The Different Types of Surfboards & How to Choose One

One of the most important decisions you’ll make in surfing is choosing your surfboard. With so many types of surfboards on the market, it can feel a bit overwhelming, but once you understand the different types of surfboards and their designs, you can select the one that suits your needs best. Whether you’re chasing small waves or hoping to take on powerful swells, the right board can make all the difference in your performance.

Understanding Surfboard Shapes and Designs

Before diving into the different types of surfboards, it’s important to know that the shape of the surfboard is one of the most crucial factors in its performance. Surfboard shapes determine how easily the board glides over the water, how it responds to different wave conditions, and how stable it feels underfoot. The key elements of surfboard design to pay attention to are the nose, tail, and overall volume.

• Nose and Tail: The nose is the front of the surfboard and can be rounded or pointed. Pointed noses are common in boards designed for high-performance surfing, as they help with speed and control on powerful waves. The tail, which comes in different shapes, like squash or pin, influences how a board turns and handles waves.
• Volume: A surfboard's volume refers to its overall size and buoyancy. Boards with a lot of volume are easier to paddle and catch waves on, while boards with less volume offer more maneuverability.

Now that you know the basics of surfboard shapes, let’s dive into the different types of surfboards that you’ll find in the lineup.

1. Longboards

Longboards are classic and versatile, making them a great choice for beginners and intermediate surfers. They typically range from 8 to 10 feet in length and have a rounded nose. Their volume makes it easier to paddle and catch waves on, especially in small surf conditions. 

Because of their design, longboards are perfect for cruising along the wave face. They are also a great option for surfers who prefer a more laid-back style, performing smooth turns and hanging ten.

Best for: Small to medium waves, beginner to intermediate surfers, laid-back cruising.

2. Shortboards

Shortboards are the go-to board for experienced surfers and those looking to perform advanced maneuvers in powerful waves. Typically around 5’6” to 6’6” in length, shortboards are lightweight and designed for speed and precision. The pointed nose and narrow profile allow for sharp turns, quick directional changes, and aggressive maneuvers.

Shortboards are great for high-performance surfing, especially in powerful waves where control and agility are crucial. They require more effort to paddle and catch waves, so they’re better suited for intermediate to advanced surfers with more developed skills.

Best for: Powerful waves, advanced surfers, high-performance maneuvers, speed, and sharp turns.

3. Fish Surfboards

Fish surfboards are known for their unique shape, often featuring a wide, swallowtail design. Typically between 5’4” and 6’0” in length, these boards are designed for speed, especially in smaller waves. Fish surfboards have more surface area and lots of volume, which makes them easy to catch waves on, even when the surf conditions aren’t perfect.

Fish boards are perfect for surfers who like to ride in small to medium surf, offering great stability and maneuverability. The broad tail helps surfers generate speed even in slower, less powerful waves, making them a favorite for surfers looking for fun, relaxed rides.

Best for: Small to medium waves, surfers looking for fun, speed, and maneuverability.

4. Funboards

Funboards combine elements from both longboards and shortboards, typically ranging from 6’6” to 8’0” in length. They offer a longboard's stability and paddling ease while being more maneuverable than a shortboard. The result is a board that is fun to ride, offering a good balance of performance and ease of use.

Funboards are a great option for surfers who want something in between a longboard and a shortboard. They are especially ideal for those who have outgrown their beginner boards but aren’t quite ready to jump to a shortboard.

Best for: Surfers transitioning from beginner to intermediate level, moderate surf conditions, a balance of stability and maneuverability.

5. Soft-top and Foam Boards

For absolute beginners or those looking for extra comfort, foam boards (also known as soft-top boards) are the way to go. Foam boards are also incredibly stable, making it easier for beginners to balance and catch waves.

Foam boards are generally larger, providing lots of volume, which helps with stability and makes paddling easier. While they aren’t ideal for high-performance surfing, they are fantastic to start with before transitioning to more advanced boards.

Best for: Beginners, lots of volume, small waves, comfort, and stability.

6. Epoxy and Fiberglass Boards

Epoxy boards and fiberglass boards are both popular choices for many surfers. Epoxy boards are made from a lightweight foam core coated in epoxy resin, making them durable and resistant to dents and dings. They tend to be lighter and more buoyant than traditional fiberglass boards, making them easier to paddle and catch waves on.

Fiberglass boards are more traditional and offer a more classic feel. They are generally heavier than epoxy boards and can be a bit more prone to damage, but many experienced surfers prefer them for their durability and performance in more powerful waves.

Both types of boards are great options for various surf conditions, but choosing between the two depends on your personal preference and the type of waves you plan on surfing.

Best for: All skill levels, small to large waves, durability, and performance.

7. High-Performance Surfboards

High-performance surfboards are designed specifically for advanced surfers looking to push their skills to the next level. These boards are lightweight, thin, and feature sharp edges, allowing for quick turns and precise control on powerful waves. They are typically made with a combination of fiberglass and epoxy resin, offering a great balance of strength and flexibility.

High-performance boards are meant to perform in challenging conditions and are best suited for surfers who have mastered the basics and are looking to explore advanced techniques and tricks.

Best for: Experienced surfers, powerful waves, advanced maneuvers, and high-performance conditions.

Choosing the Right Board Based on Surf Conditions

When choosing a surfboard, it’s important to consider the type of waves you’ll be surfing. Different boards perform better in certain surf conditions. For example:

• Small waves: Longboards, foam boards, and fish surfboards are perfect for small, mellow waves as they offer stability and allow you to easily catch waves.
• Powerful waves: Shortboards, high-performance surfboards, and fiberglass boards are better suited for powerful waves, as they allow for more control and agility when navigating fast-moving swells.
• Mixed conditions: Funboards are great for mixed conditions as they offer a combination of stability and maneuverability for various wave types.

Sustainable Storage for Your Surfboards: The Spirit and Sun Rack

Once you’ve chosen the perfect surfboard, storing it properly is essential to keep it in great shape. Living in Sunshine offers two sustainable surfboard racks:

Vertical Storage

The Spirit Rack is a freestanding, versatile option crafted from 100% sustainable materials, including bamboo and cork. It’s available in 3-board or 4-board models, making it a perfect solution for surfers with multiple boards, kiteboards, or longboards. Not only does it provide a secure and stylish storage space, but it also features a sliding drawer for your surf accessories and hooks for your fins or wetsuits. With no tools or screws required for assembly, the Spirit Rack is as convenient as it is sustainable.

Horizontal Storage

For those with limited floor space, the Sun Rack is a wall-mounted, space-saving alternative. Made with the same sustainable materials as the Spirit Rack, it offers a sleek, vertical design that keeps your boards organized while maximizing room in your home or garage. The Sun Rack also features a glide-down drawer for accessories, hanging hooks, and even a fins holder.

Whether you choose the Spirit Rack for freestanding storage or the Sun Rack for wall-mounted organization, both racks offer a functional and stylish way to store your surfboards.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right surfboard can make all the difference in your surfing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, understanding the different types of surfboards and their designs is key to enjoying your time on the water. Remember, the best surfboard is the one that matches your skill level, surf conditions, and personal style, so choose wisely and get ready to ride the waves! Once you’ve picked the perfect board, make sure to check out our surfboard care and maintenance tips to keep it in top shape.