"Choosing the Right Surfboard: A Beginner's Guide"

Beginner's Guide to Surfing: Choosing the Right Surfboard, A Glassing Schedule, and Getting Started

As a beginner surfer, choosing the right surfboard can be one of the most intimidating parts of your surfing journey. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the various types of boards, materials, and features. In this guide, we'll take you through a step-by-step approach to selecting the perfect surfboard for you, starting with an example scenario that will help illustrate each point.

Example Scenario: A Beginner Surfer in Hawaii

Meet Emily, a 16-year-old surfer from Hawaii who's just starting out on her surfing journey. She's always been fascinated by the ocean and loves catching waves at her local break, but she's never surfed before. With a budget of $500, Emily wants to purchase her first surfboard that will help her improve her skills and have fun in the water.

Step 1: Determine Your Level

Before selecting a surfboard, it's essential to determine your level as a beginner surfer. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• How long have you been surfing? (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
• Do you have any experience with waves or ocean conditions?
• Are you comfortable standing up on the board and balancing?

Based on these answers, Emily decides that she's a beginner surfer looking for a fun and forgiving ride.

Step 2: Consider Your Budget

With a budget of $500, Emily knows what she can afford to spend. Here are some general guidelines on surfboard prices:

• Soft-top surfboards (foam boards): $200-$400
• Hardboard surfboards: $300-$600
• Funboard surfboards: $400-$800

For an intermediate-level beginner like Emily, a funboard or soft-top board with a bit of volume would be perfect.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size

As a beginner surfer, you'll want to focus on a board that's forgiving and easy to balance. Here are some size recommendations:

• Soft-top surfboards: 7-8 feet long, 22-24 inches wide
• Funboard surfboards: 9-10 feet long, 28-30 inches wide

Emily decides on a 7-foot funboard with a rounded nose and a soft-top construction.

Step 4: Select the Right Shape

The shape of your surfboard can also affect how you catch waves. Here are some common shapes:

• Pointy noses (shortboards): more maneuverable, but less stable
• Rounded noses (funboards): easier to balance, but may be less fun to ride
• V-shaped noses (soft-top boards): a good all-around shape

Emily chooses a funboard with a rounded nose, which will provide her with stability and ease of balancing.

Step 5: Check the Materials

The materials used in surfboard construction can also impact its performance. Here are some common materials:

• Fiberglass: durable, flexible, and resistant to warping
• EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate): soft, lightweight, and easy to repair
• Foam: soft, foamie, and eco-friendly

Emily decides on a funboard made from fiberglass, which will provide her with the durability and performance she needs.

Step 6: Inspect the Board

Once you've selected your board, it's essential to inspect it thoroughly. Here are some things to look for:

• Check the board's condition, including any dings or scratches
• Make sure the leash is securely attached
• Test the leash by attaching it to a string and pulling on it

Emily inspects her board and finds that it's in great condition, with no dings or scratches. She's confident that she'll have a fun and enjoyable surfing experience with this board.

Glassing Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you've selected your surfboard, it's time to get glazing! Glazing is the process of applying resin to the surface of your surfboard to protect it from damage and enhance its performance. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Clean the board: Thoroughly clean the board with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Dry the board: Dry the board completely with a soft cloth, making sure to remove any excess moisture.
3. Apply the resin primer: Apply a thin layer of resin primer to the entire surface of the board, using a foam brush or spray applicator.
4. Apply the resin: Use a foam brush or high-pressure washer to apply a thin layer of clear resin to the primed area, making sure to cover every inch of the board.
5. Cure the resin: Allow the resin to cure for 24 hours in a dry environment.

Tips and Reminders

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when glazing your surfboard.
• Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as resin fumes can be hazardous to your health.
• Apply multiple thin layers of resin, allowing each layer to cure before applying the next one.

By following these steps and tips, Emily is now ready to hit the beach and start surfing! With her new funboard, resin glazing schedule, and a willingness to learn, she's confident that she'll have an amazing time on the water. Beginner's Guide to Surfing: Choosing the Right Surfboard, A Glassing Schedule, and Getting Started

Step	Example Scenario: Emily's Example
1. Determine Your Level	Beginner surfer looking for a fun and forgiving ride
2. Consider Your Budget	$500 budget, beginner surfboard
3. Choose the Right Size	7-foot funboard with rounded nose
4. Select the Right Shape	Rounded nose, easy to balance
5. Check the Materials	Fiberglass construction
6. Inspect the Board	Finds board in great condition

Glassing Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step	Process
1. Clean the Board	Thoroughly clean with soap and water
2. Dry the Board	Dry completely with a soft cloth
3. Apply Resin Primer	Thin layer of primer using foam brush or spray applicator
4. Apply Resin	Thin layer of clear resin using foam brush or high-pressure washer
5. Cure the Resin	Allow to cure in dry environment for 24 hours

Tips and Reminders

Tip/Reminder	Description
Always follow manufacturer's instructions when glazing	Safety first, follow steps carefully
Work in a well-ventilated area	Avoid inhaling resin fumes
Apply multiple thin layers of resin	Cure each layer before applying next one
Make sure to inspect the board thoroughly	Check for dings or scratches before using

By following these steps and tips, Emily is now ready to hit the beach and start surfing!