Fifth Grade
Worksheets
How Does a Surfboard Work?
How does something as simple as a surfboard give surfers a ride more thrilling than the longest, highest roller coaster?
It takes a combination of many factors for a surfer to get that perfect ride. The board itself must be well made. The surfer must be skillful and in good shape. And the conditions of the wind, the water, and the beach must be just right.
There are two main types of surfboards - longboards and shortboards. Each type has its advantages. Longboards, which are usually from nine to twelve feet long, are more stable in the water. Shortboards, which are about five to seven feet long, are easier to maneuver. Shortboards are further divided into at least three types. Funboards are all-purpose surfboards; some surfers say they are not for the serious surfer. Shortboards known as fish are short and wide. They are easy to paddle and can give a fast ride. Shortboards known as guns are long and tapered. They are used by expert surfers and are made for big waves.
