Ultimate Flowboard Buying Guide for Flowrider Beginners!

2025-01-12 - Tags: #Flowrider #Guide #Buying Guide

If you're looking to purchase your first flowboard, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including a list of manufacturers, board types, and essential features.

This guide is your ultimate resource for choosing the perfect flowboard, breaking down key factors like length, weight, materials, and customization options, along with detailed insights into top brands and retailers. Let's dive in!

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Flowboard

Length

The length of your flowboard plays a crucial role in your riding experience:

• Shorter Boards (36–39 inches):
  • Agile and responsive.
  • Ideal for tricks, spins, and quick turns.
  • Less stable but more maneuverable.
• Longer Boards (40–43+ inches):
  • Provide better hold during turns.
  • Offer a larger landing area for aerial tricks.
  • Greater stability, suitable for beginners or riders prioritizing control.

Weight

• Lighter Boards:
  • Easier for performing tricks and spins.
  • Often made with fiberglass cores or other advanced materials.
• Heavier Boards (e.g., Wood):
  • Offer more stability and hold on turns.
  • Less responsive but ideal for smooth, controlled riding.

Materials

• Wood Boards:
  • Flexible and budget-friendly.
  • Heavier and require more maintenance to avoid water damage.
• Fiberglass/Composite Boards:
  • Lightweight, durable, and low maintenance.
  • Feature advanced cores and multiple fiberglass layers for superior performance.

Side Cut

Side cut is where the middle of the board is slightly narrower (hourglass shape) than the rest of the board. Boards without side cut have the widest point of the board in the middle of the board. The hourglass shape came from the Snowboard industry and boards that have side cut respond very quickly and move very quickly from side to side or rail to rail.

• Advantages:
  • Enhance responsiveness and rail-to-rail transitions.
  • Perfect for quick turns and tricks.

Channels

• Channels are grooves on the bottom of the board that improve traction and control during turns. The water flows through the channels or "grooves" as many people call them, and the board tracks a bit more causing it to feel a little more controlled and responsive.

Rails

Rails are the sides of the board, this is the part of the board that helps hold the board in the water during turns. Sometimes they can be concave.

Concave Rails

• Pros:
  • Offer better foot grip and control by creating a natural position for the rider's feet.
  • Improve stability during tricks and aerial maneuvers by locking the feet into place.
  • Help with rail-to-rail transitions, making the board feel more responsive during turns.
• Cons:
  • May feel less forgiving for beginners, as the locked-in feel can limit movement if not positioned correctly.
  • Often more expensive due to the complexity of the design.

Flat or Rounded Rails

• Pros:
  • Provide a smoother, more forgiving ride, ideal for beginners.
  • Allow for greater freedom of foot placement, making it easier to adjust your stance while riding.
  • Typically more affordable and simpler in design.
• Cons:
  • Less grip and control compared to concave rails, especially during tricks.
  • May feel less responsive during sharp turns or rail-to-rail transitions.

Customization Options

Most non-OEM (Flowrider brand) manufacturers make their boards to order, so you can specify the design and size, as well as other available features. Many of them might also offer custom graphics as well,

• Graphics: Add personalized images or logos (e.g., AquaFlow offers this for $100).
• Board Shape: Adjust length, width, and features like side cuts and channels.
• Lead Time: Custom boards typically take 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the brand and season.

Tips Based on Riding Style

• For Tricks and Spins:

  • Choose shorter boards with sharp rails and no side cuts for maximum responsiveness.
  • Ideal for riders looking to master spins and aerial maneuvers.

• For Stability and Turns:

  • Opt for longer boards with channels and heavier materials for better hold and control.
  • Great for beginners or riders prioritizing smooth, stable rides.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure the longevity of your flowboard, follow these maintenance practices:

• For Wood Boards: Dry them thoroughly after use to prevent water damage.
• For Fiberglass Boards: Inspect for cracks or delamination, especially after heavy use.
• Storage: Store your board in a cool, dry place to avoid warping or structural issues.

Where to Buy Flowboards

Here's a breakdown of popular flowboard manufacturers, pricing, and options, as well as their websites and Instagram pages for detailed catalogs and purchase options:

This guide covers all the essentials to help you choose the perfect flowboard. Whether you prioritize budget, performance, or customization, there's a flowboard out there suited to your riding style and preferences. Happy flowboarding!

Any suggestions, tips, or updates? Contact us!