A brief guide to surf boards

Different types of surf board

Softboard, Foam Surf Boards or Foamies

Constructed from soft foam these boards are very buoyant and usually shaped to be very stable in the water making it easier for the novice to catch waves. The advantage for the beginner is that a soft board will hurt less if it hits you while training.

Moulded Surf Boards

Mass produced surf boards made from thick epoxy fibreglass skin, heavier than softboards and custom boards of the same size the moulded boards are generally steadier in the water.

Custom Surf Boards – Glassed Surf Boards

Custom surf boards are shaped by hand rather than factory produced like moulded surf boards.

Common surf board designs

Shortboard – Thruster

The shortboard is not ideal for beginners – The shortboard is one of the most popular small surf boards. The shortboard has a pointy nose and is smaller in size to other boards. These surf boards are thinned down and create a high performance but less buoyant and harder to paddle board. These surf boards are not suitable for small surf, they are designed to offer performance in good surfing conditions.

Longboard – Malibu

The longboard is generally regarded as the best for beginners. Longboards have a rounded nose and are usually between 9 and 12 feet long. The Longboard has gained the nickname ‘Malibu’ because it is one of the most popular types of surf board used in Malibu.

Fish

The fish was created by Skip Frye in the 1970s, the fish surf boards are usually shorter than a short board and offer a tighter turning arc making it suitable for smaller waves.

Gun

The gun is usually between 7 and 12 feet long, it is similar to a short board in appearance but has the length of a long board. The Gun is popular in areas with big waves and is not suitable for beginners.

Characteristics to bear in mind when looking for a surf board

Length

Shorter boards offer a smaller turning circle, longer boards glide easily but turn slower. Small boards are good for quick aggressive manoeuvres. Longer boards are good for smooth controlled turns.

Width

Wider boards are sturdier on the waves.

Thickness

Thicker boards will be more buoyant and make it easier to paddle and catch waves.

You can get all your surf clothing delivered to your door from Roksport Surf to ensure you look good whenever you go out to hit the waves.

Roksport Surf 2008 New Year Sale

Our website has just been updated with the sale items for the 2008 surf stock clearance sales. There are many mens and ladies surfwear items on sale to include t-shirts, shorts, trousers, shirts, jumpers, hats and ladies tops.

All of our current Hurley surf clothing is now on sale with discounts up to 50% off, click on the link below to see our hurley surf clothing sale:

Sorry, this sale has now ended.

Hurley surf clothes sale

Roksport Surf Shop Starts Blogging

Roksport Surf have launched a new blog as part of the developments set for 2008.

Roksport Surf will now be using the new blog to tell all of our customers about any exciting new products or events.

Exclusive Newsletter offers will still be available to our Newsletter Subscribers, it is never too late to Become a Newsletter Subscriber

Roksport Surf look forward to 2008 and will keep you all up to date here.