Do you want to learn how to surf? Sure, you most likely have a romanticized idea of gliding seamlessly across a cascading wall of water, carving up and down the face of the wave, riding all the way to the beach… right?

Wrong. Chances are, if you’ve never surfed before be prepared for…ummm let’s just say a very humbling experience. Hate to break it to ya, but learning to surf is not easy. Sure, anyone can take a lesson and be technically ‘surfing’ within as little as a few minutes on mushy, crumbling white-wash waves. But c’mon any surfer will tell you that’s not really surfing. If you want to experience the thrill of surfing so indescribable its said “only a surfer knows the feeling,” then you’re going to need lots of practice, patience, and most likely some helpful tips and suggestions. The following series of posts are aimed at providing the aspiring surfer everything he/she needs to know about learning to surf: Everything from the basics like choosing the right surfboard and paddling techniques to more advanced topics like wave knowledge and surfer’s etiquette. If you stick with it, past the embarrassing wipe-outs and initial awkwardness, you’ll eventually experience that amazing ‘thrill’, but be warned it could change your life! See you in the water…and good luck!

This blog post is brought to you by Nice Rack, offering affordable surfboard wall racks.

Ok, so you’re committed, right? Ready to hit the surf? Now you just need to figure out one minor little detail….picking the right surfboard to learn how to surf! (ok, maybe not so minor) after all picking the right surfboard could make or break how you feel about surfing in general and possibly affect your enthusiasm to continue past the struggle of learning. If you’re a beginner, you want a no frills board that is extremely easy to stand on, trust me! Although, skipping along the sand holding a paper light and potato-chip thin board underneath your arm may feel ‘cooler’ than lugging around that beat up old tanker of a board that seems more like a battleship than a sleek surfing vessel….who cares! You need a board that floats and that’s about it…for now!

So forget about picking out that stylish ‘fish’ or brand new ‘thruster’ (if you don’t know what I’m talking about don’t worry, a ‘surfing defined’ section will come later). The best choice for a beginning surfer is to pick out an inexpensive used board, ideally a ‘longboard’ that stands at least 3 ft taller than you. I.E. If you’re six foot tall, pick out a 9’0” or longer. The bigger the better! The width is important as well. Try to find a board at least 20” wide or more.

You’re best bet for finding affordable used longboards for sale is online at craigslist.com.  Or you can try your local surfshop. Just remember to start with something inexpensive to learn on. You can always upgrade once you get the hang of things.

Looking for a great way to store your new surfboard? Try Nice Rack Wall Surfboard Racks

Here are four things to look out for when shopping for a used surfboard:

1) Check for Dings: the most obvious are cracks or open holes in the board, but be aware of yellow or otherwise discolored areas that may be absorbing water. If you spot any spider cracks, place your lips over the area and suck (if saltwater is present then you have found a ding that needs to be fixed). If you spot duct tape, find out what’s underneath.

2) De-lamination: this occurs when the fiberglass separates from the foam core underneath. Once a board is delaminated, its basically one step away from being surf-god sacrifice material (in other words, its toast!). Run your fingers over the surface of the surfboard taking notice of any bubbles or areas that feel ‘soft’. For shorter boards, an easy way to spot de-lamination is to stand a board straight up and grab the nose (top). Using your forearms for leverage, press down towards the floor as if trying to bend the board in the middle. This will expose any potential de-lamination areas (usually where the feet are placed). (more…)