New Zealand’s coastline boasts beautiful east and west coast beaches. Due to the narrow shape of our islands, we are lucky to be able to access most surf sports within a few hours if travelling from inland.
The Spit, Dunedin. Photo credit: Rambo Estrada.
So, how do you choose a surfboard?
Take a look at this quick video tutorial for all you need to know.
When deciding on your first surfboard, there are a few things to think about:
- – The level of your surfing skills
- – Your size and weight
- – The size of the waves
- – The conditions you plan to surf in
Which size is right for you?
There are many types of surfboards out there, all of which offer their own benefits for different styles of surfing, types of wave and experience levels.
Shortboards
The most common style used by advanced and professional surfers as they offer maximum speed and mobility, but still good at all experience levels.
Common sizes: 5’5″ to 6’4″
RSC 6.0 Juice Ute 3 Shortboard
RSC 6.4 Juice Ute 3 Shortboard
Mid-Length / Funboards
Designed for less experienced surfers, these offer the turning ability of a shortboard and the paddling ease of a longboard.
Common sizes: 6′ to 8′
Torq Mod Fun Surfboard – 7ft 6in
Longboards / Gun
Longboards feature a greater length and a rounder nose, both of which make it trickier to manoeuvre, but easier to paddle and catch waves. Great for beginners and/or smaller waves.
Common sizes: 8′ to 10′
Beginner
Softboards are more forgiving with knocks and bumps, and are available in 6ft, 9ft and everywhere in between.
Torpedo7 7.0 EVS-HDPE Mini Mal Softboard
Choose a Surfboard Tail to Match the Wave Conditions
Narrow Tail
For powerful conditions
Fish Tail
Smaller, choppier waves
Wide Tail
Smaller, less volume waves
Ruby Meade, a 23-year-old surfer from the North Island of New Zealand. Photo credit: thesea.com
Some of our favourite surf spots:
Raglan – Waikato
Piha – West Auckland
Shipwreck Bay – Northland
Whangapoua – Great Barrier Island
White Rock – Wairarapa
The Bluff – 90 Mile Beach, Northland
Muriwai – West Auckland
Te Arai Point – Mangawhai, North of Auckland
Whangamata – Coromandel
Wainui Beach – Gisborne
Fitzroy Beach – New Plymouth
A great beginner spot in Auckland is Orewa.
Remember, this is all just to get you started.
You might find yourself switching to a different surfboard as you progress! If you’re still unsure, talk to one of our team in store for more info.
