What Kind of Surfboard Should I buy?

Please follow these instructions very closely. Buying the wrong board will make you HATE surfing. The number one most important thing to do is buy a board that is MUCH BIGGER than what you think you need. Do not give into the temptation to buy anything shorter than what we recommend, no matter the inconvenience or perceived added value (cheaper, easier to carry/transport, cooler, etc)

1. Board Type - Buy a Hard Epoxy Board. Good brands in this category are: Torq, NSP.

2. Board Size (all based on weight). If you are:

   1. <140 lbs, buy a minimum 9’0” baord

   2. between 140-160 lbs, buy a minimum 9’4” board

   3. between 160-180 lbs buy a minimum 9’8” board

   4. between 180-200 lbs buy a minimum 10’ board

   5. If you weigh more than 200 lbs, there’s a special type of board you need, its called the “Walden Mega Magic”. If you’re 200-220 lbs get a 9’6 mega magic. 220-240, 10’ mega magic. Over 240 lbs get a 10’6” Mega Magic. You can be an amazing surfer no matter your size!!!

3. Nose Rocker - Simply put, this is how curved the nose is when you look at it from the side. More curve = fewer nose dives. Make sure you get a board with plenty of nose rocker (nicely curved). DO NOT GET A BOARD WITH FLAT NOSE ROCKER (no curve in the nose), you will hate it and will quit surfing.

Where Should I buy a surfboard?

In Northern New England, Cinnamon Rainbows has the largest selection of boards. You are most likely to find the right size board shopping there. We are not saying anything about the quality of other shops. Every shop we deal with in New England is amazing, we are simply letting you know where the most boards are.

How Much Does a Surfboard Cost?

An epoxy longboard will run you around $500 new. If you need something special like the Mega Magic, you might pay significantly more.

I have a limited budget where should I buy a board?

If your budget is limited (<$500) you’re going to have to put more effort into finding the right board. Try craigslist, and FB marketplace. You’ll likely have to look every day but you should be able to find something used within a couple of weeks.

What kind of wetsuit should I buy?

We DO NOT have a brand preference. We do have thickness preferences based on the time of year. Wetsuits are rated by two thickness numbers, the first tells you the thickness (in mm) in the chest and legs, second number is thickness of the arms. If you run cold you will need a thicker suit than recommended.

June-September: 3/2mm

September-November: 4/3mm w/ hood

November-May: 6/5mm w/ hood w/7mm gloves, 9mm boots. (yes we’re serious). Add an extra 2mm top if you run cold.

When should I buy a shorter board?

First off, always have a longboard in New England, otherwise you won’t be able to surf most days. If you go shorter DON’T SELL YOUR LONGBOARD. Don’t go shorter until you are a highly advanced level longboarder. You should be able to ride waves up to 8 feet tall, speed pump, nose ride, carve and trim, backside rail grab for a start. This can take many years.