The 5 best ways to break a surfboard

Few surfers can say they've never broken a surfboard. Whether it's a board that's been broken in half, or a small fart, it's not uncommon to damage a surfboard. However, it is possible to avoid such incidents and reduce the risk of breaking a surfboard. In this article, discover the 5 best ways to break a surfboard and learn how to avoid them.

1) Surfing in waves not suited to your board

One of the best ways to break a surfboard is to go surfing with a board that isn't suited to the type of waves. In fact, depending on the conditions, some boards just can't be used. For example, we advise against using a mini-malibu or longboard in big, powerful, fast, hollow conditions. You risk bending it in half, even if it's a high-quality, sturdy board.

That's why you should always choose a board that's suitable for the conditions you'll be riding in. That way, you won't have to repair your board or buy a new one. What's more, if you're a beginner surfer, don't go into waves you can't handle. A little additional advice: you can find out which board to choose by consulting the forecast. In particular, check two things:

• Swell size
• Swell period

The greater the swell size and period, the bigger and more powerful the waves. Note also that even if the swell size is small or medium, depending on the period, the power of the waves will vary. For example, when the forecast calls for a 1-meter swell, the waves will be much more powerful if 14-second periods are forecast than if 7-second periods are forecast.

2) Shore-break surfing

Shore-break refers to waves breaking in very little water or directly on the edge of the beach. Shore-break often occurs either at low tide, when the waves break over very little water, or at high tide, when there's too much water for the waves to break offshore. If you have a good level of surfing, shorebreak can be great fun to ride. However, surfing in these waves increases the risk of breaking your surfboard. If you fall, your board may hit the bottom and break. If you insist on surfing in these conditions, try to hold on to your board when you fall. The best thing to do is to get out of the wave a little earlier, so that you don't end up in the impact zone.

For added safety, we recommend using a softboard to surf the shore-break. In the event of a collision with your board, this will prevent injury and reduce the risk of breaking your board. Please note, however, that surfing the shorebreak is dangerous for both you and your board.

3) Don't use a bag to carry your board

When transporting your surfboard, whether by car, bike, plane or any other means of locomotion, it's important to use a cover. During transport, boards are frequently impacted. Using a cover reduces the risk of breaking a surfboard. For everyday use, a sock cover is sufficient. Sock covers protect your surfboard over short distances. If you're traveling by plane, you'll need a travel bag. Travel covers are padded covers that provide optimum protection for your board when traveling abroad or over long distances.

4) Place the knee in the take-off position

It's a common mistake among beginner surfers. The take-off can be tricky to learn when you're just starting out. To help themselves, some beginners put their knee down and perform their take-off in two steps. Apart from the fact that this is a very bad habit, it also weakens the deck of the board. Putting the knee down on the take-off causes the board to dig in, making it much more fragile. If the take-off is complicated for you, practice out of the water and choose a bigger, more voluminous board. This will make the maneuver easier and help you avoid numerous faults as you progress.

5) Bonus: throw your board onto the freeway or off a building

You can have the sturdiest, most solid board possible (such as a Prism Surfboards Shockproof), but if you don't take care of it, you risk breaking it. Obviously, throwing a board onto the highway or off a building is a caricature. But your surfboard is the essential tool you need to practice your passion. Take care of it and look after it so that you can surf it for as long as possible. Surfboard brands of any kind will not be held responsible for any improper treatment of your board.