A surfboard’s volume is one of its most important characteristics, so what is it, exactly?
Why a Board’s Volume Is Important
A board’s volume is important depending on where you will be surfing. What’s your level of ability and experience? The best surfboard is the one that will perform best for your size, ability, and your goals–once you can clearly identify all three, you’ll be in a position to answer the question about one of the most important qualities your surfboard should possess: its volume.
It may well be that the most you need to know about a board is that you need lots of volume because you need a highly buoyant board because you’re a beginner and your interest isn’t professional or technical, just recreational. That’s perfectly valid.
But it could be that you’re a professional, and surfing, heaven help you, is your honest-to-goodness job. In that scenario, your needs and goals mean more knowledge is not only desirable but mandatory.
In this sort of scenario, not only volume but exactly what type of volume, matters because, as we will see, the sort of materials that influence a board’s volume also affect the rest of what a surfboard can do: Is it flexible? Is it built to take a beating? For such a surfer, his – or her —life may depend on the nature of the makeup of their surfboard.
Your Board Must Serve You
Surfboard volume is bottom line, the measurement of how much water your board displaces when it’s submerged. In the context of the big blue sea, your little board’s volume probably seems like a negligible thing to worry about… but it’s a very big part of how any board is going to handle in the water for its rider, so considering volume will help you find the right board for how and where you surf.
First, because a board’s volume directly affects how buoyant it is. More of the right type of volume translates to more buoyancy, and buoyance is especially useful when you’re starting to learn. As you get more comfortable, your expectations and needs for your board will evolve. Beginners almost always do best on a larger board with greater volume.
And next, a board with great buoyancy (volume) sits right on top of the water. A board right on top of the water surface paddles faster than those with less buoyancy that sink. The top-floating board can easily catch more waves, but because of greater size (volume), will maneuver slowly.
While a lower-volume board may not catch quite as many waves, when it does, this one can be a lot easier to handle. Think about it – less bulk means less resistance in the water.
More info on settling on the best volume for your needs can be found here: https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemore-magazine/what-is-a-surfboards-volume
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What Makes Up a Surfboard’s Volume?
And not all volume is created equal, either: The materials the board is made from obviously contribute to a board’s volume and weight, as different materials have their own properties and weights, and volumes. When building boards of the various materials, manufacturers select according to the size a board will be, as well as its purpose, or what sort of board it is.
The Material Makeup of a Surfboard
Some examples of the materials we find in modern surfboards today include the following:
- Open/Closed Epoxy
- Resin
- Foam
- Fiberglass
It’s worth noting that all surfboards do use some type of foam and that there are multiple kinds of foam, each of which serves a unique function. The different types of materials all perform differently and are used to engineer the final character of their boards, selected for how they affect such traits as a board’s torsion or durability. Likewise, the materials will dictate the way a board can be put together because the type of material dictates the way the board must be made, and this, in turn, will affect what the finished board can accomplish in the water.
For an in-depth look at different kinds of board materials: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12075
But! Board Volume Isn’t the Last Word
Volume isn’t the be-all, end-all trait for selecting a surfboard. It isn’t even the most important, though it’s definitely significant.
Equally as important, or even more so, is you, the surfer. Your weight and height, along with your degree of familiarity with the sport and your level of skill, will point the way before any other consideration. Your frame must work in conjunction with the sort of board you select.
Your weight will have a direct bearing on the way your board can perform in the water, for example, as will your height and the length of the board, along with your level of experience.
For example, a heavier surfer is going to need more volume to stay afloat.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.