5 Tips for Buying a Surfboard
Choose Wisely and Boost Your Surf!
Ready to buy your first surfboard? Awesome! Choosing the right board is always a nice milestone in your journey. Using a board that’s too small or not right to your level makes it harder to handle, catch waves and follow the surf etiquettes. It can lead to more wipeouts, injuries and common surfer mistakes. The right surf board will make it easier to learn, stay safe and have lots of fun in the waters of Sri Lanka, Bali or anywhere else.
We know, with so many sizes, shapes and brands out there it can be hard to choose. But don’t worry! We are here to help you make a good choice. We listed five simple and important tips to get you started.
#1 Star with Your Surfing Style
The first thing to think about when buying a surfboard is your skill level. Are you a beginner just learning the basic skills? Or are you an intermediate surfer looking to progress? Maybe you’re even heading into more advanced stuff? More speed, more tricks and bigger waves.
Are you already comfortable catching waves and want to progress your skills to the next level? Then a funboard or shortboard would be great. At our camps in Weligama and Hiriketiya, our premium surfboard collection is there for all levels. So you can try out different shapes for your style and skills.
#2 Types of Waves
The kind of waves you’re going to be surfing has a big influence on what kind of board you should pick. Not all waves are the same. Small beach waves are great for beginner soft tops boards or longboards. If you’re going to be surfing bigger and faster waves or reef breaks, you should go for a more maneuverable board, like a shortboard. A board with more performance.
In Sri Lanka, the waves can vary from gentle and relaxed waves in Weligama to faster, more challenging ones in other spots. A mid-length board is a great one for all round, fitting different kinds of waves. Our surf guides will help you to learn more about different conditions and choose the right board.
Lots of surfers love to own their own quiver, a collection of different boards. You don’t need five boards from the start, but as you learn more, it’s nice to have options so you can enjoy all kinds of waves in Sri Lanka.
#3 Size & Volume Matter
When it comes to surfboards, size and volume matter and we’re not just talking about length. These days, volume, how much buoyancy a board has, is a game changer. More volume means easier paddling, more stability and better balance.
It’s really about your surf level, your weight and the kind of waves. If you’re just starting out, a good rule is to pick a board with a volume that is around your weight in kilograms. It will give you more stability and make paddling easier. Making it easier for you to catch those waves without wasting too much energy. As you become more confident and improve your skills, switching to a board with less volume is a good move. Ideal if you want to surf bigger waves or start working on your tricks.
Basically, a higher-volume board is perfect for learners and smaller waves. A lower-volume board will respond faster and is easier to move. Perfect for more experienced surfers and big, punchy waves.
And don’t worry about what other people think of your board and don’t pick one just because it looks cool. Get a board that helps you catch as many waves as possible and have fun on every ride!
Want some examples? Here’s a quick guide by surfboard type:
Shortboards: 22L – 35L
Fishes: 25L – 45L
Funboards: 40L – 60L
Longboards: 60L – 100L
#4 Test Before You Invest
Buying the perfect surfboard is a lot easier when you get some experience first. At Kima Surf Sri Lanka, we offer a wide range of boards that you can rent, so you can try several shapes and sizes before making your choice. It’s a smart way to see what feels best, if you’re upgrading your current board or buying your first one. Our surf guides will also help you with picking the right fit for you.
Always rent, test and swap around. You might find that a different shape or size fits better to your style than what you thought in the first place. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Many surfers later sell their boards when they travel and buy new ones when they hit bigger waves or want a style upgrade. So don’t forget to look at second-hand shops or online, there are plenty of online places and surf shops where you can find a good second-hand board.
#5 Have Patience & Ask for Advice
Buying a surfboard is about finding what’s right for your surf level and style. Be honest with yourself! Are you just starting out? Or are you a bit more experienced? Don’t rush to buy the first nice board you see. Take your time to test, choose the one that fits you best and slowly move up.
That’s where our 5-star quiver comes in handy. You’re welcome to rent and swap as many boards as you like. We work with top brands like KT Surfing, AIPA, SMTH Shapes and Roger Hinds, so you can test different shapes and sizes until you find what works for you.
If you’re totally new to the game, our 5-day learn to surf school in Sri Lanka is a great place to start. Our guides will help you understand the basics, like how to pick the right board and how to improve your paddling and pop up. And don’t hesitate to ask our surf guides and surf department at the camp.
So, having the right board makes surfing way more fun and speeds up your progress. Be patient, stay honest with yourself and focus on the basics!
Ready to pick your surfboard and hit those waves?