Surfboard Shapes

Surfing is a sport that requires a lot of skill, practice, and the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment that a surfer needs is their surfboard. The shape of a surfboard is crucial to how it performs in the water, and there are many different surfboard shapes to choose from. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common surfboard shapes and what makes each one unique.

1. Shortboard

The shortboard is the most common type of surfboard and is often used by experienced surfers who are looking for speed and maneuverability. Shortboards are typically around 6 to 7 feet long and are narrow and thin, allowing them to turn quickly and handle steep waves. Shortboards have a pointed nose and a narrow tail, which helps to reduce drag and increase speed.

1. Longboard

Longboards are the classic surfboard shape and are known for their stability and ease of use. They are typically between 8 and 10 feet long and have a wider and thicker shape than shortboards. Longboards are great for beginners or for surfers who want to catch small waves and ride them for a long time.

1. Fish

The fish surfboard shape was invented in the 1970s and has since become a popular choice for surfers looking for a fun and playful ride. Fish boards are typically shorter and wider than shortboards and have a swallowtail design. This unique shape allows the board to generate speed and make tight turns, making it perfect for smaller waves.

1. Gun

A gun surfboard is designed for big wave surfing and is typically longer than a shortboard. Gun boards are narrow and thin, allowing them to cut through large waves and maintain control at high speeds. The nose of a gun board is pointed to help the surfer take off on steep waves, while the tail is narrower to provide stability and control.

1. Funboard

As the name suggests, a funboard is a hybrid surfboard that combines the best features of a longboard and a shortboard. Funboards are typically around 7 to 8 feet long and have a wider and thicker shape than a shortboard, making them stable and easy to ride. At the same time, they have a pointed nose and a narrow tail, which allows them to turn quickly and handle steeper waves.

In conclusion, the shape of a surfboard plays a crucial role in determining how it performs in the water. Each type of surfboard has its unique features and benefits, so it is important to choose a surfboard that suits your skill level, surfing style, and the conditions you will be surfing in. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, there is a surfboard shape out there that is perfect for you.

Easter Opening Weeknd

The first thing that made this Easter opening weekend so special was the beautiful weather. With the sun shining down and pleasant temperatures in the shade, it was the perfect weather for surfing. The water was calm, and the waves were just the right size for beginners and intermediate surfers. The surf school was bustling with activity, with surfers of all ages and skill levels eager to hit the waves.

Regulars and novices alike came down to celebrate the start of the season, there were also barbecues in the evenings, drinks in the sun and lots of fun and laughter!

We are beyond excited for the summer to come and cant wait to offer surfing lessons, summer camps and surf hire, meeting many new people along the way!

The Health Benefits of Surfing: Why Surfing is Good for Your Body and Mind

Surfing isn't just fun - it's also great for your health. Here are a few of the many benefits of surfing:

First, surfing is a great form of exercise. Paddling through the water and catching waves works your upper body, core, and legs. It's a full-body workout that's much more enjoyable than hitting the gym.

Surfing can also help reduce stress and improve your mental health. Being in the ocean and connecting with nature has a calming effect on many people. Additionally, the challenge of surfing can help build confidence and improve your overall mood.

Finally, surfing can be a great way to connect with others. Joining a surf school, such as Splash Surf Centre Jersey, or community can help you meet new people who share your passion for the sport. Building these connections can help you stay motivated and committed to your surfing practice.

Building trust with our parents and students

Building trust with our parents and students is the foundation of our surf lessons and camps. That's why we ensure all staff are hugely experienced in surfing both here in Jersey as well as further afield, that they are fully trained and certified with all the necessary surfing, lifeguarding and safeguarding qualifications. We then have a robust and refined in house training programme here at Splash Surf Centre that ensures that each instructor is at their very best and will deliver the best surf lessons and overall experience here at Splash Surf Centre Jersey.

Register your little ones for a summer camp now or contact us to experience the thrill of surfing!

Why you could benefit from a lesson?

Got a board for Christmas and unsure what to do next? Struggling to work out why you aren’t progressing? Heading on holiday and want to get surf fit? Our private lessons at Splash Surf Centre are perfect for the developing surfer here in Jersey. Our hugely experienced and qualified staff have honed in their coaching abilities over many years surfing epic waves both here in Jersey and across the world. Wether it's learning how to pop up quickly, duck dive for waves, or master your turns, we can help! Drop us a message to organise a private lesson for yourself or a loved one!

Make memories for a lifetime!

You never forget your first wave! Nothing compares to the thrill of standing on a wave, speeding along powered by the force of nature! Get your grom signed up for a camp this summer for only a £50 deposit! We can’t wait to start sharing the stoke of surf again soon! ☀️ www.splashsurf.uk

Best job in the world

Week one of our summer camps has passed and we are so stoked with the progress and enthusiasm of all the kids on our camp! The joy of teaching surfing in Jersey, especially to the younger generation on our summer camps has for sure got to be the most rewarding job in the world. 

Lessons for all!

Surfing is for anyone of any age and we love it! Our favourite days are when we go from teaching a 6 year old to someone ten times their age - because no matter what the excitement, thrill and good times whilst surfing are universal to all! Especially here at the Splash Surf Centre with our epic instructors, top of the range surfboards and equipment and the beautiful Jersey waves. 

Our lessons are great gifts for adults and teens wanting to learn something new, gaining skills in and out the water, improving fitness and their wellbeing!

Find out more about our private lessons below!

https://www.splashsurfcentre.com/surfing-lessons

Best job in the world

Week one of our summer camps has passed and we are so stoked with the progress and enthusiasm of all the kids on our camp! The joy of teaching surfing in Jersey, especially to the younger generation on our summer camps has for sure got to be the most rewarding job in the world. 

Stay Sun Safe

With summer in full swing, it's important to remember to keep protected from those UV rays, especially whilst surfing or out on the water here in Jersey.

Make sure to wear a hat where possible, plenty of sunscreen and when surfing, perhaps some zinc. We have an awesome range of UV protection that we all use in the shack for daily life, surfing in Jersey and further afield. Pop by or drop us a line to find out more.

We can’t wait for summer camps to start!

Summer is well and truly here and we can’t wait to get surfing the beautiful waves of Jersey, as well as enjoying time at the beach with our summer camp students!

Our summer surf adventure camps are truly the highlight of our summer season, sharing the joy of surf, the Jersey coastal environment and the knowledge we have with aspiring younger generations! Our syllabus ensures that we pass on all of the critical information to our pupils, following our recognised national body programme.

Of course it's not all work and no play, we spend most of our time out on the beach or outside at any of the beautiful locations on the West coast of Jersey. Limited spaces remain for the next 7 weeks of what we are sure will be an absolute blast!You can signup you child online or drop us a message to find out more!

SURF STAYCATION

A day down the beach next to the Watersplash in St Ouens Bay, relaxing in the sun whilst the kids play in the sand and water puddles followed then jumping on a surfboard with a Family Surf Lesson maybe the perfect way to enjoy your staycation in Jersey. £99 for any family or group of friends of up to 5 ppl for 1.5hr of surfing with Splash Surf Centre. Please call 07829 878 878 to book your Jersey Surf Lesson.

Summer Camps, What are they all about?

We are already receiving a record number of signups for our Summer Surf Camps, but what is actually involved when you child comes and spends a week with here at Splash Surf Centre Jersey?

Our Summer Surf Camps are perfect for ages 5-16, with students learning to surf or improve their skills while developing their awareness of surf safety, rescue and first aid, the environment and more.

All of our Splash Surf Centre Kids Surf Camps have a maximum in water student to instructor ratio of 8:1, and are staffed with our professional and qualified instructors who all have years of experience in surf coaching, working with children and maximising the fun your kids will have with us!

The way we run our summer camps ensure that we instil confidence every step of the way. During our kid’s summer camps, your child
will always be in shallow water and receive personalised coaching throughout. Our energetic and friendly staff will initially analyse your child’s ability before slowly pushing your child’s limits, developing their skills and building their confidence. Naturally, some children will start off a little shy the surf, but soon enough it’s hard to get them out of the water.

We offer 2 different styles of Summer Camp. These are the ‘Mini’ Surf Camp and the Full Day Surf Camp. The Mini Surf Camp lasts for 2.5hrs a day for the full week and is a great introduction to those who are unsure about the surf and sea, or those who are slightly younger and so may struggle with 5 full days in the sea, sun and surf.

We also have the distinct advantage of being sister companies with Absolute Adventures, Jersey’s best outdoor activity and water sports provider. Through this link, all participants on our Full Day Surf Camp are able to spend one day at Absolute Adventures in St Brelades where we go Coasteering, Paddleboarding, Kayaking and on boat and inflatable rides. We always have so much fun on this day and it is always one of the highlight of the kids week! We are proud to be the only surf school that offers extra activities like this and feel it sets us above the rest in terms of the experience your child will have as well as the water confidence they will build as well as awareness and understanding of the beach and marine environment.

Both our Full Day and Mini Surf Camps will cover:

• The Basics of Surfing: Paddling the Board, Catching Waves, Popping Up, Wave Selection: Wave Parts & Dynamics, Different Types of Surf Breaks

• Ocean Awareness: Surf Safety, Surfing Etiquette, Beach Cleanup

• Surfboard Design: Different Shapes, Proper Surfboard Care, How to Wax Your Board, What to Buy

• Turning Techniques: Riding Down The Line, Timing, Body Positioning

Also the following is included on every Summer Camp.

• Extensive daily surfing instruction at Jerseys most popular and consistent beach break

• Personalised surf coaching and training by passionate and qualified staff

• All high quality equipment (Latest technology Surfboards, Wetsuits, UV 50 rash guard)

• Our fun, trustworthy and experienced staff monitoring your children safety and experience each day

• Shade tent, changing facilities and beach games.

• (Mini Camp) 1hr Theory/Beach Games, 1.5hr Surf Session each day

• (Full Day) 2 x 1hr Theory/Beach Games sessions, 2 x 1.5hr Surf Sessions each day.

• (Full Day) 1 water sport and adventure day at Absolute Adventures

We also have the distinct advantage of being sister companies with Absolute Adventures, Jersey’s best outdoor activity and water sports provider. Through this link, all participants on our Full Day Surf Camp are able to spend one day at Absolute Adventures in St Brelades where we go Coasteering, Paddleboarding, Kayaking and on boat and inflatable rides. We always have so much fun on this day and it is always one of the highlight of the kids week! We are proud to be the only surf school that offers extra activities like this and feel it sets us above the rest in terms of the experience your child will have as well as the water confidence they will build as well as awareness and understanding of the beach and marine environment.

You are able to reserve a space for your child with only a £50 deposit on our website https://www.splashsurfcentre.com/book-now. Alternatively if you would like to find out more information please contact info@splashsurfcentre.com or phone 07829 878878

Maximising the Stoke for Cold Surfing

We don’t know about you guys but this winter seems to have flown past. Perhaps the recent spell of nice weather and pumping waves have led us into a false sense of security but we are hyped for the upcoming 2019 surfing season here at Splash Surf Centre.

There is still a little while to go until the water warms up to the comfortable surfing temperature we know and love here in Jersey during the summer however below is a list of little tips and tricks to maximise the stoke on those winter sessions!

1. Never Ride Alone

   Surfing in the winter can be cold, hard and heavy, but thats part of the thrill. It’s also a great boost to the day and certainly gets the blood flowing. That being said it’s always wise to go in with a buddy to keep an eye on each other to share the stoke, as well as to help out if any unfortunate circumstances were to occur.

2. Don’t Forget the Layers

   Despite the seemingly summery weather we have recently had the water is actually at its coldest around now. Despite this a good combination of winter wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves can cope with even the most baltic of conditions, ensuring you stay warm and toasty throughout you're surf.

3. Keep Moving

   No matter what try and keep moving in the water. Wether paddling about, rubbing your hands, wiggling your feet. Anything to keep the blood flowing will help fight off the cold, improve circulation and help you catch as many waves as possible.

4. Listen to your body

   Sometimes it’s important to tune into yourself and understand your body’s feelings. We have all been there, facing perfect Jersey waves, a seemingly endless line of ridable waves that you never want to end. However you need to listen to yourself, if you feel yourself getting too cold or tired to properly paddle for waves or get out back, it might be time to head back to land. After all we want to keep surfing fun and safe!

5. Book in with Splash Surf Centre

   What a better way to fight off those winter blues than to book in with Splash Surf Centre for your kids summer camp, a private or family lessor or perhaps even a birthday party! Having an exciting adventure booked with our fully trained, professional and dedicated staff will surely help the remainder of winter to fly by in excitement and anticipation to get riding the waves with us!

Pictured is big chief Chester on an absolute winter bomb at low tide splash! Proof that you don’t need to go far for world class waves and great times!

photo - http://www.robbiedark.com

BEGINNER DOS AND DONTS!

A little list of Dos and Dont’s for those progressing their surfing.

Do: Learn on a big, wide stable board. Fun/foam boards are perfect for continual development and improvement.

Do: Know your own limits. Always make sure you respect the sea and listen to your body. Surfing is incredibly safe, but not listening to yourself can lead to injuries. 

Do: Go explore. Nothing helps to keep things fresh and exciting than exploring the world. Not only will it help to boost your experience, it will make you appreciate our little island even more when you return.

Do: Remember that patience is a virtue. Everyone will agree that good surfers aren't made overnight. Stick at it and you will see the improvement.

Don’t: Get disheartened when you wipe out. Falling off is most of learning to surf and it happens to the best of us! The sooner you accept it, the sooner you’ll be having fun.

Don’t: Drop in. A drop in is where a surfer catches a wave that another surfer has right of way for. Not only is it hugely annoying, it can potentially be dangerous too. Not to mention the heated exchanges that may occur.

Don't: Let go of your board. When paddling out and you are confronted by a breaking wave, don't let go of that board. This is especially important when surfing in crowded waves. No one wants a rogue board flying around.

Don't: Just rent a board and hope for the best. It’s a challenging sport and it can be very frustrating/dangerous if you’re inexperienced. comre and get lessons and develop into a safe, happy and progressive surfer!

Rules to Surfing Safely With Splash Surf Centre

There are many, many rules to go by in surfing: don’t paddle inside, don’t drop in, don’t snake, don’t ditch your surfboard, and so on. It may sound like Chinese when you are new to the sport. Here’s one tip to keep you safe in the water:

DON’T DROP IN

The drop in is the main violation of surf ethics. It’s the one we see way too often.Basically, it means “stealing” somebody else’s wave Jersey. Quality waves are meant to be ridden by only 1 surfer. This way the lone surfer can enjoy specific powerful areas of the wave, where only 1 surfer can fit.

but how do you know if it’s your wave at the Splash or somebody else’s? When you paddle for a wave, look on both sides (right and left) before you take off. If a surfer is catching the wave further inside, closer to the peak, that surfer has priority. If you are closer to the peak ( where the wave is about to break)  then you will be the one with the longest ride, so you have priority.

Hope this keeps you feeling a little more confident about jumping in the sea for some fun and waves

Renting with Splash Surf Centre

Rent surfboards and wetsuits from the Splash Surf Centre located in front of Jersey’s best surf break (Watersplash). Our fleet of boards and top quality O’Neill wetsuits cater for all abilities. Talk to us and we will help you find the right board.

Our boards are designed to be stable for learners and to be especially buoyant which makes it easier for you to catch waves. Hard and soft boards available and we are happy to do swap outs on the weekly rentals so feel free to start with beginner boards and as you progress or just want to freshen things up  pop in and try something else.

We have hire boards for various skill levels, winter and summer O’Neill wetsuits.

Surfboard Hire

£8 for 2 hrs

£25 per day

£100 per week ( free swap outs)

Why We Love Surf Instructing

Super excited for another great week at the Splash Surf Centre- its crazy how quickly summer whizzes by working here! From installing fins and trying out our awesome new hard-bottom foamies (which come in all the bright colours of the rainbow) to treating weever fish stings, being eco-warriors and of course teaching newbies the joys of surfing every day, there's never a dull moment! Our team is having a blast meeting new people who are trying out surfing for the first time, and seeing familiar faces who've been well and truly bitten by the surf bug. Our whole season is shaped by the people we teach and have fun with every day, so a big shout out to everyone who comes and spends time with us- you guys are the heart and soul of our School!

Having worked here for 3 years, one of my favourite things is to see people I remember from my first season back in the water with us, and to see how much they've improved over the years. The surf community here in Jersey is so great and its wonderful to see people that we've taught becoming a part of that community, surfing by themselves and loving what they're doing. 

Another one of my favourite things is seeing someone catch and ride a wave for the very first time- the look of pure joy is unmistakeable and completely infectious, and being part of someone's first ever surf session is a very special experience which I feel privileged to share. I love talking with beginners to find out what made them want to try surfing, and to see people from every walk of life feeling the same excitement at their first wave and coming together through their shared enjoyment of the surf.

If you're keen to come and get involved, if you want to enjoy the beauty of our island break and its stunning beaches in crystal clear water with your friends and fun-loving instructors, give us a call! We can't wait to meet you so you can love the surf as much as we do!

Tabs

New Splash Surf Camera

We have just got a perfect new setup to capture the picturesque west coast waves that right outside the Splash. Being the most popular place in Jersey for a great surf on a perfect wave we wanted to give everyone 24hr access to check whether or not the waves are absolutely pumping!  So don't forget to hit the Splash Surf website to check the up to date live feed of the beautiful St. Ouens bay waves before heading down for a ripping sesh!