One thing worth pointing out…not every surfboard fin is compatible with every surfboard. There are two main fin brands that dominate the surfboard fin market; FCS and Future Fins. These fins are shaped differently and only fit into their respective fix boxes. For example, a set of FCS fins would not fit into a surfboard that has Future Fin boxes and visa versa.
This is one of the more confusing things to learn as a new surfer. So, if you’re buying your surfboard and fins separately – be sure to check they’re compatible with each other.
The next thing you’ll want is a surfboard leash. This thing will save you countless swims back to shore when you fall off, and you will fall off.
When buying a leash make sure it is at least the length of the surfboard its attached to if not slightly longer.
The leash length in the product description is just the length of the cord and does not include the other stuff (the cuff that attaches to you or the rail saver that attaches to your board).
The thicker the leash the stronger it is. I usually get a thickness between 6-8mm and haven’t had a leash snap on me yet. If you’re a performance surfer, you’ll probabaly want a thinner leash as it will create less drag in the water.
Get at least one swivel feature to reduce the chances of it getting tangled up – I go for double swivel leashes.
The last thing on the ‘will definitely need’ list is surfboard wax. With such a broad range of temperatures, coat types, smells and overall quality – which one do you need?
The easiest way to find out which surfboard wax you need is to know the temperature of the water you’ll be surfing in. Once you know the temperature it’s as easy as checking the table below for the type you need, from Extra Cold to Tropical.
Although surfboard wax provides a great amount of grip, some surfers opt to add an additional tailpad, also known as a traction pad.
All of this stuff can add up to one expensive bill and you’ll want to make sure that investment is going to last. This crucial section in our surfboard buying guide covers that all important surfboard care.
A surfboard bag is (in my opinion) the most important surfing accessory you can buy. It helps you carry your board from A to B but more importantly protects it from the outside world. Remember, more than 60% of your dings will happen out of the water, a surfboard bag reduces that number.
Get a surfboard bag at least four inches longer than your actual surfboard. I have just about got away with it with my current surfboard bag but wish I got a slightly bigger one.
Get an actual surfboard bag, surfboard socks are the lower cost alternative but don’t do as good a job. The difference in the level of protection is large so the extra cost to buy a proper bag is certainly worth it.
The heat and direct sunlight can be solved by a surfboard bag, so that bit’s easy. The salt water is also easy to address, simply drying off your surfboard with a towel after each session. If there’s an outdoor shower near the beach, feel free to cuddle up to your surfboard and rinse off any salt water before travelling back home.
Yes, it takes up the least amount of storage space. Yes, it’s the most convenient way to put down your surfboard. But, it will fall over one day and when that finally happens don’t come crying to me. If you’re going to lean it against a wall atleast have it inside a protective surfboard bag or surfboard sock.
If you do have the space, a surfboard rack in a temperature controlled room is the best way to store your surfboard.
This one goes without saying, if you have a hole in your surfboard – plug it. Unfixed dings are a real killer to surfboard performance. Once the water gets in it’s a very hard job to get that surfboard back to its original condition.
How do I know if a ding needs fixing? If your fingernail can be caught in the crack that’s a ding in need of repair.
Spyder Surfboard reviewsMy top tip would be to get into the routine of checking the condition of your surfboard before heading out. Doesn’t need to be an extensive check but will help. If you’re unsure how to fix surfboard dings your local surf shop will be able to sort you out.
The final bit of surfboard care advice is to try and be aware of your surroundings when you’re surfing. This may sound stupid but a surfers environment can change very quickly without them even realising it.
Beware of any potential rocks – these may not have been a problem when entering the sea but might become a problem before leaving it.
Don’t ride your surfboard into the sand – Surfboard fins can be very expensive so are not something we want to lose. Hopping off your surfboard before it’s too shallow to surf will prevent them falling out or getting damaged.
Especially once you’ve realised there are a ton of surfboards out there! Don’t stress; we’ve put together the should's and shouldn’ts to make your decision a whole lot easier.
Surfboards have come a pretty long way from the classic 1900’s redwood plank boards to the intricate precision polyester shapes you can get these days. With more choices that you can imagine for every kind of surfer, there’s a lot to know. Straight off the bat getting the right board can include a range of personal factors like weight, age, ability and fitness level. Luckily, we’ve narrowed down a three key pointers as a good place to start for what you should be thinking about with a board purchase.
Measurements are the length, width and thickness of the board. Traditionally boards are identified by their length from nose to tail in feet or inches. The width is the widest part of the board from rail to rail, and the thickness is the measurement of the board from deck to bottom at its thickest point. Measurements, including volume, make up the dimensions of the board, which will determine which board you ride and why.
Measurements are the length, width and thickness of the board. Traditionally boards are identified by their length from nose to tail in feet or inches. The width is the widest part of the board from rail to rail, and the thickness is the measurement of the board from deck to bottom at its thickest point. Measurements, including volume, make up the dimensions of the board, which will determine which board you ride and why.
Three surfboards with three different lengths can have the same volume, so beginner boards don’t need to be crazy long to still be able to surf. But as an easy guide when starting out, just like volume, bigger is better. A longer board will hold a better line in the water and the extra surface area will help to feel less shaky once you get to your feet. Wider boards are more forgiving on feet placement and thickness will give you a board with good durability.
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