Before buying a surfboard be clear in your mind what you want, be honest with yourself, if you are a first time beginner floaty Mals and Mini-mals are probably the best option. If you can surf already, pick a board that is suited to your weight and local break, just because the pro's surf boards that are 2"-2 1/4" thick doesn't mean anyone can. There is nothing worse than a board that is too small, it makes paddling difficult, waves hard to catch and your style look awkward. If you only surf small waves, look at alternatives besides the thruster shape, for example eggs, fish or twin fins that can generate lots of speed and are very maneuverable even in choppy surf conditions. If you are unsure of what you need, speak to someone who is genuinely experienced, a well established shop owner or manufacturer, be warned the surf scene is full of would be experts, just because someone talks the talk and wears the t-shirt does not make them qualified to advise you on board design!

At Black and White we will take time to advise you, so you end up with the most suitable board for your ability and for the type of waves you surf. A good custom board is by far the best way to improve and develop your surfing. You could buy a board shaped by the best shaper in the world, but if it wasn't shaped to suit you and is 1/4" too thin or to narrow in the tail for example, you may as well surf a barn door!

Quad Fin Fish and Shortboards

The Quad has been the revelation of the past few years growing in popularity with all types of surfers. Quad refers to the four fin set-up which traditionally has been associated with the fish shape board but more recently used on everything from shortboards to mals. The quad fins are known for there speed, hold and control.

Quaster four fin, unlike the quad fish which has the fins clustered on the rail, the quadster has the rear fins closer to the stringer. This gives the board a similar feel to the thruster but is more positive and faster than the three fin set-up.