How to choose your surfboard?

Hey there, future king or queen of the waves! If you're here, it's because you want to embark on the adventure of surfing or maybe upgrade your gear. Choosing the right surfboard is a bit like finding a rare pearl: you need to know your needs, your skill level, and your desires. Don't panic, I'm here to guide you step by step on this quest. Ready? Let's go!

1. Understanding the basics: the different types of boards

Before diving into the details, it's essential to understand the main types of surfboards. Each has its own specific characteristics and is suited to a particular surfing style or skill level.

a. The Shortboard

The shortboard is the iconic board of experienced surfers. Typically measuring less than 7 feet (approximately 2.13 meters), it is designed for performance and maneuverability. However, for beginners, it is recommended to choose a board of at least 6'6" to facilitate learning.

If you're struggling to convert your board to centimeters, we also have a converter that will make your life easier in this article.

b. The Fish

The fish is a short, wide board with a slight rocker (curve). It's ideal for small to medium waves and offers good stability, which can be beneficial for intermediate surfers.

The egg is a versatile board, often recommended for intermediate surfers. It combines elements of the shortboard and the longboard, offering good stability while remaining maneuverable.

d. The Malibu or Mini-Malibu

The Malibu, or Mini-Malibu, is an intermediate board in size and maneuverability, designed to facilitate the transition of surfers moving from a longboard to a shortboard.

e. The Longboard

The longboard is the quintessential traditional surfboard, generally measuring over 9 feet (approximately 2.74 meters). It offers great stability and is perfect for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed surfing style.

f. The Gun

The gun is a specific type of board, designed for big waves. It allows you to get a great start on the wave and maintain maximum control of your trajectory in demanding conditions.

2. Identify your level and objectives

Now that you know the main types of boards, it's time to assess your skill level and goals. This will help you choose a board that suits your needs.

a. Beginner

You're new to surfing or you surf occasionally. You mainly stay in the whitewater near the shore and you're looking to master the take-off (standing up on the board) and maintain your balance. For you, a board with good stability and buoyancy is essential.

b. Intermediate

You surf regularly, you get past the break and start riding the wave sideways. You're looking to improve your technique and catch more waves. A versatile board that offers both stability and maneuverability would be ideal.

c. Advanced

You've mastered the basic maneuvers and are looking to perfect more complex tricks. You're comfortable in various wave conditions and want a high-performance board suited to your surfing style.

If you want to go further and see recommendations tailored to each level, Red Bull offers an excellent detailed guide on how to choose your board according to your level and surfing conditions ( see the article here ).

3. Take into account his size and physical condition

Your weight, height, and physical condition play a crucial role in choosing your board. The heavier you are, the more volume you'll need in a board to ensure good buoyancy. Similarly, good physical condition will help you paddle efficiently and catch waves more easily.

4. Understanding the dimensions and volume of the board

The dimensions of a board (length, width, thickness) and its volume (expressed in liters) directly influence its buoyancy, stability, and maneuverability.

a. Length

A longer board generally offers more stability and makes catching waves easier, ideal for beginners. However, it will be less maneuverable than a shorter board.

b. Width

A wider board offers better lateral stability, which is beneficial for maintaining balance. However, excessive width can reduce maneuverability.

c. Thickness

A thicker board offers more volume, and therefore more buoyancy, which makes paddling and catching waves easier. However, this can affect the board's responsiveness.

d. Volume

Volume is a combination of the three previous dimensions and is expressed in liters. It determines the board's buoyancy. The higher the volume, the more the board floats, which is advantageous for beginners. As you progress, you can choose boards with less volume for greater maneuverability.

5. Choosing the right board shape

The shape of a board influences its behavior on the water. Here are some key elements to consider:

a. The nose (front of the board)

A wide, rounded nose offers more stability and makes catching waves easier. This is ideal for beginners and surfers who want to maximize their time on the wave. Conversely, a more pointed nose improves maneuverability and water penetration, which is preferable for more advanced surfers.

b. The tail (rear of the board)

The tail plays an important role in the board's maneuverability. There are several types:

• Squash tail : Good balance between stability and maneuverability, suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Round tail : Offers smoother transitions between maneuvers, ideal for hollow waves.
• Swallow tail : Allows you to maintain control in tight turns, often used on fish.
• Pin tail : Reduces speed but offers better control in big waves.

c. The rocker (curvature of the board)

A pronounced rocker (strong curve) makes it easier to handle hollow waves but slows down paddling. A flatter rocker makes paddling easier and is better suited to mushy waves.

The shape of a board directly influences your glide and performance. For a more technical perspective and advice from a pro shaper, check out this fascinating interview on the Kazaden blog ( see the interview ).

6. Which material should I choose?

The material a surfboard is made from impacts its durability, buoyancy, and performance. Here are the main options:

a. Foam (Softboard)

Perfect for beginners, these boards offer great buoyancy and are safer in case of a fall. They are ideal for learning and surf schools.

b. Epoxy

Epoxy surfboards are lightweight, strong, and offer good buoyancy. They are suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers looking for a durable and easy-to-handle board.

c. Polyester (PU)

More traditional, these boards offer a more natural feel on the water and are preferred by experienced surfers. However, they are more fragile and require more maintenance.

d. Ecological

Some brands now offer more environmentally friendly boards, made from recycled or bio-based materials, such as cork or ecological resins.

7. The choice of drifts (ends)

The fins influence the stability and maneuverability of the board.

Here are the main types:

• Single fin (one fin) : Offers a smooth and classic glide, mainly used on longboards.
• Twin fin (two fins) : Provides more speed and maneuverability, often used on fish.
• Thruster (three fins) : The most versatile, offering a good balance between stability and control.
• Quad (four drifts) : Promotes speed and grip in tight corners.
• Five fins : Allows you to change the configuration according to the surfing conditions.

8. Choose your board according to the wave conditions

Not all surfboards react the same way depending on the type of waves:

• Small waves : Fish, longboard or voluminous boards are ideal.
• Medium waves : Malibu, egg or shortboard depending on the level.
• Big swell : Gun or sharp shortboard for better wave penetration.

Depending on your preferences, it will be best to target specific surf spots suited to your board and skill level. We'll help you choose the best surf destination with a list in this article.

9. Budget and purchasing options

The price of a surfboard varies depending on the type and material. Here are some tips:

• Tight budget : Buying a used board can be a good option to test before investing in a new one.
• Mid-range : Epoxy boards offer good value for money.
• High-end : Custom-made or polyester boards offer better performance but are also more fragile.

If you are looking for a detailed guide on surfboards sold at Decathlon and you want to compare the different options before buying, this buying guide can really help you ( read the guide here ) .

10. FAQ

❓ Which surfboard should a beginner choose?
👉 For a beginner, the ideal board is a softboard (foam board) or a Mini-Malibu . These boards offer more buoyancy and stability, making learning easier.

❓ How long does it take to learn to surf?
👉 It all depends on your consistency! Generally, with a few sessions per week , a beginner can get up on their board in 2 to 3 weeks .

❓ Where can I buy a good, cheap surfboard?
👉 If you're looking for affordable options, take a look at second-hand surfboards in surf shops or on specialist sites like Le Bon Coin or Marketplace .

Conclusion

Choosing your surfboard depends on many factors: your skill level, your size, the wave conditions, and your surfing style. Take the time to carefully analyze your needs and don't hesitate to ask for advice in a surf shop or from a shaper. And above all, have fun in the water, because that's what matters most!

Ready to ride the perfect wave? 🌊🌊