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Find the Perfect Surfboard for You
Find the perfect surfboard for you. Surfboards come in many shapes and sizes, and each type is designed for specific conditions, skill levels, and surfing styles. Here’s an in-depth guide to all the major surfboard categories — from shortboards to longboards, including hybrid shapes — with detailed charts, size guides, and technical advice.
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Main Surfboard Types Overview
| Board Type | Length Range | Volume Range (Liters) | Best For |
| Shortboard | 5’5″ – 6’6″ | 23 – 35 L | Performance surfing, advanced surfers |
| Fish | 5’2″ – 6’4″ | 28 – 45L | Small waves, speed, maneuverability |
| Hybrid/Funboard | 6’6″ – 8’0″ | 40 – 65 L | Intermediate surfers, variety of waves |
| Mid – Length | 7’0″ – 8’6″ | 50 – 70+L | All-around surfing, smoother rides |
| Egg | 6’6″ – 8’0″ | 45 – 65+L | Smooth, cruisy style in medium waves |
| Longboard | 8’6″ – 10″+ | 65 – 100+L | Small waves, nose riding, stability |
Key Factors to Consider for Sizing
1. Surfer’s Skill Level
| Skill Level | Ideal Board Type |
| Beginner | Soft-top, longboard, mid-length |
| Intermediate | Funboard, egg, hybrid |
| Advanced | Shortboard, fish |
2. Surfer’s Weight vs. Volume Needs
| Weight (kg) | Beginner Volume (L) | Intermediate Volume (L) | Advanced Volume (L) |
| 50 – 60 | 45 -55 | 35 – 40 | 28 -33 |
| 60 – 70 | 55 – 65 | 38 – 45 | 30 – 35 |
| 70 – 80 | 65 -75 | 45 – 50 | 33 -38 |
| 80 – 90 | 75 -85 | 50 – 55 | 36 – 42 |
| 90+ | 85 – 100 | 55 – 65 | 38 – 45 |
(Beginner surfers need ~100% of their body weight in liters of volume. Advanced surfers can go down to ~35-40%.)
Surfboard Types Explained
Shortboard
Length: 5’5” to 6’6”
Volume: 23 – 35 L
Shape: Pointy nose, thin rails, narrow tail
Use: Fast, aggressive turns and aerial maneuvers
Best Conditions: Shoulder to double-overhead waves
Technical Advice:
Requires strong paddling technique.
More responsive but less stable.
Not ideal for beginners.
Fish
Length: 5’2” to 6’4”
Volume: 28 – 45 L
Shape: Wide nose, swallowtail, thick rails
Use: Fast and loose in small to medium waves
Best Conditions: Waist to head-high waves
Technical Advice:
Great alternative to a shortboard in weak surf.
Wider tail improves planing speed.
Ideal for intermediate surfers progressing from funboards.
Hybrid/Funboard
Length: 6’6” to 8’0”
Volume: 40 – 65 L
Shape: Mix of longboard and shortboard traits
Use: All-around board for intermediate surfers
Best Conditions: Waist to overhead waves
Technical Advice:
Easier to paddle than a shortboard.
Handles variety of conditions well.
A smart “quiver filler.”
Mid-Length
Length: 7’0” to 8’6”
Volume: 50 – 70+ L
Shape: Rounded nose, soft rocker
Use: Gliding with some maneuverability
Best Conditions: Clean, shoulder-high waves
Technical Advice:
Good compromise between longboard glide and shortboard control.
Excellent transition board for improving surfers.
Egg
Length: 6’6” to 8’0”
Volume: 45 – 65+ L
Shape: Oval, full outline
Use: Smooth, classic turns, mellow style
Best Conditions: Small to medium surf
Technical Advice:
Easy paddling.
Excellent wave catcher.
Often single- or 2+1 fin setups.
Longboard
Length: 8’6” to 10’+
Volume: 65 – 100+ L
Shape: Rounded nose, wide outline, single or 2+1 fin
Use: Style surfing, cross-stepping, nose riding
Best Conditions: Knee to chest-high surf
Technical Advice:
Extremely stable.
Ideal for learning and for stylish, flowing surfing.
Traditional single fin = more glide; 2+1 setup = better turning.
Surfboard Size Chart (Quick Ref by Height & Skill)
| Surfer Height | Beginner (Longboard) | Intermediate (Funboard) | Advanced (Shortboard) |
| 5’4″ and under | 8’0″ – 8’6″ | 7’0″ – 7’6″ | 5’6″ – 5’10” |
| 5’5″ – 5’8″ | 8’6″ – 9’0″ | 7’6″ – 8’0″ | 5’8″ – 6’0″ |
| 5’9″ – 6’0″ | 9’0″ – 9’6″ | 8’0″ – 8’4″ | 6’0″ – 6’4″ |
| 6’1″ and over | 9’6″ – 10′ | 8’4″ – 8’6″ | 6’4″ – 6’6″ |
Extras: Fin Setups & Construction
Fin Setups
Single Fin: Stable, smooth, best on longboards.
Twin Fin: Fast and loose, often used on fishes.
Thruster (3-fin): Balanced and common for performance boards.
Quad: Fast down the line, great for hollow waves.
2+1: Longboard setup (center + sidebites), blends stability and turning.
Construction Types
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| PU (Polyurethane) | Traditional feel, heavier, smoother ride | Less durable, dings more easily |
| EPS/Epoxy | Lightweight, durable, floaty | Can feel stiff or corky |
| Soft-top | Safe, good for learners | Limited performance |
| Carbon/Tech Construction | Light, responsive, durable | Expensive |
Final Tips by Goal
Beginner: Start with a 8’0″+ soft-top or foam longboard.
Intermediate: Use a mid-length or hybrid board around 7’2”–8’0”.
Advanced: Choose volume based on skill, conditions, and personal style.
Traveling: A hybrid or fish is a versatile travel board.
Small Days: Fish or longboard.
Barrels/Performance: Shortboard or step-up gun.
Surfboard Selector tool
Find the Perfect Surfboard for You can make or break your surfing experience — whether you’re just starting out or chasing barrels. With so many shapes, sizes, and styles available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why we built this interactive Surfboard Selector: to help you match your skill level, body type, and wave preferences with the ideal board. Just answer a few quick questions, and we’ll guide you toward the best surfboard for your journey — from beginner soft-tops to performance shortboards, mid-lengths, and classic longboards.
🏄♂️ Surfboard Selector Tool
Custom Surfboards: Tailored for You
While surfboard selectors and sizing charts are incredibly helpful for most surfers, they don’t tell the full story. That’s where custom surfboards come in.
Custom boards are designed specifically for your body, your waves, and your surfing goals. Whether you’re an advanced surfer with specific performance needs or a beginner with a unique physique, a custom surfboard can break free from the “one-size-fits-most” approach.
Why Go Custom?
Unique Dimensions: Taller, heavier, or lighter than average? A shaper can fine-tune volume, thickness, width, and rocker to suit your body and paddling style.
Wave-Specific Design: Surfing soft mushy beach breaks or fast hollow reefs? A custom shape can enhance your experience in your local conditions.
Performance Matching: If you’re pushing hard into advanced maneuvers, a custom board can refine your rails, tail shape, or concaves to match how you surf.
Injury or Accessibility Needs: A custom shape can adapt for shoulder, back, or flexibility issues, allowing for more comfort and enjoyment in the water.
When Should You Consider a Custom Board?
You’ve plateaued on stock boards and want to unlock next-level performance
You’re not finding the right volume-to-length ratio off the rack
You surf in unusual or variable conditions that require something more refined
You want a unique board that reflects your personality, style, or creativity
The Power of Fins & Fin Setups
Fins are the rudder and engine of your surfboard—they directly affect speed, drive, stability, and maneuverability. Especially on custom boards, choosing the right fin setup can elevate your surfing to the next level.
Why Fins Matter
Control and Stability: Fins keep you tracking straight and prevent sideways sliding while paddling or turning. A larger single fin or longboard setup gives stability, while multiple fins offer more control during turns.
Speed and Drive: Twin, thruster (3-fin), and quad setups increase drive through the water. For example, a thruster offers balanced speed and responsiveness, while a quad strips drag for faster down-the-line surfing .
Turning and Release: Fins shape the pivot point and how smoothly your board comes around. A larger center fin slows momentum for tighter turns; smaller side fins free up the tail for releasey moves. Quads create fast, loose handling in speed sections.
Wave Suitability:
Single fin / 2+1 – perfect for noseriding, smooth lines, and retro-style longboarding.
Thruster – the all-around workhorse for most conditions.
Quad – ideal for down-the-line speed in hollow or fast waves.
Twin / Fish – provides looseness and glide for small, mushy surf.
Custom Tuning: Shapers or fin designers can tailor foil, rake, base, and depth to your weight, wave type, and ride style—this fine-tuning is a major benefit of going custom .
Disclaimer
The Surfboard Selector Tool provides general recommendations based on typical guidelines for height, weight, skill level, and wave conditions. Individual preferences, fitness, and local surf breaks can all affect the best board choice. For personalized advice, consult your local surf shop or a qualified surf coach. Always demo or test boards when possible before purchasing.
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