Surf FAQs – Bodyboard, Surfboard, Skimboard
1. What is a foamie surfboard?
Sometimes referred to as a ‘foam’ or ‘softboard’, Foamies are stable, high-volume surf boards that sit high on the water, typically made from high-density EPS foam, with a slick base to achieve a buoyant and responsive ride.
Foam surfboards are not composed from so-called ‘hard’ materials like fibreglass or epoxy resin, hence the ‘soft board’ moniker. This makes them easier to transport. Thanks to an EPS core, they also weigh less than traditional boards. However, they are rigid, which allows them to perform well.
The ‘softer’ material also means the risk of injuring yourself or someone else during a collision is lower than it would be with a traditional ‘hard board’. – something that is a real possibility for beginners honing their skills at a popular or crowded resort.
Learn more about foam surfboards and why they might be a good option for you.
2. What size surfboard is right for me?
Foam boards are suitable for any surfer, but especially beginners looking for an affordable way to have fun in the water.
Longer foam surfboards are ideal for beginners. The greater volume afforded by the length means the board will be more buoyant and stable. making them ideal for those who are working toward gaining control over their board and improving their skills.
We currently stock 3 different surfboard lengths – 6ft, 7ft, 8ft. Typically, the surfboard should be at least a foot taller than the rider. However, bear in mind that whilst a bigger board will make it easier to learn smaller adults and children might find a bigger board difficult to handle.
- The 6ft Board (Width 20’’ x Thick 3’’) is our shortest board with the pointiest nose making it the fastest and best suited to intermediate levels looking for speed.
- The 7ft Board (Width 21’’ x Thick 3’’) Has the softest nose and is recommended for beginners as this will be a slower board which helps when learning.
- The 8ft Board (Width 21.5’’ x Thick 3’’) is suitable for people who know how to stand and feel confident but are not looking to race. In addition, the board will also be able to handle greater payloads due to its length.
Remember, a foam surfboard is not a lifesaving device.
3. How do I care for my board?
Whether you’ve got a surfboard, bodyboard or skimboard our care guidance is very similar across all. It is vital to clean items after each use with fresh water only to remove dirt, sand, and salt residue and to dry in cool conditions out of direct sunlight before storage.
When not in use for short periods of time, boards should be stored with the slick side facing up covered by a towel or other covering that will protect it from the sun. It’s vital to never leave your board in a hot or humid environment such as a car as this can result in delamination and heat bubbles to occur.
4. What leash should I wear?
For bodyboarding and surfing it is extremely important to wear a leash suitable for the sport, this is the best way to ensure that you can keep hold of your board. For skimboarding a leash isn’t required due to the fact you will be using it very close to the shore and the way you need to run to ride it.
Bodyboard Leash - All of our bodyboards come with a velcro fabric leash, however if you’re looking to use your board regularly, you’ll want to upgrade to a versatile coiled leash for ultimate tangle resistance. Attach the velcro cuff to your wrist or bicep.
Surfboard Leash- Surf leashes should be the same length as your board or longer. These leashes are straight to avoid the board recoiling in your direction after a wipeout but still keeps you tethered to retrieve the board by pulling it back. Attached the velcro cuff to your knee or ankle.
5. What size bodyboard or skimboard should I buy?
Bodyboards - If you are unsure which size board to purchase, keep in mind that the length of your bodyboard should ideally allow the nose to be within 2" above or below your belly button when standing the board on the floor, this applies to Adults and Children. Riders with a higher payload maybe better suited to a bigger board due to the increased buoyancy. The boards come in a range of lengths to accommodate riders of different sizes: from 33 to 44-inches.
Skimboards - follow a similar rule to bodyboards we stock two sizes: 41’’ which is suitable for both children and adult riders, as well as 37’’ which is best suited to kids and smaller adult riders.
6. Do I need to wax my board?
It’s up to you, we recommend applying some wax to your softboards or skimboard to maintain and add grip to prevent you from slipping as new boards tend to be more slippery in the water. The wax should be applied to the areas you come into contact with most such as the rails where you grip the board and lower abdominal area however there’s no right or wrong way to do it! find a shaded spot to apply the wax.
7. How can I repair my TBF bodyboard/surfboard?
Whether from the sun, the ocean floor, or collisions with others it is only natural for your softboard to suffer some wear such as delamination and air bubbles. Due to the nature of the sport impact damage can occur quickly both in and out of the water.
You’ll be pleased to know that these common occurrences can be easily remedied quickly.
For cracks, peeled rails, delamination, and air bubbles you’ll want to use a glue or flexible resin which is suitable for an EPS foam core and water use, such as Solarez®, Gorrilla Glue®, 3M® 5200, Epoxy Resin (This will dry hard so will be best for areas you don’t place your feet or hands), or a hot glue gun depending on the extent of the damage. Please note that using the wrong type of glue/resin will cause the foam to melt and eat away at the boards EPS core.
Before repairing ensure the area is clean and dry, after repair allow 24hours to cure and dry fully.
- Delamination of the foam side rails, and slick HDPE underside can occur overtime as well as cracks and punctures if the board encounters reefs or rocks, to seal the area a hot glue gun can come in handy for small sections, but a flexible resin/glue will give you a bit more time to work with and a smoother finish. Simply apply the glue and smooth over the surface area and seal the area wiping away any excess to dry/cure, if you find the glue is quite fluid you may need to masking taping the area and lightly sand to smooth once dry.
- Air bubbles can form on the top of a board from sand or from being over exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Although annoying, they don't cause damage if small however if it gets bigger and water gets into it, you’ll want to seal the area - Use a small sharp blade to gently cut a 1inch length cross through the bubble making sure not to touch the foam core underneath and release the trapped air, then using an item such as a lollypop stick apply a thin layer of glue beneath, seal, wipe away any access and weigh down to dry/cure.
8. What’s the difference between bodyboarding and skimboarding?
The main difference between a skimboard and bodyboard is how they’re used. Skimboards are used close to the shore for skimming over the top of shallow waves by standing on the board whereas bodyboards are ridden out in the water with bigger waves utilising your whole body to ride them.
9. What is skimboarding like?
When skimboarding you are gliding on water and can be compared to sliding on ice. To begin you should hold the board and run towards a wave at an angle, drop the board and as the board hits the sand run onto it creating the momentum to skim you across the shallow water. These boards rely on the forward momentum of the rider to create lift underneath the board, therefore allowing it to skim over the surface of the water. Wooden skimboards such as these have no inherent buoyancy and have not been designed to skim out into deeper water.
10. What are the benefits of an inflatable bodyboard?
While buoyant and lightweight, inflatable bodyboards are just as firm as solid boards, but without the added density and weight. Because they can be deflated and compactly stored, they are convenient for any kind of travel, and don’t need a large amount of space in your home.