The Best Surfboards for Hitting the Waves

A Buyer’s Guide To Finding Your Next Surfboard

Surfboards are the ultimate beach accessories, allowing you to get out onto the water and ride the waves for yourself. Read on through our buying guide to find out more about how to pick the right type of board to suit your needs.

What Surfboard Should I Get?

This is one of the first questions that a lot of people ask when they start out surfing, and it’s not always an easy one to answer. There are so many surfboards out there in lots of shapes, designs, and sizes, and it’s really important to pick one that suits your specific ability levels and needs.  

The first thing you should do is think about your experience and ability levels. Are you just starting out and surfing for the first time? Or do you have some experience with surfboards and want to upgrade to a better board? Once you know your ability levels, you’ll be able to pick the right type of surfboard.

What Size Surfboard Do I Need?

Sizing is a big issue with surfboards, and it’s vital to find the right size of the board to suit your needs. There are two main factors to think about when it comes to surfboard sizing: the ability level of the surfer and the size of the surfer.

In general, beginners and novice surfers tend to need bigger surfboards. This is because a bigger board provides more space to step on and more room for you to balance. It’s also worth noting that surfers who surf quite casually and rarely will also need bigger boards, while hardcore surfers who spend lots of time on the waves should opt for smaller boards.

Body size matters, too. If you’re a bigger person, you’ll need a bigger board to support your weight and give you space to stretch out.

Types of Surfboards

As stated above, there are many different types of surfboards out there. Each type has its own shape and ideal usage scenario. Let’s look at some of the most common varieties and explain a little bit about each one.

Foam surfboards

If you’re looking for an ideal beginner board or just a great all-rounder, choose a foam surfboard. These surfboards are specially designed for people who haven’t surfed in the past and are well-known for their ease of use. They’re also highly affordable and pretty durable.

Mini mals

A mini mal, also sometimes known as a mid-length, is a surfboard that ranges from around 7 to 8 feet in length. These boards are shortened versions of longboards and are pretty universal and well-suited to both beginners and more advanced surfers.

Longboard

As the name implies, a longboard is a particularly long kind of surfboard. It’s the longest surfboard you can buy. Longboards have lots of space for you to stretch out and can build up impressive speeds, but you’ll need to think about where you’re going to store the board.

Funboard

Funboards can be a lot of fun for surfers who have little experience, as well as more advanced riders of the waves. They’re quite small and maneuverable, helping you build up your balance and improve your skills. On the downside, they lack stability due to their small size.

Fish surfboard

A fish surfboard is shaped like a fish, with a little “tail” at the base. These boards are ideal for surfers of all ages, famed for their ease of use and versatility when riding both small and medium-sized waves.

Shortboards

Shortboards are ideal for advanced surfers. They’re very short and narrow, so you don’t have too much space to move around and you’ll need good balance to stay upright on this board. Thanks to their size, they can allow you to build up some serious speed.

Gun surfboard

Last but not least, we have the gun surfboard. As the name suggests, this board has the shape of a gun, with a big rocker and a sleek, narrow profile that helps surfers speed across the biggest and baddest of waves.

Tips for Choosing the Right Surfboard

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started in choosing your next surfboard.

• First, make sure you understand the different types of surfboards available and know the differences between them to help you pick the right one. 
• Choose a board that matches your skill level. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a bad time and falling from your board too often. 
• Get the sizing right. You can find sizing charts online to help you match your height with the right surfboard size. 
• Think about the design, too! Boards are available with lots of fun, colorful designs and patterns. Find one that fits your personality
• Pricing is another key factor to think about. The costs of surfboards vary a lot, and it’s important to find a board that offers good quality but doesn’t exceed your budget.