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There are a wide variety of surfboards, and for the beginner out there, the choices can seem a little overwhelming and confusing. The main types of surfboards are longboards, funboards, and shortboards, with some variations on each kind. Depending on your skill level and size, you can find the right surboard for what you want to do out on the water.
Longboards: A longboard, which experienced surfers call a "tanker" because of its large size, is a round-nosed board of 9 feet or more length which is often used as a beginner board. The longboard provides a lot of stablity for wobbly-legged surfer newbies, and can help new surfers get their balance while learning to ride waves. While some beginners like the longboard, others may find it too difficult to paddle and control, so they may opt for the funboard. Some surfers "go longboard and never go back", starting their own longboarding surf groups, so it remains a popular surfboard.
Funboards: Another popular board for beginners is the funboard. Funboards are fairly wide and thick surfboards from 7 feet to 8 feet in length, which typically have a rounded or blunt nose. Funboards are the mid-size board, and can be a great transitional surfboard for beginners who have mastered the longboard and want a little more maneuverability. Many say that the funboard gives surfers the best of both surfing modes, because it is the blend of the longboard and shortboard. When looking for a good surfboard for your size, a good rule of thumb is to find a surfboard at least 14 inches longer than you are tall, and at least 20 inches wide.
Shortboards: The shortboard is typically less than 8 feet in length, and in some cases may be shorter than 5 feet to get in the blackball zone. Shortboarding is not for beginners, because a shortboard is typically too thin, narrow, and short, rendering it unstable and difficult to paddle for novices. Shortboards also do not provide as much flotation as longboards and funboards, so it can take more skill to catch a wave with it. These things aside, shortboards are the experienced surfers' board, and can be a lot of fun if you know how to use them. Shortboards are the ones you see pro surfers use to do those awesome tricks on, because the small size and low weight allows for maximum maneuverability and catching air.
Whether you choose a longboard, funboard, or shortboard, surfing is a great lifelong sport that turns into a lifestyle for many surfers. BuyBoardz is here to give you the selection of surfboards you're looking for, at the best prices we can. So quit going to the beach, sitting there staring at the waves. Get out there and catch one already!
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