When To Transition From Soft Top To Fiberglass
Soft top surfboards have enabled people of all ages to learn the art of surfing. With foam cores, and dull plastic fins, they allow beginners to practice the fundamentals of surfing without sustaining injuries. We use soft top surfboards for all of our lessons because of this. They provide a sense of security and are easy to stand up on because of their lightweight and buoyant cores.
But after a few surf lessons and perfect pop ups in the white wash, some feel they are ready to order their first custom fiberglass surfboard. Many make this transition prematurely resulting in injury, low wave count, and loss of confidence.
So how does one know when it’s time to move on from their foamie?
At Fulcrum, we use the 70% rule. If a surfer is catching 7/10 waves that they paddle for, it is a good indication that the surfer has a general concept of timing, line up positioning, and has the paddling strength to get into waves. This time frame can take a month for some, and a year for others depending on physical fitness, time in the water, and perseverance.
Another sign that you are ready to move on to a beginner friendly shape is when one begins to bore of going straight on a wave. Turning a surfboard is a thrilling sensation that many of our clients seek, but because of soft tops dull rails and gummy like fins, they find it difficult to engage a cutback, or bottom turn. If popping up has become second nature, and you want to begin to maneuver the board, it is is time to order a fiberglass surfboard.
Part of the benefit of being a Fulcrum Surf client is that we offer equipment consultation; helping make sure that the investment you make in your surfboard will help enable you to progress.
When suggesting a beginner friendly design, we look to two options that both have their pros and cons.
Long Boards and Fun Boards
Long boards are traditional surf crafts; a staple in Californian lineups since the 1960s. At 9 foot and above in length; they are easy to paddle and thus are ideal for catching lots of waves. Because of their large size however, longboards are conducive for those looking to trim along a wave rather than making large directional changes. They also can be cumbersome; proving difficult to turn, get through consistent surf and are prone to nose dive on steeper wave faces.
Fun boards are a love child between long and short boards. Typically ranging from 6’6 to 8’6 in length, they are designed with beginners in mind. They paddle like a long board, but are maneuverable like a shortboard; making them a go too for those looking to transition from a soft top to a fiberglass surfboard. The drawback of fun boards is that while they have characteristics of both long and short boards, they aren’t either. These boards will suffice until a surfer decides they either want to go shorter and be able to turn, or go longer and have the increased paddle power. Either way, fun boards live up to what their name suggests.
Having difficulty ordering a surfboard? Schedule a lesson with us at Fulcrum Surf and we can help assess your ability and assure that your purchase is suitable to your height, weight, and surfing skill. Fulcrum students receive a discount with many local shapers, so sign up today, and we’ll sort out the rest. You can sign up online at www.fulcrumsurf.com or simply call 858.397.4491 and we set you up!