How to Choose the Bottom of a Surfboard

As they progress, surfers get to know what kind of board works best for them. If a surfer prefers long rides, he needs a certain kind of bottom on the surfboard. For surfers who prefer to get fancy and jump the waves or do tricks, yet another bottom works best. Consider these different kinds of bottoms when you are having or building a custom board for your kind of surfing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have your board planed with a double concave bottom if you like a loose ride. This bottom type is commonly found on most off-the-shelf surfboards. Some surfers who like to jump rails use a board with a double concave bottom.

    • 2

      Go with a flat-bottom surfboard if you are new and feel more comfortable with the stability you can get from a flat bottom. The flat-bottom board also is the best choice for heavier surfers. If you weigh in closer to the 200-pound mark, then you definitely will need the big, flat stability of a flat bottom.

    • 3

      Ride the waves with as much speed as you can get up on a single concave bottom. The water funnels down a single trough down the center of board, allowing you to plow through on the crest of smooth waves. The single concave bottom does not work well, though, in choppy waves or where you have to deal with bumpy waves.

    • 4

      Choose one of the newer bottom shapes to add even more speed to your ride. Still in the experimental stages, the contour is dipped a number of times near the tail of the surfboard to allow you to snake through the waves and turn as you see the movement of the wave to get the highest speed.