for easier maneuverability achieved by the rider putting pressure on the tail of the board and leaning in the direction he/she wants to go. The nose is also thinner than the mid-section of the board to allow for easier duck diving. When choosing a board, you should consider all the above factors, and speak to your local surf shop or school before buying. After you have done this you will have all the information to ensure you find a board that suits your body and your surfing ability.

While holding the board you will feel its edge, its thickness and the shape of the rail. Your board’s thickness should be relative to your weight. The heavier you are the thicker the board should be. The rail’s shape should be rounded for beginners, is usually sharper for more powerful waves and rounded on the top then squared at the bottom (boxy) for quick maneuverability. The tail of the board is usually wide for smaller waves, and narrow for big waves, while being round for soft, slow maneuvers and square for quick, snappy maneuvers.