Flat Surfboard Experiments

Cocoa Beach native Kelly Slater is professional surfing's most recognized and most decorated surfer. He was the youngest to win a world title when he accomplished the feat when he was 20 and also the oldest, when he collected his 10th title in November 2010. Growing up in Florida, where the waves are not as big as in most places, Slater most likely -- like many young Florida surfers -- used a flat surfboard while riding the smaller waves. Surfboards with flat bottoms have a tendency to move faster through the water and are easier to ride in small waves.

  1. Speed Counts

    • Flat-bottom surfboards are the board of choice for young and beginner surfers. It's the original contour of surfboards and is efficient on small waves. As a beginner, you'll want to tackle small waves, like those in Florida (compared to Hawaii) for starters. To test how well the board moves with the waves, take the board into the ocean until you are waist deep. Hold the board with the nose aimed at the beach. When a wave comes, push the board forward to ride the wave. The flat bottom will allow the board to glide smoothly and straight toward the beach. Have someone in shallow water ready to catch the board so it does not hit anyone.

    Small Vs. Large Waves

    • Flat-bottom surfboards are not recommended for big waves. The reason is that the flat bottom promotes speed, not turning ability. Test the ability to turn on a flat surfboard by taking it out in larger wave conditions. Speeds increase with wave size. Drop into a wave that is in the 4- to 5-foot range. Try to turn. Document your success or lack of it.

      Then take a surfboard with a double concave bottom and surf the same waves. Notice the improved maneuverability. A double concave bottom board is designed for a quicker and wider range of movement.

    Pool Test

    • If you don't have access to an ocean, you can use a swimming pool to document how a flat surfboard moves through still water, compared to other types of boards. Stand in the shallow end of the pool with the flat board. Wait for the water to be as close to still as possible. Push the board toward the deep end and notice the ease with which it moves and the light ripple it leaves in its wake.

      Next, do the same with a double concave board and one with a V bottom. Both of these boards are designed for maneuverability. Both boards will glide well in the still water, but note the difference in the wake both leave behind.

    Stability Test

    • The design of a surfboard with a flat bottom provides stability. It's not as loose as most other boards. A big reason beginner surfers and larger surfers use this type of board is because it enables them to stand easier because it doesn't rock from side to side. Have fun with this test. Take your board into the ocean. Set a glass with with something to drink in it on the board. Let a wave take the board forward to the beach and watch how the board's lack of wiggle will keep the drink upright.