ThreeSixty Bodyboarding Magazine

WINTER WETSUITS SUMMER WETSUITS LATEST TECHNOLOGY

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BANTHAM BOURNEMOUTH BRIGHTON BUDE COLDINGHAM BAY CROYDE GUERNSEY GWITHIAN JERSEY LAHINCH NEWQUAY PERRANPORTH PORTRUSH PRAA SANDS SCARBOROUGH SOUTH WALES STRANDHILL

Here are a few tips to help you find that perfect new board.

1. Work out how much you are looking to spend so that when you go to the shop you don't get blagged into a board which is too expensive and unsuitable.

2. Decide what you want the board to help you do. If you've got a ticket booked to Hawaii for the winter the board should be quite a lot different to one required to surf Bournemouth pier in the summer. Dimensions that reflect your height, weight and riding style should also be considered. If you're 6' 2" and somewhat gangly, then you'll be shopping for a different board to someone who's 5'4" with an impressive beer gut.

Here are some rough guidelines concerning suitable board dimensions.

Size
The board's nose should ideally be approximately the same height as your belly button, give or take an inch or two either way. It should also fit comfortably under your arm when you carry it.

Rocker
Generally flatter boards with minimal rocker (curve through the board from nose to tail) are better for our fattish beachbreak waves. A bit more rocker is recommended for reef breaks in foreign climes.
When choosing a board lie it flat on the shop floor and if it rocks like a rocking chair then put it on the shelf and choose again. Basically, the only time you need rocker is a slight kick in the nose and tail if you're surfing particularly big and sucky waves.

Outline and Rails
A board with rails that are parallel or straight will tend to be faster but less manoeuvrable than a model with a central wide point and therefore rounder outline. If you're keen on riding dropknee look for a board that's a bit longer with a tighter nose (i.e. less wide than usual).
Rail design falls broadly into two categories, the 60/40 rail or the 50/50. These ratios describe the angle of the rail and the rail chine. The 60/40 option displaces more water when in trim position and therefore offers more control yet is slightly slower. 50/50 rails offer less control and more speed.

Tails
Tail options currently available are crescent shaped, square tails or bat tails. Crescent tails offer the comfiest design and the best holding power or bite when trimming. Square tails are touted to be a bit faster as they offer more volume to the board and therefore less drag. The bat tail offers increased manoeuvrability due to the loose tail design but should ideally incorporate channels to compensate for the loss of holding power in critical situations.

Channels
Whether or not to select a board with channels should be given some thought. They give that extra bite in steep barrelling sections but they can slow you down and create drag. Beware of deep channels, go for shallow blended affairs if your go for them at all.

Fins
If you're going to take bodyboarding seriously then a decent pair of good fitting fins will be essential. These days the price range begins at £20 and goes all the way up to £55. The more you pay the better the fins will be and as long as you rinse them out in fresh water after use then longer they will last. Try to pick a fin that is stiff in the blade and soft, comfortable and well fitting in the foot pocket. If you wear neoprene fin socks then take them along to the shop with you and wear 'em when you try on the fin. In the summer it's great to shed as much neoprene as possible so try and go for a pair of fins that will fit comfortably without your socks.

links

NMD and VS
ThreeSixty Caught up with owner of NMD and VS Nick ‘Mez’ Mesrits for the lowdown about the brand.
Click here

custom X
ThreeSixty caught up with Cusom X for their approach to good shaping, design and performance.
Click here

Hot Buttered
Threesixty caught up with the crew at Hot Buttered for some info about their bodyboard brand.
Click here

Science
ThreeSixty caught up with Mike Stewart to for his thoughts on good shaping and what drives good design and performance.
Click here

Tips on buying boards