Types of Surfboards
Yes, choosing the right board is almost as important as catching your first wave, but did you know that the types of surfboards are nearly countless?
As you may also know, not all boards are suitable for every surfer, as depending on your skill level, the waves you prefer, and even how much time you spend in the water, your ideal board might be very different from your surfing buddy’s.
In this article, you’ll discover the various options available to surfers, and you’ll also learn which might be the best choice for you and why. Whether you’re just starting out or already mastering the waves, continuing to read could change the way you surf.
Types of Surfboards | Sizes and What They Are For
Types of Surfboards for Beginners
Let’s start with the basics. We already know that surfing is an exhilarating experience, and choosing the right board can make a big difference in your learning and enjoyment.
For this reason, here I will talk about four types of surfboards that are ideal for you if you are just starting out in this world. I will help you understand their characteristics and for which situations they are most suitable.
Funboard
If you are just starting out, the Funboard could become your best friend in the water. This type of board is a perfect middle ground between the shortboard and the longboard, making it quite versatile.
Generally, it measures between 7 and 8 feet and has a wider and thicker design, providing you with greater buoyancy and stability. It’s ideal if you’ve already tried a longboard a few times and are looking for a bit more agility without sacrificing too much stability.
It’s a board that works in different types of waves and, while excellent for beginners, a well-designed one could also serve an advanced surfer. Its fin configuration is usually variable, allowing you to experiment with different setups as you progress.
Evolution
The Evolution board, also known as the Evolutive, is another great ally for surfers who are just starting out.
These boards are shorter than a longboard, generally between 6.5 and 7.5 feet, but they are wider and thicker than a shortboard. This design helps maintain good buoyancy and stability, but with a bit more maneuverability.
A distinctive feature of evolutionary boards is their rounded nose, which aids paddling, and a wider tail than traditional shortboards.
This not only makes catching waves easier but also offers better control during the learning phase, allowing you to feel more confident as you experiment with your first turns on the wave.
By the way, this type of surfboard is more focused on those who want to transition from a beginner board to one with less volume, giving them the opportunity to perform some maneuvers.
Longboard
The Longboard is perhaps the most classic choice for a beginner. With its length that can range around 8-9 feet, these giants of surfing are ideal for those in their early days on the waves.
Its large size and volume provide you with unparalleled stability, which is essential when you are learning to stand up and balance on the board. In addition to being excellent for small and gentle waves, longboards allow you to practice certain maneuvers like nose rides, cross steps, or hang fives.
However, keep in mind that they are difficult to handle in more demanding conditions, so if you want to tackle wilder waves, you need to be more experienced. It is not an easy board to tame in challenging conditions.
Mini Malibú
Now, let’s talk about the Mini Malibu. Think of it as the younger sibling of the longboard. Usually, it measures between 7 and 8 feet and is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something that combines the stability of a longboard with the ease of handling of shorter boards.
It is ideal for small and gentle waves. Its wide and thick design makes paddling and take-offs easier, allowing you to catch waves more effortlessly.
It’s a fantastic option for those still in the early stages of their surfing journey but who want to start experimenting with more defined movements and turns without losing the support they need.
Types of Surfboards for Intermediate/Advanced Surfers
Shortboard
Switching gears, we enter the realm of intermediate and advanced surfers with the Shortboard.
This is the board you see in surfing competitions and is preferred by surfers seeking speed and maneuverability.
The Shortboard usually measures between 5.5 and 6.5 feet and is noticeably narrower and thinner than the types of boards we’ve seen so far. It has a pointed nose and low volume.
If you already have experience and feel comfortable on the waves, the Shortboard will allow you to execute tight turns and complex maneuvers.
It is ideal for big and fast waves, where precision and agility are key. However, it is not the easiest board to learn on due to its lower stability and buoyancy, which require good paddling technique and excellent balance.
Gun
It is distinguished by being long and thin, with a sharp point, designed to provide the stability and speed needed in big waves and challenging conditions.
Usually, they measure between 7 and 10 feet and their design focuses on cutting through the water with precision. It has a pointed nose and tail and can have any type of fin configuration.
If you’re looking for thrills, with lots of adrenaline, and have the experience to handle it, a Gun will be your perfect ally on challenging wave days.
High Performance
Now let’s talk about High Performance boards. This type is the dream of any surfer who wants to take their technique to the next level.
They are short boards with less volume and sharp edges, designed to maximize responsiveness and speed in high-quality, sizeable waves.
Generally, High Performance boards are customized to suit the surfer’s style and the sea conditions they frequently encounter.
If you already have good control of a shortboard and feel ready to challenge your skills in more demanding waves, this is your board. It allows for critical and fast maneuvers (such as airs, barrels, or tail slides), perfect for competitions or those intense surfing days where every second on the wave counts.
Tow-In
Let’s move on to the Tow-In, a specialized type of board that changed the game in big wave surfing.
These boards are mainly used for surfing waves that are too big or too fast to paddle into. A Tow-In is characterized by its robustness and stability, as you need to be towed into the wave by a jet ski or watercraft.
They are smaller and narrower, designed to handle extreme speed and the enormous pressures of giant waves, which is why they have footstraps to keep the board always attached to your feet.
If you’re at this level, you already know that Tow-In is not for the faint of heart. It’s the type of board you choose when you’re looking for thrills that test your limits and skills in extreme conditions.
I need to choose my first surfboard, what should I consider?
Choosing your first surfboard is a key moment in your surfing adventure.
Here are some tips to help you make the best decision, based on personal experiences and those we’ve had in our surf lessons in Las Américas.
Have you experimented with other surfboards?
Before deciding on a board, it’s ideal to have had the opportunity to try different types.
It’s an investment that requires a lot of research and knowledge, so we recommend making a decision after a few lessons in the waves.
Each design has its own character and can drastically change your experience in the water. For example, if you’ve ever ridden a longboard and felt comfortable with its stability and ease of catching waves, a similar board might be a good choice to start with.
If you’ve been lucky enough to try a shortboard and enjoyed the agility and speed but found it challenging to maintain balance or catch waves, you might need something a bit more forgiving and with more volume, like a funboard or a mini malibu.
Which board taught you how to surf?
Think back to your early days in the water. The board you used to learn to surf not only introduced you to the sport but probably also helped you understand what type of board best suits your initial surfing style.
If it was a longboard, you know that stability is your ally. If it was a smaller board, you might be ready for a greater challenge and could consider something a bit more advanced for your purchase.
The board that taught you to surf may have sentimental value, but it’s also a good indicator of what you can comfortably handle as you continue learning.
How often do you surf?
Your surfing frequency also plays a crucial role in choosing your first board.
If you live close to the ocean and plan to surf frequently, it’s worth investing in a board that’s not only suitable for beginners but also allows you to grow as a surfer. In this case, you might opt for a design that offers a bit more flexibility as you improve, such as a funboard or an evolutive.
On the other hand, if you can only surf occasionally, a board more oriented towards beginners, like a longboard or a mini malibu, might be more beneficial.
These boards will help you enjoy your days in the water to the fullest, without the frustration of a board that’s too technical for your current skill level.
Choosing your first surfboard is exciting, but it’s also a decision that should be made with care. Consider these questions and honestly evaluate your answers.
Remember, the best board for you is the one that fits your current skill level, your learning goals, and, most importantly, makes you feel comfortable and confident in the water. Good luck and good waves!
