What Surfboard Size Should I Get? | What Type?
When it comes to finding perfect surfboard, you must think about your height, weight, and skills first. Most people don’t know which type of board is suitable for their performance level. Luckily for you, this article is ready to guide you in choosing the right surfboard. What Surfboard Size Should I Get? If you want to know which board is suitable for you, the essential thing to consider is his weight. This number will serve as your guide to find the ideal surfboard size. Nowadays, most brands show the size information of their boards through websites. Some of them also offer accurate calculators to help surfers determine the right size of board for a certain weight. Here’s an expert guide: Type of Surfboard Newbie Intermediate Weight (kg) Board Size Weight Board Size Shortboard 45 – 63 6’ 2” – 6’ 4” 45 – 63 6’ 0” – 6’ 4” 63 – 72 6’ 4” – 6’ 8” 63 – 72 6’ 2” – 6’ 6” 72 – 81 6’ 6” – 6’ 10” 72 – 81 6’ 4” – 6’ 8” 81 – 90 6’ 10” – 7’ 4” 81 – 90 6’ 8” – 7’ 2” > 90 > 7’ 4” > 90 7’ 2” Fish 45 – 63 6’ 1” – 6’ 4” 45 – 63 5’ 10” – 6’ 2” 63 – 72 6’ 3” – 6’ 8” 63 – 72 5 – 10” – 6’ 2” 72 – 81 6’ 5” – 6’ 10” 72 – 81 6’ 4” – 6’ 7” 81 – 90 6’ 9” – 7’ 4” 81 – 90 6’ 8” – 7’ 2” > 90 > 7’ 8” > 90 7’ 6” – 8’ Funboard / Malibu Evolution 45 – 63 7’ 2” – 7’ 4” 45 – 63 7’ 0” – 7’ 2” 63 – 72 7’ 4” – 7’ 6” 63 – 72 7’ 2” – 7’ 4” 72 – 81 7’ 6” – 7’ 8” 72 – 81 7’ 6” 81 – 90 7’ 8” 81 – 90 7’ 7” > 90 > 7’ 8” > 90 7’ 8” Longboard 45 – 63 9’ 2” – 9’ 4” 45 – 63 9’ 0” – 9’ 2” 63 – 72 9’ 4” – 9’6” 63 – 72 9’ 0” – 9’ 2” 72 – 81 9’6 – 9’8 72 – 81 9’ 4” – 9’ 6” 81 – 90 9’ 8” – 10’ 81 – 90 9’ 4” – 9’ 6” > 90 > 10’ > 90 10’ SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boards) 45 – 63 10’ 0” – 10’ 8” 45 – 63 10’ 0” – 10’ 6” 63 – 72 10’ 0” – 10’ 8” 63 – 72 10’ 0” – 10’ 6” 72 – 81 11’ 3” – 12” 72 – 81 11’ 0” – 11’ 6” 81 – 90 11’ 8” – 12” 82 – 90 11’ 0” – 11’ 6” > 90 11’ 11” – 12” > 90 11’ 11” – 12” The table above only discussed weight, so some people might ask about the height. Surfboards must be at least three feet taller than the user’s height. However, experts do not suggest people rely on height but instead on weight. Therefore, the table above is the best option. If you have chosen a smaller board, there is a massive tendency of a slow, weak, and ugly performance. Too small surfboards will also catch waves later, make the surfer look terrible, and paddle slower. What Are the Types of Surfboards? Shortboards Shortboards are suitable for surfers who are ready to progress from fish-style boards or funboards. Surfers must be confident in paddling, popping up, catching waves, and maneuvering. If a surfer wants to experience new surfing activities, using a shortboard is an excellent way to do so. This board is lighter, smaller, and floats less compared to longboard. Additionally, it also contains less foam. Therefore, surfers can find it easier to push during big and powerful waves. A surfer can proceed using a shortboard if he mastered doing the following: can catch small and big waves anytime can stay on the wave during high pressure can easily generate speed can use the fish-style and fun boards professionally Here are the advantages of using a shortboard: Creates significant improvements in overcoming big waves Allows a surfer to learn unique style and techniques Quickly improve maneuvering, paddling, and popping up Fish-style Boards Fish-style boards are ideal for people who came from using longboards. It can help the surfer to adjust carefully with a different board shape and size before going straight to shortboards. When a surfer chose fish-style boards, he can practice maneuvering and turning smoothly compared to using some other board types. It can also help the surfer o master his stability in water. A surfer can proceed using fish-style boards if he mastered doing the following: Popping ups Paddling Catching waves Turning left and right Using soft-top longboards Funboards A funboard is more like a hybrid that came from a shortboard and a longboard. Surfers can use this after mastering the longboard. This board is a pretty good option, especially for people who do not want to jump directly to fish-style boards. It is popular among newbies since it is easier to paddle, and it can improve a surfer’s skills in maneuvering, controlling, and paddling. If a surfer wants to get away from a soft-top board and proceed to a higher level, they usually choose funboards. It works impressively with small waves. Most people do not know the difference between a funboard and a fish-style board. They must visit some surf shops to compare the two. For newbies, funboards are highly recommended compared to fish-style boards. Longboards Longboards are ideal for newbies since it can provide extra floatation and stability in the water. It is also more comfortable and faster to paddle. Longboards with the soft top are also recommended to newbies since it is safer to … Read more