Surfboard Dimensions
The dimensions of a surfboard (generally measured in inches):
Length
Typically surfboards are measured in inches. The length is measured from the
nose to the tail. Choosing the length of the surfboard is dependant on your size (weight, height), board type and waves conditions you wish to use
the board for.
Width
The widest point of the surfboard is measured from rail to rail. Generally the wider
the surfboard the more stable the board, while a board with smaller width
maintains better speed and performance.
Board Thickness
Surfboard thickness is measured from the top deck to the bottom. The thickness
again has a bearing on the board's performance. Professional surfers will tend to go
for the thinner boards as they are lighter and offer better performance. The thicker
boards are stronger and because there is more foam under the surfer the boards are
more stable.
Rocker
The bottom curve of a surfboard. Generally the more rocker the surfboard has
the more loose (maneuverable) the surfboard will be. Where the flatter rocker
surfboards will be faster, although they will lack the looseness.
Nose
The tip of the surfboard, the nose can vary in shapes and size. Basically
the thinner the nose the more response the board will perform, while
wider noses are better for stabilization.
Stringer
Used to increase the strength of a surfboard, a stringer (normally made from
wood) runs down the length of a surfboards (typically in the center of the board
from the tip of the nose to the tail). Boards built with Epoxy,
Carbon Fibre and soft boards generally don't have stringers.