Surfboards. Today’s surfboards are generally made of reinforced synthetic materials. Most beginners start by using double boards. Surfboards are primarily distinguished by their length. If your body is heavier, of course choose a longer board. Otherwise, choose a shorter board. However, since long boards are relatively stable, while short boards tend to be fluttery, beginners can get started faster by using a large board for practice.
The initially used surfboards were about 5 meters long and weighed 50 to 60 kilograms. After World War II, foam plastic boards appeared, and the shape of the boards was improved. The surfboards used today are 1.5 to 2.7 meters long, about 60 centimeters wide, and 7 to 10 centimeters thick. The boards are light and flat, slightly narrower at the front and rear ends, and have a stabilizing tail fin at the back and bottom. In order to increase friction, a waxy outer film is also coated on the board surface. All surfboards weigh only 11 to 26 kilograms.
Before you decide to buy your board, you must know your surfing habits, usage and the general wave conditions at the surfing location. For beginners, it is necessary to find an experienced person to help you choose a board.
Surfboards are generally divided into the following types: 1. Short board and small board. The length is between 5 to 9 meters to 6 to 8 meters. The head is in the shape of a sharp triangle and has low buoyancy. It requires sufficient thrust and good-shaped waves to play happily. It is a technical board with flexible steering and can perform fancy moves.
2. Long board. The length is between 8-9 and 11-12, with a semi-circular head, high buoyancy, slow speed, and can be played in small waves. It is suitable for Taiwan's summer wave conditions and for beginners to practice.
3. Fun boards, small long boards. It looks like a long board, but its length is between 7 and 8 meters. It is an improved longboard in recent years. Since the board is shorter than the longboard, it has the advantages of a longboard. It has high buoyancy and small waves and can be played. However, it is slightly smaller and does not lose flexibility in movements. It is very suitable for Taiwan all year round. The wave conditions.
4. Gun board, or big wave board. The length is close to that of a longboard, but the head is pointed and the tail is pointed, making it the fastest. It is rarely used, and may only have the opportunity to show the power of the gun plate on the eastern coast or before and after typhoons.
5. Fish plate, also called ‘big belly plate’. The length ranges from 5 to 6 meters to 6 to 11 meters. It is basically a type of short board. The board is usually wider and thicker than the short board. When the waves subside in summer, because the buoyancy of the fish board is slightly greater, it will be easier than a short board in small waves. Generally speaking, the longer and thicker the board, the easier it is to use, but the harder it is to make beautiful moves. As mentioned before, everyone needs different boards, which are absolutely related to your personal height and weight. Therefore, how to choose a board is also one of the necessary courses for learning to surf.
6. Soft board. It is dynamic and maneuverable and is not limited by wave size, making it suitable for beginners.
7. Floating raft board. The board is wide and the speed changes slowly, making it suitable for beginners to practice lying on the wave board.
8. Body surfing. Without using any tools, the human body is placed on the shallow seaside, floating on the water by swimming, and propelled along with the undulations of the waves.
Rudder
Surfboards must be used with rudders. Rudders are available in single, three-piece or five-piece styles. Usually longboards use a larger single piece of Snglefin, and other boards mostly use three pieces of Trifinsystem. In the past two years, five pieces have also appeared. Today's board rudders mostly use the patented detachable FCS, which is convenient for replacement and travel. However, the early fixed rudders were also loved by surfing experts and were stronger than FCS in big waves.
Foot rope
This is the only thing that can guarantee your life in surfing. When you fall into the water, you can use it to find your surfboard, and your board It will not wash back to the shore with the waves or hit other people, allowing you to rely on it at sea. The general length is slightly longer than the board. Today's leg ropes also need to be designed in different thicknesses according to different wave conditions. Usually, those with double bearings are better than those with single bearings and are less likely to get tangled.
Wax block
Putting wax on a surfboard can increase the friction between the board and the human body, allowing you to stand more firmly on the board and avoid slipping. . Based on the temperature changes in Taiwan throughout the year, different types of wax must be used according to the changes, including bottom wax, cold water use, warm water use and tropical climate use.
Clothes
Surfing suits: Professional surfing suits are generally brightly colored, not only for appearance, but also for easy identification during high-speed movements and to prevent accidents. The fabrics of surfing suits are generally made of quick-drying fibers, which dry easily after getting wet. In addition, better surfing suits also require UV protection and even enhanced warmth functions. Of course, if you are confident about your body and muscles, going topless is also a good choice.
Wind-proof jacket: Most are made of a kind of synthetic rubber. If you want to surf in Taiwan when the weather gets colder and the waves are better, you need a cold-proof jacket. Depending on the material, thickness (3 mm to 5 mm) and length, the cold resistance is also different. Short-sleeved ones are lighter and are called shorty or springsuits.
Wear-resistant clothing: Even if the water temperature is not cold, most surfers will wear an anti-wear clothing, otherwise it will not be very comfortable to rub against the board for a long time. Other benefits of wear-resistant clothing include waterproofing, warmth and sun protection. A well-fitting wear-resistant garment is definitely worth the investment.
Anti-slip pad
As mentioned before, if you don’t want to wax the entire surfboard, you can stick this thing on. Most people stick a non-slip pad on the tail of the board. pad, so it’s easier to control the board to perform fancy moves.
Surfboard carrier bag
Most surfboards are damaged during transportation. A surfboard bag saves you the trouble of having to mend the places you accidentally knocked. . Generally, there are two types of board bags, single-piece or double-piece daily bags and up to 6-piece travel bags. The travel protection is thicker to prevent airport porters from trampling on our precious boards.
Nose
The most easily damaged parts of a surfboard are the nose and tail. The nose is a rubber block that can protect the nose of your board and protect others from direct collisions. Injured by your board.