How many go outs should you give yourself and a new surfboard to get acquainted?

Lets say you’ve got a new board that is not the same type board you’ve been riding. So how long do you give yourself to figure it out. 1, 2, 3 go outs? I’ve heard guys say if the board doesn’t work for them by the second go out it’s over.

I just don’t get that. But I guess if you think you know what you like and don’t immediately find it…

Really is there a surfboard that doesn’t work? Realistically, if the board floats and you can paddle the darn thing into a wave and the wave scoops you up it works. It may be squirrelly or you may not be launching and sticking giant airs or hanging ten but if you can catch a wave with it I’d say it works.

That’s extreme I know but what’s also realistic is it may take some time to get a certain board down. There may be a longer learning curve with some boards than others. Of course one of the problems these days are the crowds. We don’t get as many at bats these days so you don’t want to waste the few waves you get on your go out with trying to understand a new piece of equipment.

It’s best to try new stuff in good conditions not sloppy junk surf.

If a board seems stiff it may be the fins not the board.

As well if the board seems squirrelly it may be the fins.

If the board has more foam volume than you’re used to slow your moves down.

If the board has less foam volume than you’re used to keep a low stance or center.

Think and move through one maneuver at a time… like a bottom turn. After the turn let the board follow through before you set up another move.

If you continually have trouble ask someone who knows surfing for some help in figuring the board out. Figuring out new equipment will help your surfing, even if it is finding out what you don’t like.

D.R.

After a nice session with old or new equipment it’s always nice to have it set in your memory with a scene like this one.

Photo by Matt Riley.