The key is to build skills, and this can only be achieved by building confidence. A bigger board will help you catch waves and build a wave addiction. A 12ft 6 Starboard Generation can be a great first board for catching waves. Yes, it’ s long, but its shape helps someone build speed and latch onto waves in a straight run. This progress leads to a 10-foot all-around board, similar to the NSP Elements. It’ s wide, but beautifully shaped, and you can just about catch waves to order. Such boards can be great for developing foot skills.
Advanced Surfboards are lovely-looking things. But don’ t ask me my opinion on them – because I wouldn’ t pretend to know how to even stand up on them!
Construction My boards vary from full carbon, wood carbon and fibreglass. I thought I would really notice the difference in performance between the three of them. But in practice, to me, there is very little. On a time trial over 10 km on the flat, the variation in speed ranges from 9 to 9.2km / h. hardly worth worrying about. In high winds, having a heavier board seems to make life easier, as it is less inclined to deviate and more able to conserve momentum. This may be controversial, but most paddlers would probably get more benefit from a two-week diet or a month’ s gym membership than paying out the extra £ 1,000 for a full carbon board that is 1 kg lighter than a wood carbon one.
To conclude There are some fantastic boards on the market, and as a one-stop choice, an all-water board makes perfect sense. Investing in a new board is a considerable investment. Most of us will buy based on other people’ s opinions, perhaps a review, and if we are fortunate, a ten-minute test run. A‘ full-on’ purchase of a new board carries a high degree of risk. We can easily get sucked in by the marketing, the features, and the improved materials, believing that a new board is the only option for our future enjoyment.
But it’ s worth taking a deep breath and considering your options. Second-hand boards offer great value and the opportunity for enhanced performance in specific situations. They can help increase enjoyment levels and skill development. Yes, they also carry a risk, but from personal experience, the rewards can often be worth it.
comfortable, flexible, unstoppable
FUSE ADVENTURE JACKET
Go the distance in this paddle jacket made from two-way stretch fabric – more comfortable, more sustainable adventures from this PFAS free material made with recycled nylon.