Discovering The Best Surfboard Types For Every Skill Level

Are you looking to buy a new surfboard? Are you a first-timer looking for the best surfboards for beginners? Then you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll go over the most common types of surfboards.

As a surf instructor, the most common question I get from people starting their surfing journey is why there are so many different boards.

When it comes to surfing, the type of surfboard you choose can make a huge difference in your performance on the waves.

From the classic Longboard to the elegant shortboard, there are many types of surfboards to choose from, each designed for a specific type of board and surf conditions. 

Each type of surfboard was crafted with a specific purpose in mind, whether it be for cruising on smaller waves or ripping up the face of a big wave.

You must understand the differences between these surfboard types to select the right board for your skill level and the conditions in which they will be surfing.

 
Whether you are just starting out or an experienced surfer looking to expand your quiver, understanding the various types will help you make the most of your time in the water. 

Understanding Surfboard Design and Materials

There are many different surfboard designs and shapes. While this might seem like just a fashion thing for an everyday person, it means a different surfing experience and style for us surfers. 

The pic above will guide you through all the terminology used in this post.

While it might seem overwhelming in the beginning, look at it when I refer to a specific part of the board. 

Surfboard Shapes and Dimensions 

The surfboard’s shape and dimension directly affect its performance in the water. Each surfboard is designed for a certain purpose, and every aspect of its dimensions is considered. 

Length 

The length of a surfboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. The length directly affects how the surfboard interacts with the wave’s surface. 

Longer boards generally provide more stability and paddle power, making them ideal for beginners or for riding smaller, slower waves.

Shorter boards are easier to maneuver and are suitable for more experienced surfers. 

Width

The width of a surfboard is usually measured from its widest point (from rail to rail). A surfboard’s wider tail or nose can directly affect its performance.  

Wider surfboards provide more stability and surface area for beginners to stand up on, their buoyant nature ideal for those first lessons at a surf school. 

Narrow surfboards are suitable for more advanced surfers looking to perform maneuvers and shift the board quickly from rail to rail. 

Volume

To determine a board’s volume, you must first determine its thickness (see pic). The thicker the board, the more volume it will have. 

Higher volume means more floatation, easier paddling, and catching waves easier. So, if you’re a beginner, aim for a high-volume, buoyant surfboard. Look at how to choose your first surfboard.

Rocker

The rocker is the area between a surfboard’s nose or tail and its hypothetical bottom line. It’s a bit hard to describe it in words, so look at the picture above! LOL! 

Basically, if you’re catching bigger, steeper waves, the height rocker of the board will help your nose stay lifted while you’re dropping to the bottom of the wave. 

As a beginner, I wouldn’t give it too much thought and worry about it as I progressed in my surfing. 

Material 

Nowadays, the most common surfboards are made of foam core, usually PE or PU, and coated with fiberglass or epoxy resin. 

The most classic ones were wooden surfboards, but as the sport evolved, people looked into more durable surfboards, and that’s when the modern surfboard came to life. 

What Are the Different Types of Surfboards?

Now that you have a basic understanding of materials and design components let’s explore the variety of surfboards.

Foam Surfboards

Also known as soft-top surfboards, these boards are crafted from foam cores covered in a rubber-like material (Usually EVA).

If you’re starting out, these boards are the perfect choice. With their forgiving nature and reduced risk of injury, soft top surfboards allow you to learn easily and confidently, a favored choice among surf schools.

They typically feature a gentle or no rocker, which helps with stability, and a rounded nose and tail for better buoyancy and easier paddling. 

While they are not made for performance, there are a lot of surfboard brands, such as MF Surfboards, that are crafting high-quality foam boards for more experienced surfers.

longboard

Longboards are the cruisers of the surf world.

Longboards are classic, elongated boards that offer stability and paddle power for surfers of all levels.

With a chill, moderate rocker, they’re built for smooth transitions and easy wave catching, especially in small surf. 

Plus, their rounded nose and tail shapes make them perfect for graceful turns and stylish noserides. It’s a great surfboard for those seeking a more relaxed surfing experience.

Don’t get me wrong, you can ride these boards in heavier conditions, but generally speaking, they’re best for long and slow peeling waves. 

Fish Surfboard 

Fish surfboards are the speedsters of the lineup. These shorter, wider boards are designed to tear it up in small to medium-sized waves.

They’ve got that playful rocker in the nose and tail, ready to maneuver with agility and style.

And with their cool swallowtail shape, they’re built for carving it up and zipping off the lip in no time.

Fish boards are all about fun and speed, perfect for injecting excitement into your surf sessions!

Funboard 

Funboards are the ultimate all-rounders. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of surfboards, offering stability and maneuverability for surfers of all levels.

With a moderate rocker, they strike the perfect balance between paddle power and agility.

And with their rounded nose shape, they’re ready for smooth turns and catching waves like a pro. 

The tail of the board will vary. Usually, they are square tails but sometimes rounded or even fish-like tails. 

Funboards are all about versatility and good times, perfect for mixing it up and having a blast in the surf!

Shortboards

Shortboards are the high-performance rockets of the lineup. Built for experienced riders, these boards are all about agility and speed.

With a sharp rocker and narrow profile, you take these boards to the most challenging conditions.

Thin rails and pointed nose shapes ensure precise carving and maximum responsiveness.

If you’re an experienced surfer and looking for high-performance surfboards, then these are the boards for you. 

Gun Surfboards

Now, we are getting into the BIG league. Gun boards are designed for fearless surfers who are ready to tackle the world’s biggest waves. 

With a noticeable rocker and a pointed nose, gun surfboards are designed to handle steep drops and maintain stability at high speeds, making them essential tools for big-wave surfers. 

Thin rails and a streamlined profile enable precise carving and maneuverability in critical sections of the wave.

SUP’S

A stand-up paddleboard, or SUP, is a buoyant and stable board that’s designed for riders to stand upright while navigating water using a paddle. As the name implies, it’s all about standing up and paddling! 

SUP boards are typically constructed from lightweight materials such as fiberglass or foam, and they come in varying lengths, widths, and shapes to suit water conditions and rider preferences.

Longer boards are faster and offer better tracking, while wider boards provide greater stability, making them ideal for beginners. 

With their versatile design, SUP boards can be used for leisurely paddling or surfing waves, depending on your preference. 

Choosing the Right Surfboard for Your Skill Level

With all the different types of boards, what is the perfect board for you? 

As you noticed, surfboards come in different shapes and sizes. It comes down to the type of waves you’ll be riding and your abilities. 

Beginners

A beginner is considered someone who’s just starting his surfing journey or has started recently. 

As a beginner, you’ll spend most of your time riding small waves or even whitewash (broken waves), so you’ll want a small wave board. 

Foam surfboards are much easier to paddle, float more, and are more forgiving, which is why these boards are ideal for beginners. 

Your goal in this stage is to catch waveS in a consistent way and practice the fundamentals of surfing. 

Intermediate Surfers 

An intermediate surfer is someone who consistently catches waves, easily rides the face of the wave, and practices some maneuvers. 

In this stage you’ll have to have the right equipment otherwise it can really hold your surfing back. 

Consider the boards you’re riding now and ask yourself, how can I improve? Do I need to enter the wave faster (Better paddling)? Do I need more speed on the wave? Do I need maneuverability? 

Answering some of these questions will help you understand what is the best board for you.   

There is no one board that fits all in this scenario. Typically, as an intermediate surfer, you’ll start exploring Funboards and Shortboards. 

Basically, look for a performance surfboard that suits your needs and style.

Advanced Surfers

As an advanced surfer, you consistently catch waves, confidently ride the face, and execute various maneuvers with precision.

Now, it’s crucial to ensure your equipment aligns with your performance goals.

Consider the boards you currently ride and assess areas for improvement. Do you need better paddling to enter waves faster? More speed for executing advanced maneuvers? Maybe more rocker to catch steeper waves?

 Addressing these questions will guide you in selecting the optimal board for your progression.

Unlike beginners, advanced surfers need specialized equipment designed for their preferences and surfing style.

Shortboards and Fish Borads are popular choices for advanced surfers due to their versatility and performance capabilities.

Ultimately, prioritize finding a high-performance surfboard that caters to your unique needs and enhances your surfing experience.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, selecting the right surfboard is about enjoying your time in the water and enhancing your performance. The right surfboard can significantly improve your surfing experience regardless of your skill level. 

From beginners to advanced surfers, understanding the characteristics and suitability of different surfboard types is essential for making informed choices.

Whether you’re just starting your surfing journey or seeking to refine your skills, there’s a perfect board out there for you.

Forgiving foam surfboards can benefit beginners, while intermediate surfers may explore funboards and shortboards to enhance their performance. 

Advanced surfers, however, require specialized equipment tailored to their preferences and surfing style, such as shortboards or fish boards.

 By carefully considering your level, riding preferences, and the characteristics of each surfboard type, you can ensure that you’re equipped for success and endless waves of fun in the water.