Surfboards, Bodyboards & Windsurfing Gear Buying Guide

• Select a Surfboard
• Ride the Waves on a Bodyboard
• Set Sail With Windsurfing Gear
• Catch Some Air With Kiteboarding Gear
• Get Essential Surfing Apparel & Accessories

Select a Surfboard

There are many kinds of surfboards for different levels of experience and varying budgets. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll want to have the right surfboard for your surfing technique.

Surfboard 101

The front of the surfboard is called the nose, the back is known as the tail, and the sides are called rails. The top of the surfboard, where the rider stands, is called the deck.

Everyone but the most expert of surfers should use a leash while surfing. Leashes prevent you from losing your surfboard in a wipeout, so you can retrieve it more quickly and catch more waves. Most importantly, however, leashes help you keep control of your board and keep it from hitting other surfers. A board leash with a padded ankle strap will provide comfort and a swivel leash will minimize tangles.

Get the right size surfboard

Surfboards are sold in feet and inches. Whichever surfboard you buy, it should be at least 6" over your own height.

• Longboards: A Longboard (9’ or over) glides across the water, and allows for better balance.
• Shortboards: Shortboards (under 7’) are more maneuverable, but paddle slower. You need to take off on the steepest part of a wave and get to your feet quickly.
• Wide surfboards: Wider surfboards are more stable.
• Thick surfboards: Thicker surfboards are more buoyant, making it easier to paddle and catch waves.
• Ultra-thin or light shortboards: Ultra-thin, light shortboards are tougher for beginners.

Which type of surfboard is right for you?

Soft boards, longboards, mini mals, and pop-outs are all good boards for beginners. The best surfboard for learning on is broad, light, and thick. Most surfboards are custom built, giving you lots of options for finding the right board.

• Soft surfboards: If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a soft surfboard. Soft surfboards, or foamies, are large and buoyant. They are soft enough that they lessen the blow of an impact. The fins on foamies are also usually softer than on other kinds of surfboards. If you decide on a soft surfboard, you may want to move on to a more versatile surfboard fairly quickly. For infrequent or beginning surfer, a soft surfboard is a good choice.
• Pop-out surfboards: Surfers looking for a good value surfboard might look into the low-priced pop-out surfboards. These surfboards have a foam core that is covered in fiberglass. Pop-out surfboards are heavier than soft surfboards. They are stable, but aren’t as responsive in the water. This makes them good for beginners. They have an excellent resale value as well.
• Shortboards: The shortboard or thruster is a light, easily-maneuverable board designed for quick turns. Shortboards measure from 5'8" to 6'10" in length. The more fins on a shortboard, the better chance you have of getting cut; if you can find a single- or twin-fin surfboard that suits you, consider it a good option.
• The Longboard or Malibu surfboard: Longboards generally start at about 9’. The nose is more rounded than that of a shortboard, and the overall shape is different, as well. They may be thicker and tend to have just one fin. The extra length and thickness give them some added stability. Try to avoid very old, heavy boards, however. They can be awkward to use and may not surf as well.
• The fish: The fish is shorter, wider and rounder than a typical shortboard. This type of board ranges between 4'8" and 6' in length.
• The gun: Bigger waves demand a bigger board. That’s where the gun comes in. These surfboards range from 7'2" to over 12'.

Other surfboard considerations

Beginners don’t need to spend too much on their first board. It’s best to start out on an inexpensive board, as long as it hasn’t been totally thrashed or broken apart and repaired. All the fins should be in place, and the fiberglass shouldn’t have any holes. Check to make sure there are no major cracks where the fins join the board.

Most secondhand boards will have some damage or dents. You can fix dings on your own with a repair kit costing about $20-or you can take it in for professional repair.

Ride the Waves on a Bodyboard

Bodyboards are easy to use and fun for people of all ages. It doesn’t take much experience—just hold onto the sides and start riding the waves.

Some well-known choices include BZ bodyboards, Morey bodyboards, Wave Rebel bodyboards, O'Neill bodyboards, and Gordon & Smith bodyboards.

Use the following guidelines to choose the right bodyboard for you.

• Bodyboard size: The top of the bodyboard should come up to about navel height.
• Bodyboard shape: Flat bodyboards are better for gentler waters. If you are riding prone as opposed to on one knee, you would be better served with a bodyboard with a larger nose.
• Bodyboard rail: You can opt for a 50/50 rail for speed, or choose a 60/40 rail for more control.The numbers describe the angle of the rail.

Set Sail With Windsurfing Gear

Windsurfing combines sailing with riding waves on a board. On the average windsurfing board, the sail is attached to a mast. The boom is the handle you hold to steer the sail. A harness transfers power through your body, relieving arm strain. The universal joint is the piece that attaches the sail to the board.

Choose a windsurfing board

Beginners learning on their own should opt for a board that is at least 11’ long. The centerboard should retract. Kids need a shorter board. You also need to choose the right flotation level for your weight, to make it easier for you to stay upright.

Some popular windsurfing board choices include Gaastra windsurfing boards, Naish windsurfing boards, NeilPryde windsurfing boards, and DaKine windsurfing boards.

Select the right windsurfing sail

The size of the windsurfing sail is based on your weight and the wind strength. A small sail would be most appropriate for your first few times sailing.

Catch Some Air With Kiteboarding Gear

Kiteboarding, one of the latest water sports to gain in popularity, involves using a kite to propel yourself over the waves while riding a board.

Some popular kiteboard brands include Naish, Slingshot, Cabrinha, DaKine, and Wipika. The following is a list of the equipment you’ll need to enjoy the sport of kiteboarding.

• Traction kite: There is a wide variety of traction kites, with either two lines or four. Some kites have inflatable bladders and float so they can be re-launched from the water; however, this detracts from their aerodynamic efficiency. Experienced kiteboarders will find they get better performance from ram-air kites.
• Kiteboard control bar or boom: The kiteboard control bar or boom refers to the handles by which you keep hold of the kite. This system is used for both 2- and 4-line kites. Kites with 4 lines are generally more maneuverable, and don’t tend to tangle as you might suspect. If you have experience windsurfing or wakeboarding, you’ll probably use a boom.
• Kiteboard harness: The kiteboard harness distributes the pull through your whole body rather than just your arms.
• Kite surfing flying lines: Kite surfing flying lines are almost always made of Spectra Fiber—a strong thin material. The length of flying line for traction kites is usually 120 feet, however, all kites have a recommended length; make sure that the length of the lines is equal.
• Kite surfboard: Be sure to find a kite surfboard designed for kiteboarding. Large kiteboards are for coasting in gentle wind, while small boards are for quick maneuvers and tricks. Size varies according to your skill, weight, and conditions. You should be attached to your board with a long, standard leash.

Get Essential Surfing Apparel & Accessories

While the wetsuit is the most common surfing sport accessory, you might take into consideration some other items for increasing your comfort and enjoyment while surfing.

Some popular choices for wetsuits, apparel, and other surfing accessories include Quiksilver, O'Neill, Billabong, Jetpilot, Rip Curl, Body Glove, Roxy, and Hurley.

Wetsuits

No matter what your watersport, you’ll need a wetsuit to keep you warm and help you float. Look for a suit designed specifically for your sport.

Choose a wetsuit thickness that’s appropriate for the water temperature. A 3/2 wetsuit is 3mm thick in the chest and 2mm in the arms and legs. A 4/3 wetsuit is recommended for those who are likely to get cold.

There are a few different styles to choose from when purchasing a wetsuit.

• Shorty wetsuit: A shorty wetsuit has short sleeves and short legs. It’s made of 2 mm neoprene and is most comfortable when the water is warmer than 70°F.
• Three-quarter-length/springsuit: Three-quarter-length/springsuits are made of 3/2mm neoprene and are recommended for water temperatures of 65-75°F. It either has short arms or short legs.
• Full wet suit: If the water temperature is below 65°F, full wet suits are in order. These suits come in 4/3 and 5/3. For temperatures under 60°F, you’ll want a 5/3 suit. The thicker a wetsuit, the less flexible it is.

Surfboard covers

A surfboard cover or bag will help keep your surfboard in good shape. It’s a good investment if your board is new or in good condition when you buy it. Covers that offer more protection are usually higher priced.

Personal flotation devices

A personal flotation device (PFD) is required in some states. It can be beneficial because it keeps you warmer, protects your body, and makes it easier for you to float upright.

Booties and gloves

Whether you wear surfing booties or not is a matter of personal preference. However, footwear is a good way to protect your feet from abrasions and scrapes. Gloves will also protect your hands, while providing additional traction for grabbing your board or sail. In colder waters, both will help you stay warm.

Sun protection

A good sunscreen, especially a waterproof one like Bull Frog, is recommended, since harmful UV rays are reflected off the water on both sunny and overcast days.