8 Best Surfboards in 2018

When planning your next snorkeling trip it is often beneficial to have your own gear. Snorkeling provides a much desired view of the underwater world. A sport that is enjoyed by just about everyone, having your own snorkel gear will allow you to snorkel more often. Even the best swimmers can tire from long snorkeling trips. That is why it is best to opt for the best snorkeling fins. This will allow you to spend longer amounts of time in the water without leg cramps or tiring.

We have found and listed this year’s best snorkel fins on the market. These fins will ensure that your next trip in the water is much more enjoyable.

Surfboards Reviews

How To Choose A Surf Surfboard – Buying Guide

Surfboards, just like wakesurf boards, have a specific design that allows them to skim over the water. Companies make small alterations to the shape, size, and weight of the board to try and perfect their design.

Size

Choosing the perfect surf board size for you depends on a few crucial characteristics. There is no one size fits all board. Also, as your skill increases the size of your surf board will change drastically.

Skill

Beginner riders will look for a board with a lot of stability to combat their inexperience. This is most often found in boards with a large volume, between 7’-8’ long, 3” thick and a minimum of 22” wide. A soft top board is also often preferred as they float easier providing added stability.

Fitness

Young and fit riders will be able to take boards with less surface area and therefore require a bit more work. The work pays off in more fine maneuverability and less drag in the water. Those who are less fit or who are older and get tiered easier will find it more desirable to have a board with a bit more substance. Adding a few inches in thickness and width to your board will allow you to have an easier ride without compromising performance.

Height & Weight

Your height and weight play a contributing role about the board you should choose. A heavier and taller person will need a board that has more volume. This is usually represented in liters and increases with the size of the board. Essentially, it is how much force will be keeping the rider on top of the water on their surf board.

Wave Type

Different waves require a different board. There is no science to this, but experience in the water can go a long way to determining the right board for you. Larger waves will act different than smaller ones, while surf in a shallow area will require a different setup than that in deeper water. This is where your experience in the water comes into play. The longer you spend surfing the better you will be able to pick a board that suits your skill and the wave type.

Fins

The fin setup you choose should depend on a few different factors. Your style of surfing, your skill level and your weather conditions will all be factors. Having a fin setup with more fins is better as they are more versatile. You can choose how many fins you would like to put in depending on the conditions. Fins vary in more than just size but also angle and flex characteristics. For this reason, it is best for beginners to start with standard fins and move from there.

Put simply, bigger boards and heavier weight people will need bigger fins while smaller fins are more meant for lightweight people and/or smaller boards.

Accessories

When a surf board comes equipped with accessories it sweetens the deal. These are things that you will want to buy so getting one with a packaged deal can prove incredibly cost effective for you.

Bag

There are two different types of board bags that you can get. The first is an everyday use bag while the other is designed specifically for travel such as air travel or road trips. The day to day bag is designed to protect your board from dings and scratches while sitting in your garage or being transported to the beach. These come in various thicknesses from a thinly knit sock to a padded tarpaulin material.

The travel bag is made more rugged than the daily bag and is thicker than the aforementioned. These vary in how many boards they carry from 1-4 and some even feature wheels making them easier to transport. These are able to be thrown onto your roof and strapped to roof racks for the easiest transport of your board.

Stomp Pad

Traction pads improve the grip you have on the board and are especially important for beginners. These boards vary in shape to perfectly complement your board’s shape. This pad will improve your surfing skills and allow you to get more air on your turns.

Leash

Any surfer knows how important it is for you to have a leash that attaches you and your board together. If your surf board comes included with this it will save you the trouble of buying one. Both length and thickness vary in the types of the leash and depend on your board type. If your board is between 6’ and 6’10” you will need a 6’ leash. Likewise, one that is 7’ – 7’10” will require a 7’ leash etc.

The thickness of the leash should depend on the size of your board and the size of the waves you plan to surf. The standard all around size for leashes should be about ¼” thick. Smaller waves, as well as smaller boards, have less drag and therefore require a thinner 3/16” leash. Bigger boards in bigger waves will have more drag which will require a thicker 5/16” leash.

Globo Surf Overview

No matter what your skill levels, a day out on the water deserves the best board on the market. All of the surfboard reviews that made it on our list are the top of their kind which mean they will effortlessly give you the best surfing experience. From short boards to long, we have covered everything to match every rider’s skill and comfort level.

Sources

1. Surf News, Surfer Magazine
2. Surf Levels, Surfline

New to Surfboards or have a Surfboards on our list? Let us know how you like it in the comment section below.