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What Are The Best Surfboards For Big Waves?

by Peter Harris on July 10, 2022

If you’re an aspiring big wave surfer, then the best surfboards for this type of surfing are going to be a little different than a beginner’s board. You’ll need a thicker and heavier board with more rocker so it can handle the power of the waves without being flipped over. These boards also have more buoyancy which helps keep them afloat in case they flip over in the deep water. 

Before you head out to a surf shop to buy a new surfboard, please take a look through this blog where we will be discussing the different types of surfboards and whether they are best to ride big waves or not.

Types Of Surfboards

There are various types of surfboards that vary in terms of their design and the conditions of waves they are meant to be used for. 

1). Longboards

For those who love to do more than just riding waves, longboards can be a great choice. They’re very stable and handle well when you need to quickly change direction or turn at slower speeds. This is so that your board doesn’t get out front too much without losing momentum.  These surfboards are typically recommended for slower-paced, fat waves.

2). Tow Boards

A tow-in surfboard is a short, durable board designed for big waves. It can be towed into the shore and used to ride out powerful ocean swells that may not break or turn aside when they reach land. They are stable so that you will have more control over your maneuvering capabilities while riding these types of conditions.

3). Shortboards

You can have the best time of your life on a shortboard. It’s hyper-manoeuvrable and designed to be quick, so you’ll never get bored paddling in one direction all day long! The shorter length ensures there are no slow sections when travelling downwind through waves or catching those tricky turns at high speeds. Because of this, shortboards are best for sharp and powerful waves. However, since these boards are fast, they lose a bit of stability, so keep an eye out for this!

4). Gun Surfboards

Gun surfboards are a unique type of surfboard designed to ride large waves. The long, pointed design enables the surfer to paddle into 4 metre plus conditions and create momentum before popping up on top to display their talent.

5). Fish Surfboards

There’s nothing like the feeling of catching a wave, and there are few boards that can deliver this experience better than fish surfboards. This is a perfect balance between stability and maneuverability which makes for quick turns or long blasts through waves. They are best suited for small and buttery waves. 

6). Funboards

The funboard is a perfect “in-between” for the intermediate surfer. These boards are about 2 to 3 metres long and have an oval shape with rounded ends, making them comfortable to use on small to medium waves as well as flat water! 

Choosing The Right Surfboard

The perfect board for you might not be the same as someone else’s! That being said, there are still some things that you should factor into your decision-making process when it comes to finding a surfboard. 

In order to find the perfect surfboard, there are a few things that you should consider. First off is what type of waves will be ridden most often? For example, a beginner might want an ideal board for catching some smaller swells. However, more advanced riders may prefer something beefed up so they can take on bigger breaks.

Additionally, make sure to find the right size surfboard for you. There’s no point in getting a board that is too small or large. Take measurements with care when deciding which surfboard will match your height and weight best! A variety of different shapes and sizes can be found for all sorts of people so there is no need to worry about choosing the wrong size.

Considering the wave conditions you intend to surf and the size of your body are just among some of the important factors to keep in mind when choosing the right surfboard. 

You also need to consider transporting your surfboard. This is something that a lot of people forget to take into consideration. It’s not uncommon for somebody to buy a surfboard that is too long to fit in their car or they might not be able to install a roof rack for whatever reason. So don’t forget to think about this before you make your purchase!

Final Thoughts

The best surfboards for big waves are typically longer and thinner. They’re designed to ride the steep faces of really high waves, but they can’t be too thick or wide because that can make them difficult to maneuver in rough water. If you find yourself looking at a board that can ride big waves, don’t hesitate to call us at Beachin Surf today!

At Beachin Surf, we offer a wide variety of surfing essentials. We have surfboards, wetsuits, board bags, clothing, footwear, accessories and surf hardware. We are more than happy to help you with your surfing journey.

For all your surfing essentials, please visit us at 262 Maine Road, Toukley, NSW. You can also call ahead to make sure we are there to assist you properly.

Please call us today on (02) 4396 5159 or feel free to send us an inquiry.

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