Types of surfboards explained: which one is right for you?
Your surfboard is the single most important piece of equipment. Choosing the right type for your level makes the difference between progression and frustration. Tell us where you're at and we'll show you which boards suit you.
By SurfSpotGuide EditorialPublished January 1, 2025
Where are you at?
Foam soft-top (8-9 ft) is where we'd point you.
Every board, to scale
Each bar is the length range for that type, in feet. The boards for your level are highlighted.
- Foam / Soft-Top7-10 ft
- Longboard8'6-12 ft
- Funboard / Mini-Mal6'8-8'4 ft
- Fish5'4-6'6 ft
- Mid-Length6'6-8 ft
- Shortboard5'6-6'6 ft
- Gun7-12 ft
Every Surfboard Type
Foam / Soft-Top
7-10 ftBest 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
8'6-12 ftBest 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
6'8-8'4 ftBest 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
5'4-6'6 ftBest 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 ftBest 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 ftBest 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 ftBest 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.
Don't buy the wrong gear.
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
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If you're starting out, start here
The soft-tops and logs that suit a first board, whichever type you land on.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Wavestorm 8′ Classic Soft-Top
Wavestorm · Amazon
The best-selling beginner foamie — huge float and forgiving, hard to beat for the price.
South Bay Verve 8′8″ Soft-Top
South Bay Board Co · Amazon
A step up in build with a wood stringer and slick bottom that paddles noticeably faster.
Catch Surf Odysea Log 8′
Catch Surf · Amazon
Durable, fun, and holds its value if you sell it on after you progress.
Catch Surf Blank Series 8′0″ Log
Catch Surf · evo
The upgrade soft-top: a sturdier build than the budget foamies, with plenty of float for learning.
$380–$400Check price at evo →
Board dimensions explained
- LengthLonger = more stable, easier to paddle. Shorter = more maneuverable.
- WidthWider = more stable. Narrower = faster rail-to-rail transitions.
- Thickness / VolumeMore volume = easier to paddle and catch waves. Measured in liters.
- RockerThe curve from nose to tail. More rocker = better in steep waves. Less = faster in small waves.
Not sure what volume you need? Use our surfboard volume calculator to get a personalised litre range based on your weight, skill level, and fitness.
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 and no center fin. Speed down the line and a looser feel.
- 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.
What is the best type of surfboard?
It depends on your level. A complete beginner is best on a foam soft-top (8-9 ft). Once you can ride whitewash, move to a longboard or funboard; once you are catching green waves, a funboard, fish, or mid-length; and once you are generating speed and turning confidently, a shortboard or fish.
What is the hardest surfboard to ride?
For most surfers, the shortboard. It is built for advanced surfers with strong paddling and wave-reading skills and is not suitable for beginners. Guns, for waves of 8+ feet, are specialized equipment for experts.
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 much 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 youMore Surf Guides
Don't buy the wrong gear.
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime