At the house of Gang Surf, Every summer, we see the same question: Should I use foam or resin?
The answer depends on your level, your goals, and your budget. We explain everything here to help you make the right choice.
Choosing the right surfboard is crucial for progressing and fully enjoying the waves. Among the many models available, two main categories dominate the market: foam boards and resin boards. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and target audience. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice!
1. The foam board: ideal for beginners and safety
What is a foam board?
Foam boards consist of a foam core covered with a flexible layer of foam or sometimes a plastic layer. They are thicker and, above all, very resistant to impacts.
For whom? 🌊
- Beginners learning to stand up and master the basics of surfing.
- Surfers who want to practice safely, especially children.
- Those looking for a very stable board for small, gentle waves.
Benefits ✨
- Very safe: the foam cushions falls and reduces the risk of injury.
- Easy to handle and more stable thanks to its large volume.
- Impact and water resistant.
Disadvantages ❌
- Less efficient: less maneuverable and slower in waves.
- Less thrilling for experienced surfers.
2. The resin surfboard: the traditional board for experienced surfers
What is a resin board?
Resin surfboards are made with a polyurethane or polystyrene foam core, covered with a rigid fiberglass shell impregnated with polyester or epoxy resin. They are lighter and thinner than foam surfboards.
For whom? 🌊
- Intermediate to advanced surfers looking for performance and responsiveness.
- Those who want to progress in technical surfing, perform maneuvers, and catch more powerful waves.
- Surfers practicing in varied conditions, including cold water or larger waves.
Benefits ✨
- Excellent handling and speed.
- Lighter and thinner, ideal for technical maneuvers.
- Wide selection of shapes and styles to suit all levels.
Disadvantages ❌
- More fragile: they break more easily upon impact.
- More expensive and require regular maintenance.
- Less suitable for beginners.
3. Length and width: how to choose according to your level and build?
Length :
- Beginner foam boards are generally longer (between 6 and 9 feet) to offer more stability.
- Resin surfboards vary greatly: for beginners/intermediates, boards between 6'6" and 8' (in feet) are often recommended, while experienced surfers can go down to 5'6" or less depending on the style.
Width :
- The wider the board, the more stable it is. Foam boards are often between 20 and 23 inches wide.
- Resin boards are narrower, often between 18 and 21 inches, which allows for greater maneuverability.
Volume :
Volume (expressed in liters) is a key factor when choosing a board. The more beginner-friendly you are, the larger the volume needs to be for easy buoyancy.
Whether it's for your holidays in Biscarrosse or for your lessons with our instructors, the gang is there to guide you and help you choose the board best suited to your level and desires.