About the Surfboard Calculator
Choosing the right surfboard is one of the most, if not the most important purchasing
decision you’ll
make when it comes to an enjoyable wave ride.
Whether you’re a complete beginner learning to surf, beginner intermediate or ready
to break
out in
the pro scene. Understanding the fundamentals behind board design, sizing, shape is
important. The
engineering that goes behind board design is invaluable information. You’ll never
truly know
what a
board suited for you really feels like.
Choosing the right board comes down to your surfing skill, surf conditions, types of
waves,
and
believe it or not, your fitness level.
It all comes into play when buying a board, not to mention paraphernalia like
choosing the
right
surfboard fins, leg ropes, and traction pads.
If you have ever walked into a surf shop, or browsed online, you’ll know
that
there
is more
than a
couple to choose from. It seems like a new brand is coming out weekly with
their
claims
they’re
calling “breakthrough” designs.
The history of surfing has come a long way over the past 240 years, back
when
they
used
carved
timber trees. Surfboard models are still designed by a surfboard shaper, but
a
select few
companies
have taken that leap of faith in technology.
Software like Autodesk can simulate water flow, buoyancy, gravity, braking
force,
and
rigidity. As
well as various other simulations allowing designers to determine how a
board
will
perform.
Adding
gravity allows designers to add a human-like weight to the board. This
allows
simulating
wave, and
surfing conditions providing accurate reporting.
Autodesk isn’t the only company pushing accurate computer simulations
either,
companies like
Siemens
have made PLM software for making firewire surfboards.
This technology has been used for years on projects developed by
world-leading
governments.
The
Defense force uses computer simulations to determine outcomes for real-world
situations.
It’s now
being used to shape the future of the surfing industry.
This advancement in design makes your job as a consumer buying a board, a
stressful,
and
frustrating
experience, easier. there are tens of thousands of different types of
surfboards
to
choose
from.
Your local surf shop to put it simply doesn’t have that many in stock.
Look at the facts, a retailer needs to sell products to stay in business,
they
cannot sell a
product
they don’t stock, and cannot get. They’re going to sell you something they
have
in
stock,
whether
it’s appropriate for you or not, and worst of all. Not to mention sold
something
not
appropriate
that has a higher profit margin.
For this reason the caculator bellow will help you to find the best
specifications
for your
surfboard based
in your surf ability level, weight, age and fitness factor to suggest the
best
surfboard for
you.
A Brief Guide
Weight and Ability: Your weight and ability are essentials to provide a initial Volume for your board. Weight and ability are inversely proportional, it means how much less you are heavy, the smaller the initial volume of your board will be, how much smaller is your ability, the greater the volume of your board will be.
Ability options:
-
Advanced+: You’re a borderline pro, a strong, fit rider capable of making critical manoeuvres with total control, power, and speed. Averaging an 80 - 90% completion rate and catch 9 out of 10 waves you paddle for.
-
Advanced: Surfers are able to complete complex manoeuvres with confidence, control, and consistency. Whilst completing 70-80% of attempted manoeuvres, and catching 8 out of 10 attempted waves.
-
Intermediate / Advanced: Riders are able to link moves whilst having confidence and understanding of each condition. Able to complete above average at 60-70% completion of each manoeuvre. catching 7/10 attempted waves.
-
Intermediate: Riders are progressive surfers capable of trimming the wave face. Developing their movements whilst completing half of the attempted moves. Catching roughly half or slightly more than half of your attempted waves.
-
Beginner: Surfers are your first timers, learning to stand, focusing on their wave count.
Age: Your age will provide a factor to be incresed to the initial volume.
-
0 - 30: Add 0%.
-
31 - 50: Add 8%.
-
51 - 60: Add 20%.
-
61 or more: Add 30%.
Fitness Condition: Fitness is an important consideration in surfing that will provide a factor to be incresed to the initial volume. It’s important to not lie to yourself here, and be honest and reasonable.
-
Excellent: Surfing 4 times per week or other training 4 times per week | Add 0%.
-
Good: Surfing 3 times per week or other training 3 times per week | Add 5%.
-
Average: Surfing 2 times per week or other training 2 times per week | Add 10%.
-
Poor: Surfing 1 times per week or other training 1 times per week | Add 20%.
Surfboard Style: The surfboard style will provide different board sizes (Length, width and Thickness) relative to your necessities.
-
Shortboard Size: Shortboards are much more suited to someone experienced to surfing and are ideal to start getting big waves straight away with more speed.
-
Funboard Size: Funboards (mini-mals) are much more suited to someone new to surfing and are ideal to start getting waves straight away. You still need to make sure the board is large enough to suit your weight and surfing ability.
-
Longboard Size: Longboards are the ideal surfboard for beginners and are suitable for surfers of all standards. As with the funboard, you'll need to choose the right board for your surfing ability. Be honest.
Ps: Note that the sizes should be used as a guide only. If you're in doubt, get something a little bigger than suggested below. Surfboard measurements are still in imperial, so it's feet and inches.
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