Choosing the Perfect Longboard
So you have decided to become a longboarder, with you heart set on cruising waves aboard the Cadillac of surfing. Let us face it, longboards are made with style in mind, but with the vast selection available on the market, how do you know which longboard is the right one for you? There are a few key areas to take in to account if you would like the perfect board for your style--the very first being your height and weight.
The taller you are, the longer your surfboard should be. If you're new
to the sport, choosing a board about one foot longer than your height
will achieve the best results on the water, longboards however,
generally range from about 9-10 ft. in length. Are you surfing the
biggest waves in the water, where traction and maneuverability are a
must? Or do you enjoy hanging ten and cruising long distances in less
threatening waters? High-performance longboards are equipped with three
fins--one large and two small, called a thruster setup.
A board with one
fin is fine for cruising, but if you're looking for maximum traction, a
thruster setup will be your preferred option. Boards with rounder edges
(rails) on the nose and middle are best suited for cruisers, and
sharper rails at the tail aid drastically in controlling turns. The
curvature and width of the board (or rocker) will determine how fast you
can go and how easy it is to control.
A well-crafted board will have a
slight curve upwards on the nose and tail. The more narrow and straight
the board is, the faster it will travel. That's it! Now that you're an
expert at choosing the perfect longboard, all that's left for you to
decide is your favorite color and brand. Happy surfing!
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