July 08, 2022 7 min read

There are a few things to consider when picking out a surfboard to catch your biggest wave. Before purchasing a surfboard, it is important to consider what kind of waves you will be riding. So, you need to know what will affect your performance.

A General Rule for Surfboards. Choosing the Best One

Choosing the best surfboard can be tricky, but there is a general rule that can help. The rule is to choose a surfboard that is the same height as you or slightly taller. This will help you to stay on the board and avoid being thrown off. Think about the material the board is made of. For example, a foam board is a good choice for beginners, while more experienced surfers may prefer a board made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. With these guidelines in mind, you'll be sure to choose the best surfboard.

Picking the Right Surfboard

When it comes to surfboards, there is no “one size fits all” solution. The type of surfboard you choose should be based on your skill level, height, weight, and the type of waves you’ll be riding. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to start with a larger, longer board. A wider board will give you more stability, and a longer board will give you more speed and control.

As you become more confident in your riding, you can move to a smaller board. If you’re an experienced surfer, you can choose from a variety of boards, depending on the waves you’ll be riding.

How to Pick the Right Size Surfboard for Your Height

When you’re starting out surfing, it’s important to choose the right surfboard. The size of the board you need depends on a few factors, including your height and weight.

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right size surfboard for your height. If you’re under 5 feet tall: You’ll need a smaller surfboard, around 5 feet 6 inches long. A shorter board is easier to maneuver and control. If you’re between 5 feet and 5 feet 6 inches tall: You can go with a standard surfboard, around 6 feet long. This size will give you enough stability and flotation.

colorful surfboards

How to Pick the Right Size Surfboard for Your Weight

When it comes to choosing a surfboard, one of the most important factors to consider is your weight. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier you are, the longer and wider your board should be. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out a board.

The width of the surfboard should be proportional to your weight. Heavier riders will need a wider board in order to stay afloat, while lighter riders can get away with a narrower board. The length of the surfboard should also be proportional to your weight. Heavier riders will need a longer board in order to get the right amount of floatation, while lighter riders can get away with a shorter board.

Shortboards

When it comes to choosing the right surfboard, it really depends on your level of experience and what you hope to get out of surfing. For those just starting out, a shortboard is generally the best option. Shortboards are easier to maneuver and provide a more stable ride than other types of surfboards.

Who Is a Shortboard for?

Shortboards are versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions, from small waves to big waves. They're also relatively easy to maneuver, so they're a good choice for those just starting out.

What Are the Benefits of a Shortboard?

A shortboard is the most common type of surfboard used today. They range in length from 5'6" to 7'6", and they're generally narrower and lighter than other types of surfboards. Shortboards are designed for performance surfing in good waves. They're easier to maneuver than longboards, and they allow you to do more technical maneuvers. If you're just starting out, a shortboard might not be the best option for you.

Longboards

A longboard is typically defined as a surfboard that is over nine feet in length. Longboards are great for beginner to intermediate surfers because they are easy to paddle and provide more stability than shorter boards.

Who Are Longboards Best for?

Longboards are the original surfboards and are great for beginners because they are easy to paddle and provide a stable ride. They are also great for surfers of all levels who want to cruise and enjoy the ride. If you are a beginner, we recommend a longboard that is 9-10 feet long. This will give you plenty of stability and floatation. As you progress, you can experiment with different sizes and shapes of longboards to find what works best for you. So, if you are looking for an easy and stable ride, a longboard is the surfboard for you! If you're a more experienced surfer looking for more of a challenge, you might want to consider a longboard. Longboards are great for catching bigger waves and performing more advanced maneuvers.

What Are the Benefits of a Longboard?

Here are some of the benefits of longboards:

  • 1. They are very stable.
  • 2. They are easy to paddle and catch waves with.
  • 3. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions.
  • 4. They are durable and can last for many years.
  • 5. They are relatively inexpensive.

So, if you're thinking about getting a surfboard, a longboard might be a great option for you.

Wave Performance Boards

There are a variety of wave performance boards on the market, each with its own unique set of features. When choosing a board, it is important to consider the type of waves you will be riding, as well as your own personal riding style. Wave performance boards are designed to offer the rider a variety of different options when it comes to riding waves.

Some boards are designed for speed, while others are more focused on maneuverability. There are also boards that are designed to provide a balance between speed and maneuverability. No matter what your riding style is, there is a wave performance board that is perfect for you.

Small Wave Performance Board

Small wave performance boards are designed to provide the best possible experience in small to waist-high waves. They are generally shorter and have more volume than other boards, making them easier to paddle and providing more stability.

The extra volume also helps to keep the board lively in smaller waves. These boards are generally shorter and wider than other types of surfboards, and they often have a fishtail or swallowtail design. Small wave performance boards are ideal for beginners or those who want to surf in smaller waves.

Funboards

There are a lot of different surfboards out there and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you're just getting started, you might want to consider a funboard. Funboards are a great option for surf beginners because they are stable and easy to paddle. They are also versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions. If you're looking for a board that is easy to ride and will help you catch waves, a funboard is a great choice.

two persons with surfboards

Stand-Up Paddleboards

Stand-up paddleboards are for anyone who wants to enjoy the water. They are great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Stand-up paddleboards are stable and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for exploring lakes, rivers, and coastline. In recent years, however, the SUP industry has seen a surge in popularity among serious athletes and those who use the boards for transportation.

An Ideal Surfboar Volume

An ideal surfboard volume is dependent on a number of factors, such as the rider's weight, height, and surfing style. A common volume range for an all-around surfboard is between 28 and 32 liters.

For a beginner, a lower volume board around 30 liters may be more suitable to catch smaller waves, while a more advanced surfer may prefer a board with a higher volume for bigger waves. Ultimately, it is important to try out different boards and find the one that best suits your individual surfing needs. For larger, more powerful waves, a bit more volume is necessary for paddling and stability. For smaller, weaker waves, you can get away with a bit less volume. It's also important to consider your own body size and weight when choosing a surfboard volume. Heavier surfers will need more volume to stay afloat, while lighter surfers can get by with less.

Final Thoughts

With all of this in mind, what surfboard is right for you? As a beginner, it’s best to start with a longboard. They’re stable, they provide good paddling power and they’re easier to catch waves with. There are many various brands to choose from on the market. From there, you can move on to shorter boards as your skill level improves. But no matter what boards you end up riding, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the ride.

right surfboard

Commonly Asked Questions

Does a surfer weight play important role in choosing the right board?

A surfer's weight is one of the primary factors that determines what size surfboard they will need. Heavier surfers will need a board with more volume, while lighter surfers can get by with a board that has less volume. The weight of the board also affects how the board will perform in the water. Heavier boards are more stable and easier to paddle, while lighter boards are more maneuverable.

How do you know if your surfboard is too small?

There are a few ways to tell if your surfboard is too small. One way is to look at the nose of the board. If the nose is buried under water, then the board is too small. Another way to tell is by looking at how much of the board is under your body. If more than half of the board is under your body, then it is too small.

Lastly, you can try to paddle the board. If the board is too small, you will not be able to generate enough power to paddle the board and catch a wave.

How to get the ideal volume performance if you are a beginner?

There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on individual preferences and goals. However, some tips on how to get the best volume performance as a beginner might include practicing regularly, starting with slow and easy songs and gradually working up to faster and more difficult ones, and paying attention to proper technique. Additionally, listening to music that you enjoy and finding a good teacher or coach can also be helpful.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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