Introduction to Surfing!

There are many different ways to pick a surf board, but it typically comes down to your level of expertise and the type of waves you surf the most. Each type of board provides advantages and disadvantages. These examples of boards cover a wide range of surfing styles, from high-performance to relaxed cruising, making them the top picks for surfers of all levels:

- The soft top (best for beginners): Covered in soft foam for extra safety, foam boards are ideal for learning because they provide excellent buoyancy and stability.

- The fish: Wider and shorter than a shortboard, with a swallow tail and often a twin-fin setup, fish boards excel in smaller waves. They provide speed and flow in weaker surf.

- Fun boards: A blend of longboard and shortboard elements, funboards are a great option for transitioning surfers. They offer stability while still allowing for more manoeuvrability than a longboard.

- Longboards: A large, thick board with a rounded nose, longboards are great for stability and cruising. They glide effortlessly and are ideal for catching smaller, slower waves.

- Shortboards (great for experts): Thin, lightweight, and designed for high performance, shortboards are used for quick manoeuvres and aggressive surfing in powerful waves. They have a pointed nose and multiple fins.

Fun Facts:

- The longest ride world record is 3 hours 55 minutes.

- The first surfboards were made from heavy wood, often weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg)!

- The term "Hang Ten" refers to a move in longboarding where the surfer rides the wave with all 10 toes hanging over the edge of the board. It’s a classic and stylish maneuver, requiring balance and control.

- The first official surfing contest was held in California in 1928.

- Surfing is one of the newest Olympic sports, being added in the Tokyo 2020 games.

- Kelly Slater is the highest paid surfer ever. He is an 11-time world champion, the youngest and oldest champion in history.