How to choose your surfboard

Budget Surf Tip

“It’s better to progress on an easy board than to struggle on a board that’s too technical. Enjoyment first!”

 1. Choose your board according to your level

🟢 Beginner

• Goal: learn to paddle, stand up, keep balance.
  
  

• Ideal board: large, stable, and buoyant.
  
  

• Recommended type: Softboard or Mini-Malibu
  
  

• Length: between 7’0 and 8’6 (depending on your weight)
  
  

• Volume: 50 to 70 liters minimum

More volume = easier to paddle and catch waves.

🟡 Intermediate

• Goal: improve maneuvers, turns, and positioning.
  
  

• Ideal board: shorter, more maneuverable.
  
  

• Recommended type: Funboard or Fish
  
  

• Length: 6’0 to 7’0
  
  

• Volume: 35 to 50 liters
  The “fish” is perfect for soft or small waves.
  
  

🔵 Advanced

• Goal: performance, sharp turns, speed.
  
  

• Ideal board: short, responsive, and suited to your style.
  
  

• Recommended type: Shortboard
  
  

• Length: 5’8 to 6’4
  
  

• Volume: 25 to 35 liters
  Less volume = more maneuverability, but requires more technique.
  
  

 2. Choose according to your weight and height

Remember to adapt your choice: it’s better to have a board that’s slightly too large than too small when starting out.

3. Choose according to wave type

4. Main board types

• Softboard: foam, unbreakable, ideal for beginners.
  
  

• Mini-Malibu: versatile, easy to paddle.
  
  

• Fish: short, wide, fast, perfect for small waves.
  
  

• Shortboard: performance, for experienced surfers.
  
  

• Longboard: over 9’, fluid glide, old-school style.
  
  

• Gun: for big waves, very long and thin.
  
  

5. Other criteria to consider

• Material:
  
  

• Foam (softboard) → safety and learning
  
  

• Epoxy → strong, light, durable
  
  

• Polyester (PU) → more flex, but fragile
  
  

• Shape:
  
  

• Wide and thick → stability
  
  

• Narrow and thin → speed and maneuverability
  
  

• Tail (back of the board):
  
  

• Round tail: versatile
  
  

• Swallow tail: good grip
  
  

• Squash tail: maneuverable, stable
  
  

• Number of fins:
  
  

• Single fin: fluid glide
  
  

• Twin / Thruster (3): most common
  
  

• Quad (4): speed, control
  
  

6. Quick summary

 7. Mistakes to avoid

❌ Getting a board that’s too small when starting out
❌ Neglecting volume (buoyancy is essential)
❌ Buying a “pro” board when you’re a beginner
❌ Forgetting wax, a board bag, and a quality leash