Construction and quality, what to look for.

(try my name)

Look BEYOND all the packaging hype and try to see what you will actually be riding, the board itself.

1. For starters all boards should be flat with no more than ¼ total rocker. More rocker will create more resistance to water flow and slow you down.
   
2. The template and tail should be symmetrical. The left and right sides should be the same.
   
3. All finished seams should be smooth, especially an the bottom to minimize unnecessary turbulence
   
4. All rails should be unwavering and smooth.
   
5. Lift the board to make sure it's not too heavy.
   
6. Slightly flex the board, making sure you can feel a resistance and when released board should spring back quickly. Check the differences of other types of boards in order to get an idea of the different projection you will be getting.

Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and you should make your board selection based on how you want your board to perform. Durability, versus performance, versus cost.

Any board can be ridden to the beach.
A good board is an extension of your body, but a great board becomes an extension of your Creative mind. While riding, what you think you can do you, are able to. You know when you have reached this state when your board becomes transparent to your attention and all that is left is the experience.