CHOOSING A SURFBOARD

The Shortboard

There are basically four types of surfboard design, plus beginners boards. The first is the Shortboard, also known as the Thruster. This is the type of board that is pictured above. It is a board used to perform quick manoeuvres and is the most popular type of surfboard design. The size of these Shortboards is generally from around 5´8´´ to 6´10´´.

The Longboard or Malibu

The main difference in design from a shortboard is that the nose of the Longboard is rounded. Other than that there is no real difference, Shortboards tend to have 3 fins and Longboards tend to have a single fin. (Surfboards can have as many fins as they like, it is not a standard thing). Mini Malibus range from the 7´2´´-9´0´´ and Malibus are 9´0´´ and upwards in length.

The Fish

The Fish is very similar to a Shortboard but is smaller in length. The lack of length is made up by an increase in the width of the board, giving it a slightly more rounded shape. Fish are generally between 4´8´´ and 6´0´´.

The Gun

The Gun is a bigger version of the Shortboard and is used in the big wave arena. The increased length of the board makes it possible to paddle into bigger waves. The Gun can be anywhere from 7´2´´ in length to over 12´ for the really big waves.

The Softboard

The best surfboard for a beginner is a Malibu. The bigger, thicker Mals are easier to catch waves with and are more stable to stand up on The ideal board should be at least 9´ long and be made of foam. Foamies as they are called are the ideal board to start on because the soft foam construction means the boards are incredibly buoyant, enabling the beginner to catch waves easily. Their dimensions ensure that they are very stable in the water - making it easier for the novice to stand up.

The Pop-Out

A Pop-Out is a surfboard that is made on a production line and is a cheap alternative to a custom made fibreglass surfboard. The Pop-Out is made of foam covered with thick fibreglass and is practically indestructible! As a result of their construction the pop-out is heavier than a softboard or a custom board of equal size, which is good from a learners point of view, because the board is much steadier in the water. The Pop-Out is a good beginners choice because of their cost and the fact that they float really well.

7s Superfish

The 7S Superfish. boasts an interesting step-deck design that I noticed right away. It gives the girth needed to float you into massive amounts of waves while giving the feel of a thinner railed board, so you can more effectively put the board on edge as you progress in your surfing performance.

The 7S Superfish. is very fast and very loose. There is no argument there at all. It projected strong off the bottom, which is where some fish boards (boards that are wide and thick and generally have a split “swallow” tail) falter. In addition, I found the 7S Superfish. performed very similarly to a traditional surfboard. It turned quickly off the top and transitioned smoothly from top to bottom along the wave face.
The 7S Superfish. is designed with a flat bottom and full-length concave leading to a double-concave near the tail.

The flat bottom requires less speed and power to keep the board level and generates less friction on the water’s surface. Flat bottoms are great for small waves but don’t work well in more hollow waves that require your board have more curve to fit into the more extreme curve of the wave. The board’s concave is where the board’s bottom is curved in to provide a subtle channel for the water to flow, theoretically providing more projection down the wave and out of turns.

The7S Superfish. comes in lengths from 5’ 8” to 6’ 3”, all with a double-bump swallow tail that works in conjunction with the aforementioned bottom design. The swallowtail breaks up the water that has been channeled by the concaved bottom, thus loosening up the boards turning capability.

All this board design explanation really doesn’t matter when you are surfing. What matters is this. The 7S Superfish. is a great board for any level rider, but I believe would greatly help newer surfers who may have trouble catching waves or turning their big beginner boards. This board is loose and fast, and its innovative step-deck design gives it the feel of a thinner board while still being maneuverable in small, crappy surf.

FIN FEVER

This board is superfast and drivey. It will light up your surfing in small to medium waves. Should be ridden 1-2” shorter than your normal board.

FEATURES
BOTTOM: Single xcelerator concave
TAIL: Bat tail - can be shaped to suit
LENGTH: 5’6” - 6’6”
WIDTH: 181/2” - 20”
THICKNESS: 21/8” - 25/8”

the HYBRID

All round fun board for beginners to intermediate surfers. Stable & easy to paddle yet still performs fast and loose.

FEATURES
BOTTOM: Triple concave
TAIL: Round square
LENGTH: 6’10” - 7’8”
WIDTH: 20” - 21 3/4”
THICKNESS: 2 3/4” - 3”

COMP SERIES by MADDOG

The Comp series is the result of 30 years of experience in surfboard design and manufacturing. This is what our team rides. Whether free surfing or in competition. The ultimate performance surfboard, customise to suit.

FEATURES
BOTTOM: Single xcelerator concave or triple concave
TAIL: Rounded square, swallow or round pin
LENGTH: 5’0” - 6’6”
WIDTH: 15 3/4 - 19 3/4
THICKNESS: 1 3/4 - 2 1/2