Choosing the right board for the right spot

A surfboard is chosen not only according to the surfer's size and level, but also according to the waves he or she will ride on his or her reference spot(s).

The oar

The start is crucial. If you still have a little trouble paddling (lack of power in your strokes or lack of rhythm), choose boards with little rocker. They are flat and glide faster, and you will be in the right timing to catch your wave (Fish,Mini-Malibu, Longboard). When you switch to boards with a more pronounced rocker (Egg,shortboard), you "push" more water (on the curved part of your board) and it will take more effort to launch yourself into the wave.

The waves of my spot

The type and size of waves you'll be riding will influence your choice:

In big waves, you'll need a short board that's responsive and supple enough to link maneuvers together, one that can evolve without stalling. The shortboard is obviously the best option, but it's also the most technical: in the trough, the start is immediate and the reactivity exemplary. Whichever board you choose, you'll want a shape with a sufficiently pronounced rocker, as on the EGG range, which enables you to make tight, flowing turns. On a longboard, the shape can be tighter, maneuvers will be wider, and the mini-malibu and longboard will come out of the game without a problem, but will require mastery of board placement.

In small and medium waves, it's best to opt for boards that are quick off the mark and make your life easier: little resistance = quicker to stand up and quicker into the wave. This is where the FISH range comes into its own. The shape is wide, the volume comfortable and the tail offers great stability. This type of board will be fast in the wave, and very pleasant up to a correct size. Its taut shape will be its weak point beyond a certain size, and won't allow it as much reactivity and curves as an EGG model, for example. The reference model for small waves remains, of course, the longboard (and mini-malibu). A very fast start, an optimized glide from the very first strokes, a generous and harmonious glide...