Gear Guide

Types of Surfboards Explained

Your surfboard is the single most important piece of equipment. Choosing the right type for your level makes the difference between progression and frustration. Here's every board type and who it's for.

Every Surfboard Type

Foam / Soft-Top

7-9 ft

Best for: Complete beginners

Maximum stability, buoyancy, and safety. Soft construction won't hurt you when you fall on it. Every surf school uses these. If you're buying your first board, start here.

Longboard

9-12 ft

Best for: Beginners to advanced

Stable, catches waves easily, great for small days. Classic surf style with nose-riding and cross-stepping. The most versatile board type across all skill levels.

Funboard / Mini-Mal

7-8 ft

Best for: Intermediate surfers

A bridge between longboards and shortboards. Easier to paddle than a shortboard but more maneuverable than a longboard. Great transition board.

Fish

5'2-6'4 ft

Best for: Intermediate to advanced

Wide, flat, and fast. Excels in small to medium waves. Twin or quad fin setup. More speed and glide than a shortboard in mushy conditions.

Mid-Length

6'6-8 ft

Best for: All levels (intermediate+)

The trendy "do-everything" board. Paddles well, turns smoothly, works in a wide range of conditions. Increasingly popular for good reason.

Shortboard

5'6-6'6 ft

Best for: Advanced surfers

Maximum maneuverability for critical turns, aerials, and tube riding. Requires strong paddling, good wave reading, and refined technique. Not suitable for beginners.

Gun

7-12 ft

Best for: Expert surfers

Designed for big waves (8+ feet). Narrow, pointed, and built for speed and control in heavy conditions. Specialized equipment for experienced watermen.

How to Choose the Right Board

Never surfed before→Foam soft-top (8-9 ft)

Can stand up and ride whitewash→Longboard or funboard

Comfortably catching green waves→Funboard, fish, or mid-length

Generating speed and turning confidently→Shortboard or fish

Surfing overhead+ waves→Shortboard or gun

Board Dimensions Explained

Length

Longer = more stable, easier to paddle. Shorter = more maneuverable.

Width

Wider = more stable. Narrower = faster rail-to-rail transitions.

Thickness / Volume

More volume = easier to paddle and catch waves. Measured in liters.

Rocker

The curve from nose to tail. More rocker = better in steep waves. Less = faster in small waves.

Fin Setups

Single FinClassic longboard setup. Smooth, flowing turns.

Twin FinFish boards. Speed and looseness.

Thruster (Tri-Fin)Most common shortboard setup. Balance of speed, control, and maneuverability.

QuadFour fins. Speed and hold in hollow waves.

2+1Longboard/funboard setup. One large center fin + two smaller side fins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size surfboard should a beginner get?

Start with a foam soft-top at least 8 feet long and 22+ inches wide. The extra volume makes paddling, catching waves, and standing up dramatically easier. You can always size down later.

Are foam surfboards good?

Foam soft-tops are excellent for beginners and casual surfers. Modern foam boards perform surprisingly well. Many intermediate surfers keep one for small days. They're also the safest option in crowded lineups.

How much does a surfboard cost?

Foam soft-tops start at $150-300. Used fiberglass longboards run $200-500. New custom shortboards range from $600-900+. For beginners, a foam board offers the best value by far.

Can I learn to surf on a shortboard?

Technically yes, but it will take 3-5x longer and be far more frustrating. Shortboards are designed for experienced surfers with strong paddling and wave-reading skills. Start on something with volume.

Should I buy or rent my first surfboard?

Rent first until you know you enjoy surfing and have a sense of what size and type suits you. Most surf shops and schools offer affordable rentals.

Need Help Choosing?

Visit a local surf shop for expert advice on the right board for your level, local conditions, and budget.

Find Surf Shops Near You