Surfing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with surf breaks crowded and people from all walks of life rushing to catch a wave. But beginning surfers quickly learn that not all surfboards are created equal. The shape and design of a surfboard have a huge impact on how it handles and performs. Selecting the right board for your skill level, local waves, and surfing style is key to progressing and getting the most enjoyment out of your sessions. This article explores the major elements that go into modern surfboard shapes and designs to help demystify the process of choosing your next board.
Surfboard Length
The overall length of a surfboard impacts everything from maneuverability to paddle speed. Longer boards, generally over 8 feet, provide more stability and are preferred by beginner surfers. Shorter boards under 7 feet are faster and allow more radical turns and airs, but need more skill to ride.
- Beginner surfers should start on a longboard around 9-10 feet long. This provides the most stability for learning to stand up and balance.
- Intermediate surfers moving to shorter boards can look at lengths between 7-9 feet. This is a nice balance of maneuverability and float.
- Advanced surfers will opt for high-performance shortboards under 7 feet. These compact shapes allow sharp turns and aerial tricks.
| Skill Level | Board Length |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 8’6″ – 10′ |
| Intermediate | 7’0″ – 8’6″ |
| Advanced | 6’0″ – 7’0″ |
Choosing the right length is a balancing act. If you’re new, go long. As your skills progress, consider gradually downsizing your board for more responsiveness. For most, boards in the 8-9 foot range provide a great blend of speed and stability once the basics are mastered.
Surfboard Width
In addition to length, the width of a surfboard also factors into ride characteristics. Wider boards plane faster and provide more float. Narrower boards are usually more nimble.
- Longboards designed for stability will be quite wide – often over 20 inches at the widest point.
- Shortboards built for radical turns are much narrower, some under 18 inches wide.
- Funboards and hybrid shapes aim for a middle ground around 18-22 inches wide.
If you’re surfing weaker or soft waves, opt for more width to help keep you afloat. For powerful waves, a narrower outline may allow you to better slice and turn. Most average conditions are best suited to widths between 20-22 inches for a blend of float and responsiveness.
Surfboard Thickness
Board thickness refers to how deep or thick it is from the bottom to the deck. Thinner boards feel more sensitive underfoot and sit lower in the water. Thicker boards have more volume and buoyancy.
- Longboards designed to catch tiny waves have thicknesses up to 5″. This gives maximum float.
- High performance shortboards are the thinnest at under 3″. They slice through waves easily for speed.
- General all-around boards have a thickness between 3.5″-4.5″ depending on size and conditions.
Thinner boards are preferred in surf over head high. Thicker boards can struggle getting into waves in more powerful conditions. For small summer surf, go thicker for better paddling and wave catching.
Surfboard Tail Shapes
The tail shape of a surfboard controls how it flows through turns and recoils off the trailing edge. There are four main tail designs:
- Round pin – Widest tail outline. Smooth drawn-out turns. Most stable. Common on longboards.
- Square – Angular edges and flat surface. Responsive with defined pivot. Works well on point breaks. Seen on retro longboards.
- Squash – Curved tail but pulled in at the sides. Loosen turns with softer edge. Used on many hybrid shapes.
- Swallow – Most pulled-in compact outline. Tightest arc for critical turns. Featured on most shortboards.
Tail shapes work in correlation with fin setups. Bigger fins pair well with wider tail outlines like rounds and squares. Smaller side-fins help loosen the tail in squash and swallow designs.
Surfboard Rocker
Rocker refers to the continuous curve of the board from nose to tail. More rocker equals looser and curvier. Less rocker increases speed by flattening the board but can also create more slide.
- Minimal rocker is best for beginners learning to trim on gentle rolling waves.
- Moderate rocker provides drive plus added maneuverability on steeper waves. This is ideal for everyday conditions.
- More extreme rocker allows tight turns on hollower waves but requires technique to generate speed. It’s preferred on powerful waves.
Look for gentle and continuous rocker lines as a beginner. As you tackle steeper waves, moderately increased rocker will help link turns. Too much rocker requires more skill to maintain momentum.
To sum up, while length and volume get the most attention, the subtle differences in design like width, foil, rocker, and fins all combine to influence how a surfboard handles. Skill level, wave size, and surfing style preferences should dictate what designs are best for you. Carefully considering all these factors will lead to choosing a board that brings out your best surfing with time spent riding waves rather than struggling with equipment. After reviewing your options, seek out a reputable local shaper or surf shop to discuss your needs. With some thoughtful guidance, you’ll have the right board for maximum surfing enjoyment.