And, when it comes to surfboards, determining which size surfboard to ride is directly proportional to the amount of fun you will have in the waves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Go too short, and you won’t be able to catch any waves. Go too long and you will struggle to even walk to the beach, let alone get out to the lineup!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about surfboard sizing. Whether you\u2019re a beginner surfer, or have some experience surfing, I’ll help you choose a surfboard that’s right for you! <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a load of different surfboard shapes out there. Determining which is the best beginner surfboard for you is based on a few factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your size (height and weight)<\/b><\/p>\n Your fitness<\/b><\/p>\n Your surfing ability or experience\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The right surfboard will be suited to the waves you want to surf too – Don’t opt for something too pointy and thin if you are surfing mellow smaller waves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The reason is – you will need a big beginner-style surfboard to catch these mellow waves.<\/span><\/p>\n And just like you would get a <\/span>wet suit<\/span><\/a> that fits your height and weight, a surfboard is no different.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the first steps to <\/span>catching waves as a beginner surfer<\/span> is finding the right size board for your height, weight, and skill level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The size of a surfboard, or really, we should say surfboard length, is generally categorized into a few main groups like longboards, shortboards, mid-lengths, and funboards\/hybrids.<\/span><\/p>\n So what size surfboard should you start out on, and how do you choose the ideal length as you progress?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let’s break down the key measurements for board sizing to help you pick your perfect magic carpet.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are a total newbie, <\/span>go as big as you can carry.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n In a previous life when I would sell surfboards for a living, I would go by this basic rule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Small Adults and Big Kids > 7ft foam surfboard<\/b><\/p>\n Regular Adult Size > 8ft foam surfboard<\/b><\/p>\n Big Adults > 9ft foam surfboard<\/b><\/p>\n If you have already done a bit of surfing and had a few lessons on foam surfboards, you can probably graduate onto a \u2018hard board\u2019 made of foam and fiberglass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These are a lot more responsive than foamies, allowing you to learn to turn, getting the rail in the water, and starting to perform basic maneuvers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Like I said earlier, selecting a board that\u2019s a good fit for you is based on a combination of your:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Of course <\/span>different types of boards<\/span><\/a> are easier to paddle than others. Generally speaking, a longer board will be much easier to paddle than a smaller board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n BUT, the length alone is not the determining factor.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n You need to consider the overall shape of the board and how the foam is distributed. For example, an 8ft board that is really thin and pointy, is not going to perform the same as an 8ft mini mal or funboard that has a \u2018lollipop shaped\u2019 nose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t done a whole lot of surfing, opt for the latter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The reason is you will be able to paddle that wider board more easily.<\/b><\/p>\n Because you can paddle it more easily you will catch more waves.<\/b><\/p>\n And when you catch more waves you will progress a lot faster. <\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Longboards, as the name suggests, are the longest and most voluminous style of board, ranging from 9 to 10+ feet in length.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Their increased size makes them most stable for beginners trying to stand up and balance initially.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The extra surface area also means longboards catch waves earlier and provide ample speed gliding across the water.<\/span><\/p>\n The ideal dimensions for a longboard depend on your measurements:<\/span><\/p>\n Pretty much any size longboard is a good way to start – but be mindful of\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another option when it comes to longboards is a narrower “performance longboard”. These allow for more speed and maneuvers than wider, traditional logs.\u00a0 But the added length keeps them forgiving to learn on regardless.<\/span><\/p>\n If you like the idea of being a longboarder, getting a longboard as a beginner is a great idea.<\/b><\/p>\n They are easy to paddle and to <\/span>catch loads of waves<\/span><\/a>, but the downside is they can be difficult to get out into the lineup if the waves are big and\/or powerful.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n For stand-up paddling, you can expect anything from 7 to 12 foot long depending on how you\u2019re hoping to ride. SUPer\u2019s get a pretty bad rep in the line-up, but standing up can give access to surfers who might not otherwise be riding waves. Innovated in part by the legendary<\/span> Duke Kahanamoku<\/span><\/a>, SUPing has taken on the global surfing community like a firestorm. My advice? Remember to share the peak with us lowly prone paddlers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0A lot of purist short boarders might say that a longboard hinders your maneuverability, and in some cases, you might be right. The shape of your board, beyond the length, will make a big difference in how you\u2019re surfing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pin-tail, squash-tail, swallowtail, whatever you choose for your extra-long stick should sync with your surf style, ability, and favorite spots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to have plenty of maneuverability and still ride the nose, consider something around 9\u20196\u201d.\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n A good rule of thumb for choosing your surfboard is the more angular your tail, the more angular your turns will be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2192 <\/span>Swallowtails<\/b> typically allow you to hug the rail after quick and sometimes abrupt bottom turns and cutbacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2192 <\/span>Pintails<\/b> are likely to help you round out your turns smoothly while maintaining speed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2192 <\/span>Squash tails<\/b>, by comparison, will allow you to stall towards the end of your cutback before reintroducing to the face and heading back down the line.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Expert tips:<\/i><\/b> keep it above 8 feet, and don\u2019t place your fin too far back.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Splitting the difference are midlengths and funboards. These are generally sized between around 7’0″ to 8’6″, blending some benefits of longboards and shortboards. <\/span><\/p>\n Mid-length boards<\/a> go by several different names from eggs and fun-boards to retro style single fins and mini-guns. These are ideal for intermediate to hell-man kamikaze-style surfers.<\/p>\n A mid-length board comes with a certain amount of style and allows you the opportunity to step up when waves get extra big or extra small. Surfers who choose a mid-length may be looking for a session void of spaghetti arms and filled with well-rounded maneuvers.<\/p>\n A thruster pushing 6\u20198\u201d with a little extra volume will give you the chance to drop in early on especially hollow days or long slow rollers. While a 7\u20190\u201d round pin might win a few extra points on a smaller day and won\u2019t be a hassle to paddle in big surf. Many mid-length surfers look for something with just a little bit of rocker, or curvature towards the nose, while others may prefer plenty. A board with less rocker will plane on to the face quicker when paddling into small waves while extra volume with plenty of rocker will keep you dropping in on steep faces and hitting the lip.<\/p>\n The slightly downsized length still holds decent stability for learning stages, while allowing moderate speed and turns as skills improve.<\/span><\/p>\n As a general guide for an average surfer, use this sizing as a rough guide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on the shape that you select, you may not be compromising maneuverability at all. You can expect to shred the face just as well as your 5\u20198\u201d fish. Speaking of fish, while not precisely a mid-length board, many shorter fishes are an excellent substitute for Longboards or mid-lengths on smaller days.<\/p>\n You can expect whiplash-inducing maneuvers regardless of shape or speed of the wave you’re riding. A fish with a little extra volume can again help with your paddle strokes and maintain your maneuverability without compromising your street cred.<\/p>\n Expert tips:<\/strong> <\/em>Consider demo-ing a few boards at a local surfing event or surf shop before settling on the mid-length board of your choice. If you\u2019re not looking to break the bank – head for your nearest garage sale or website that sells used surfboards.<\/p>\n These sorts of boards allow a gradual transition from pure stability toward increased performance and wave count. This makes them a quiver staple even for lifelong surfers.<\/span><\/p>\n A midlength or funboard is a really versatile surfboard to have in your quiver. Great for small waves, and for kids or beginners to have a try. And once you have a low intermediate ability can be used in all manner of conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Good question: My answer is this – the nose is narrower on a mid length and the person who rides it has tattoos (just kidding).\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Seriously though, mini mals, and funboards do tend to have more foam and volume up front, which make them great for paddling, and a mid length will have slightly less foam, and will be a little more responsive and able to fit better \u2018in the pocket\u2019 of the wave. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With the complexity and sophistication of surfboard design these days, it\u2019s hard to lump all boards under 7\u20190\u201d in the same category.<\/p>\n On the marketplace today you\u2019re likely to find an assortment of elliptical, asymmetrical, and even rectangular surfboards. Again, before purchasing your board, you\u2019ll want to consider the conditions where you hope to surf, and your personal preference or surfing style.<\/p>\n Are you hoping to carve down the face, drop-in late to the barrel, or throw the occasional pop-shove-it.<\/p>\n The most significant difference between a shortboard and a longer board<\/a> is that short boarders need to strategically place themselves on the face of the wave to build, release, and redirect speed.<\/p>\n On smaller days, you may see surfers thrashing up and down the face to build momentum for a straightforward cutback.<\/p>\n While under fast and hollow conditions, you\u2019ll find short boarders stalling for the tube and lengthening bottom turns to cut back across the lip.<\/p>\n Shortboards give you a higher command of your maneuverability, for better or worse.<\/p>\n For this reason, many new and beginner surfers might find shortboards unappealing.<\/p>\n Shortboards aren\u2019t as forgiving to rolling down the windows and involuntary body movements. Surfers on a shortboard need to be comfortable, quick, and intentional to maintain momentum and stay in a good surfing position.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re first learning to paddle, drop-in, or cut down the line, building speed to stay ahead of the section might be a bit outside your learning curve. Intermediate and experienced surfers may prefer to ease down towards a shorter board through transitioning toward a mid-length.<\/p>\n While building speed is essential, the most important lesson to learn before paddling out on a shortboard is wave-sense. Shortboarders need a steeper wave face to drop-in. Wave-sense keeps surfers from taking too many on-the-head or hugging too close to the shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To really dial in what length board is perfect for you, I\u2019d recommend trying out different sizes of rental boards first.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This will give you a feel for how various dimensions feel different out in the waves. Pay attention to how easy each is to paddle out, pop up, turn, and ride down the line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Try to experiment in the type of waves you ride too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Don’t overthink the decision. Grab a board and get in the water!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n For your first board, my advice would be without a doubt to head to your local surf shop – if you have one that is! Don’t understate the experience they will be able to offer to help you choose the <\/span>best beginner surfboard<\/span><\/a> to get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And to buy the right board, be as honest with yourself as you can.<\/span><\/p>\n How often will you surf? How fit are you?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Answering a few questions honestly will help you buy a board that will not only get you in the water catching waves but will also help you make progress and improve in no time!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Like everything in life, Size Matters!\u00a0 And, when it comes to surfboards, determining which size surfboard to ride is directly proportional to the amount of fun you will have in the waves.\u00a0 Go too short, and you won’t be able to catch any waves. Go too long and you will struggle to even walk to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Purchasing a surfboard can be a daunting task.\r\n\r\nFor one, boards don\u2019t run cheap.\r\n\r\nFor two, with such a sophisticated market of diverse designs for shredding your fair share of surfing conditions, it can be hard to know where to begin.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re a beginner surfer looking to purchase your first board, an experienced wave rider looking to upgrade your game, or an old pro shopping for your next custom shape, it\u2019s good to have a plan when visiting your local shaper or board house.\r\n\r\nRead on to discover the plethora of potential in purchasing your next surfboard, and to arm yourself with the info necessary to match affordability, quality, and class.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n![\"surfboard-size-chart\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/surfboard-size-chart.jpg?_t=1603742888\")
<\/p>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n
What Size Surfboard Should I Get?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What Size Surfboard Do I NEED?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Factors That Impact Your Surfboard Size<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
Different Types of Surfboards<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"longboard-surfboard\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/longboard-surfboard.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n
Longboard Sizes<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"mid-length-surfboard\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/mid-length-surfboard.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n
Midlength Boards, Funboards and Hybrids<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
What\u2019s the difference between a midlength and a funboard?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"short-board-surfboard\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/short-board-surfboard.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Short Board Surfboards<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rent Before You Buy<\/b><\/h2>\n
Surfboard Buying Tips for Your First Surfboard<\/b><\/h2>\n
\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Beginner Surfer Board Size<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOh to be a beginner surfer in adulthood; getting thrashed through unfamiliar currents and conditions.\r\n\r\nBeginner surfers are some of the most resilient, and often kooky<\/a>, people out there. I\u2019m not sure that if I had discovered surfing in adulthood that I would continue to pursue the sport to the length that I have in my life.\r\n\r\nThat said, those brave enough to head into the water for the first time 30+ can still find the equipment they need to be successful in the ocean.\r\n\r\nLearning to surf in childhood is a different animal. Kids bounce back, regardless of how many times they\u2019ve hit bottom. Kids also seem to have a certain sense of joy that lacks shame many beginner adult surfers experience in the water. Young people should also heavily consider the board they are purchasing and make sure it is something that can last a lifetime in the ocean.\r\n\r\nMany surfers prefer to start on a longboard. This preference is because when learning to surf buoyancy and momentum is critical. It\u2019s much easier to paddle a longboard in the water than it is a shortboard, notably when dropping in on your first wave. Another thing beginner surfers should obviously consider is safety. Many surfers prefer to start their journey into the ocean on a soft top. These days there is an abundance of soft-top manufacturers globally that provide high-quality surf crafts for anyone, not just beginners.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no shame in extra support. Surf schools, guides, and instructors around the world are here to keep you stoked with safe and fun experiences in the water. Check out the International Surfing Association\u2019s<\/a> accredited surf schools for high-quality surf instruction guaranteed.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n
\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Longboard Surfboard<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nI remember an old saying from when I was a kid: longboards suck, unless it\u2019s flat, your fat, or over 50.\r\n\r\nWhile I may carry a couple of extra bagels around the middle, and I\u2019m not entirely pushing middle age, I see a longboard as a quality surfing tool for specific types of conditions.\r\n\r\nMy take-away: every self-respecting surfer deserves a longboard for those days when there\u2019s not enough swell to shred your fish<\/a> or standard thruster. When picking out your longboard, try and have some foresight about when, where, and how you will be surfing.\r\n\r\nMaybe you\u2019re paddling out in knee-high rollers during the off-season, or perhaps you\u2019re 300 metres out on a big day at your favourite point break.\r\n\r\nAre you prone paddling, knee paddling, or standing up?\r\n\r\nWhatever way you choose to surf, you want to ensure that your board is ready for action.\r\n
<\/h3>\r\n
<\/h3>\r\n
What size longboard surfboard should I get?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nMost adult surfers are hoping to prone paddle love a 9\u20190\u201d or longer. Anything under 9 feet might as well be considered a fun board.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re looking to knee paddle, you should find a board with a deck patch to prevent pressure dents from hour-long sessions and something closer to 10\u20190\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor stand-up paddling, you can expect anything from 7 to 12 foot long depending on how you\u2019re hoping to ride. SUPer\u2019s get a pretty bad rep in the line-up, but standing up can give access to surfers who might not otherwise be riding waves. Innovated in part by the legendary Duke Kahanamoku<\/a>, SUPing has taken on the global surfing community like a firestorm. My advice? Remember to share the peak with us lowly prone paddlers.\r\n\r\nA lot of purist short boarders might say that a longboard hinders your maneuverability, and in some cases, you might be right. The shape of your board, beyond the length, will make a big difference in how you\u2019re surfing.\r\n\r\nPin-tail, squash-tail, swallowtail, whatever you choose for your extra-long stick should sync with your surf style, ability, and favourite spots.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re looking to have plenty of maneuverability and still ride the nose, consider something around 9\u20196\u201d.<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\nA good rule of thumb for choosing your surfboard is the more angular your tail, the more angular your turns will be.\r\n\r\n\u2192 Swallowtails<\/strong> typically allow you to hug the rail after quick and sometimes abrupt bottom turns and cutbacks.\r\n\u2192 Pintails<\/strong> are likely to help you round out your turns smoothly while maintaining speed.\r\n\u2192 Squash tails<\/strong>, by comparison, will allow you to stall towards the end of your cut back before reintroducing to the face and heading back down the line.\r\n\r\nExpert tips:<\/strong><\/em> keep it above 8 feet, don\u2019t place your fin too far back, and unless your Wingnut or Joel Tudor, calf leashes are for kooks.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
<\/h2>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Mid-length Surfboard<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMid-length boards<\/a> go by several different names from eggs and fun-boards to retro style single fins and mini-guns. These are ideal for intermediate to hell-man kamikaze-style surfers.\r\n\r\nA mid-length board comes with a certain amount of style and allows you the opportunity to step up when waves get extra big or extra small. Surfers who choose a mid-length may be looking for a session void of spaghetti arms and filled with well-rounded maneuvers.\r\n\r\nA thruster pushing 6\u20198\u201d with a little extra volume will give you the chance to drop in early on especially hollow days or long slow rollers. While a 7\u20190\u201d round pin might win a few extra points on a smaller day and won\u2019t be a hassle to paddle in big surf. Many mid-length surfers look for something with just a little bit of rocker, or curvature towards the nose, while others may prefer plenty. A board with less rocker will plane on to the face quicker when paddling into small waves while extra volume with plenty of rocker will keep you dropping in on steep faces and hitting the lip.\r\n\r\nDepending on the shape that you select, you may not be compromising maneuverability at all. You can expect to shred the face just as well as your 5\u20198\u201d fish. Speaking of fish, while not precisely a mid-length board, many shorter fishes are an excellent substitute for Longboards or mid-lengths on smaller days.\r\n\r\nYou can expect whiplash-inducing maneuvers regardless of shape or speed of the wave you're riding. A fish with a little extra volume can again help with your paddle strokes and maintain your maneuverability without compromising your street cred.\r\n\r\nExpert tips:<\/strong> <\/em>Consider demo-ing a few boards at a local surfing event or surf shop before settling on the mid-length board of your choice. If you\u2019re not looking to break the bank - head for your nearest garage sale or website that sells used surfboards.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
<\/h2>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n
Short Board Surfboards<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWith the complexity and sophistication of surfboard design these days, it\u2019s hard to lump all boards under 7\u20190\u201d in the same category.\r\n\r\nOn the marketplace today you\u2019re likely to find an assortment of elliptical, asymmetrical, and even rectangular surfboards. Again, before purchasing your board, you\u2019ll want to consider the conditions where you hope to surf, and your personal preference or surfing style.\r\n\r\nAre you hoping to carve down the face, drop-in late to the barrel, or throw the occasional pop-shove-it.\r\n\r\nThe most significant difference between a shortboard and a longer board<\/a> is that short boarders need to strategically place themselves on the face of the wave to build, release, and redirect speed.\r\n\r\nOn smaller days, you may see surfers thrashing up and down the face to build momentum for a straightforward cutback.\r\n\r\nWhile under fast and hollow conditions, you\u2019ll find short boarders stalling for the tube and lengthening bottom turns to cut back across the lip.\r\n\r\nShortboards give you a higher command of your maneuverability, for better or worse.\r\n\r\nFor this reason, many new and beginner surfers might find shortboards unappealing.\r\n\r\nShortboards aren\u2019t as forgiving to rolling down the windows and involuntary body movements. Surfers on a shortboard need to be comfortable, quick, and intentional to maintain momentum and stay in a good surfing position.\r\n\r\nWhen you\u2019re first learning to paddle, drop-in, or cut down the line, building speed to stay ahead of the section might be a bit outside your learning curve. Intermediate and experienced surfers may prefer to ease down towards a shorter board through transitioning toward a mid-length.\r\n\r\nWhile building speed is essential, the most important lesson to learn before paddling out on a shortboard is wave-sense. Shortboarders need a steeper wave face to drop-in. Wave-sense keeps surfers from taking too many on-the-head or hugging too close to the shoulder.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
What size surfboard do I need?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIf you\u2019re new to surfing and you\u2019re dead-set on buying a shortboard, check out some of the volume guidelines<\/a> online. While your body height and weight don\u2019t always correlate directly with the ideal board for you, it\u2019s nice to know that you\u2019ll be able to paddle the board you're buying.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nWhatever surfboard you\u2019re hoping to purchase, you\u2019ll want to keep your priorities tuned to your surfing style and local conditions.\r\n\r\nWhile it might be tempting, I don\u2019t recommend going out to buy a new board for your next surf trip. The one exception could be if you\u2019re able to find a board with near-identical measurements to your favourite stick. No one wants to be out in an unfamiliar surf-zone, with un-familiar waves, on an unfamiliar board.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re a first-time surfer, or you're throwing airs out the back, purchasing the right board can be the difference between a successful session and a complex series of frustrations.\r\n\r\nTake a peek at some of the sites we\u2019ve referenced in this article for starting your surfboard search and where-ever you may be, stop to check out the rubbish sale down the street.\r\n\r\nWritten by Scott Shepherd.<\/em><\/strong>","_et_gb_content_width":"","pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n