Mistakes people make when buying a Surfboard are!
Firstly i would like to assure you that i have been around the Surf Industry for decades, and built thousands of surfboards for customers. However the same mistakes keep popping up time and time again. So what are these popular mistakes when buying a surfboard, and how do we not make them.
Over estimating your Surfing abilities – This is by far the worst mistake you can make in my opinion. You are much better underestimating your ability rather than trying to ride a board that is far to advanced for your level of surfing. For example you are riding a Minimal as you have been learning for about a year and doing well. You can ride down the line and do a few light turns.
Therefore you might be ready for a Funboard like a Mid Length or something around the 7ft mark but your not ready for a shortboard. Please take your time move down in a way that does not affect your progression. Thus making your journey more enjoyable and your progress more effective.
Age affects ability – As an older surfer myself i have noticed a dramatic difference in the Surfboards i ride now compared to the the boards i rode 20years ago. It’s a fact, sorry if this offends you but it is just fact that the older you get the slower you get. However you can still perform at a decent level, just add a few more ltrs to your Custom Board.
During the ages of about 45 to 55 years old i added roughly one ltr to my board every year or other year. This enabled me to keep surfing the same type of shape at the same level of surfing. So don’ be afraid of a bit more volume, you will thank yourself later.
Not using the Local Surfboard Shaper – Surf Shops these day’s have a wide range of stock boards and most of the time surfers buy boards there friends are riding. I get that, however Shapers know more about surfboards than shops do! They also surf the same waves you will be, so watch what they are riding at your local break. Honestly it amazes me how people don’t consider this.
Your local shaper is riding a board that he or she has specifically designed to ride the waves in your local area. Nevertheless you think it would be a better idea to ride a board designed in California rather than the UK were you surf. Then you wonder why your board doesn’t ride like it did on the YouTube video filmed in Bali.
You keep falling for the latest Marketing – Everyone does this even me so i forgive you all. However this is a big problem for everyone, marketing has become a mass money generating problem. I know how it is you get sucked into the brand and the you want to surf just like the Pro on the video. But guess what your not the Pro on the video your like me, most surfers are average Joe’s.
What you need is a surfboard that suits your ability, your style, your sizes and the way you like to surf. The average surfer who gets to surf every other week is not going to turn Pro an so should ride a surfboard that will enhance not hinder there experience. My advice would be to look around and talk to people who surf in your area and shapers who make boards in your area.
As well as this Surfboard Shop i have been shaping surfboards at ND Surfboards for decades. Please get in contact if you need any help with your next level of board. ND SURFBOARDS
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