Generally speaking, if you're good enough to ride some sort of gun, then you'll know what to get. The following tips are aimed at someone considering surf travel for the first time, but also aimed at reminding 'lesser' surfers what 'not' to buy!!!

If you're someone who's considering riding more taxing waves (hollower waves) for the first time, then a travel gun could well be a worthy option. These boards will differ from your current shortboard in a number of ways. Not only will your travel gunl be slightly longer (to get into waves sooner), it'll be narrower (to reduce outline curve), possibly thinner (with sharper rails) and definately more drawn in at the tail (for control at high speeds). They're built for faster turns than your standard shortboard and therefore need to have less outline curve to avoid spinning out. So if you surfed a 6'2" shortboard, you'd probably travel with a 6'6" travel gun aswell. It depends on what size waves you're thinking of tackiling too!

Generally speaking, they'ere quite specialised boards and thus second hand prices can be very reasonable. Prices are usually between £100-£200, but often a £150 will get you something with just a few minor dings - if you want to go for a used board - try www.secondhandboards.com