What Size Surfboard Should You Choose? Complete Guide

Choosing the correct surfboard makes all the difference in your progress in the water. A board suited to your weight, technical level, and sea conditions facilitates paddling, increases the number of waves surfed, and helps with trick development.

However, there isn't a single perfect measurement for everyone. In addition to the board's length, it's also important to consider the volume in liters, width, thickness, shape, and distribution of that volume.

In this guide, you will understand the main points for choosing your next surfboard.

What to consider when choosing a surfboard?

Before analyzing the measurements, answer these questions:

• What is your weight?
• What is your surfing level?
• How often do you surf?
• What is your physical condition?
• In what sea conditions do you usually go out?
• Are you looking for ease, versatility, or performance?
• Which board are you currently using?

This information is more important than choosing a board based solely on the surfer's height.

What is your surfing level?

Beginner

The beginner surfer is still developing their paddling, wave entry, balance, and standing up motion.

At this stage, the ideal is to prioritize:

• More stability;
• Easier paddling;
• More volume;
• Greater width;
• Good flotation;
• Shape with plenty of area at the nose;
• Board that facilitates wave entry.

Softboards, funboards, and longboards are generally the most beginner-friendly options.

Intermediate

The intermediate surfer can already enter waves unassisted, ride the face, and perform direction changes.

At this level, it's possible to look for a board with a balance between ease and performance. Fish, hybrids, mid-lengths, funboards, and shortboards with additional volume can work very well.

Advanced

The advanced surfer has good paddling, wave reading, board control, and the ability to perform maneuvers consistently.

In this case, the choice can prioritize speed, response, control, and specific characteristics for each wave condition.

What does board volume mean?

Volume represents, in liters, the three-dimensional space occupied by the board. It is the result of the combination of length, width, thickness, outline, and foam distribution.

Generally speaking:

• More volume provides greater flotation and easier paddling;
• Less volume offers greater sensitivity and response;
• Heavier surfers need more volume;
• Beginners typically benefit from more voluminous boards;
• Small, weak waves generally favor boards with more area and volume;
• Strong waves allow for the use of more refined boards.

Two boards of the same length can have completely different volumes and behaviors. Therefore, don't choose based solely on the measurement in feet.

Approximate volume table by weight and level

The table below presents an initial reference range. The ideal volume can still vary depending on the model, physical condition, frequency of surfing, and wave conditions.

These ranges are just a starting point. An intermediate surfer with excellent paddling might use less volume, while another who surfs less frequently might benefit more from a more voluminous board.

Which type of board to choose?

Softboard

The softboard has a soft coating, good flotation, and plenty of stability. It is one of the best options for beginners, especially during the first lessons and sessions.

Recommended for:

• First surfing experiences;
• Developing paddling;
• Learning the standing up motion;
• Small waves;
• Those who prioritize stability and safety.

Longboard

The longboard is typically 9 feet or more and offers excellent paddling, stability, and ease to catch waves early.

Recommended for:

• Beginners;
• Surfers who enjoy a more classic style;
• Small and weak waves;
• Those who want to surf more waves;
• Heavier surfers looking for stability.

Despite its ease of paddling, its size requires care in transport and greater attention in the water.

Funboard

The funboard combines some of the stability of a larger board with more maneuverability than a longboard. It is generally a great choice for learning or transitioning to smaller models.

Recommended for:

• Beginners;
• Developing surfers;
• Transitioning from a softboard to a fiberglass board;
• Those looking for ease without using a longboard;
• Different sea conditions.

Mid Length

The mid-length occupies the space between shortboards and longboards. It usually delivers good paddling, fluidity, and speed, while maintaining more maneuverability than a traditional 9-foot board.

Recommended for:

• Intermediate surfers;
• Those who want to increase the number of waves caught;
• Surfers who value fluidity;
• Small, medium, or fuller waves;
• Those looking for a versatile board.

Fish

The fish is usually shorter, wider, and faster. Its shape offers a good contact area with the water, which helps generate speed in smaller or weaker waves.

Recommended for:

• Intermediate and advanced surfers;
• Small and medium waves;
• Those looking for speed and fun;
• Surfers who already have some experience with smaller boards.

A fish should not be chosen simply because it is short. The volume, width, outline, and tail type significantly change its behavior.

Shortboard

The shortboard is designed for maneuvers, speed, control, and high-performance surfing. It generally has less nose area, more refined lines, and requires more technique in paddling and positioning.

Recommended for:

• Intermediate and advanced surfers;
• Waves with better formation;
• Those seeking maneuverability and response;
• Surfers with consistent paddling and positioning.

For those still learning, starting directly with a small shortboard with little volume can significantly hinder progress.

Comparison of board types

Board type	Ease of paddling	Stability	Maneuverability	Most suitable level
Softboard	Very high	Very high	Low to medium	Beginner
Longboard	Very high	Very high	Medium	All levels
Funboard	High	High	Medium	Beginner and intermediate
Mid Length	High	Medium to high	Medium	Intermediate and advanced
Fish	Medium to high	Medium	High	Intermediate and advanced
Shortboard	Low to medium	Low	Very high	Intermediate and advanced

Length, width, and thickness

Length

Length influences paddling, stability, wave entry, and the space required to perform turns.

Longer boards generally catch waves more easily. Shorter boards tend to offer greater maneuverability, provided they have adequate volume and shape for the surfer.

Width

Width increases the contact area with the water. Wider boards tend to be stable and generate speed easily in weak waves.

Narrower boards favor rail-to-rail transitions and control in faster, stronger waves.

Thickness

Thickness contributes to volume and flotation. However, where this thickness is distributed also matters.

A board can concentrate more foam in the center, at the nose, or near the rails. Therefore, analyzing only the maximum thickness does not reveal the model's entire behavior.

Does surfer height matter?

Height should be considered, especially in relation to balance, stance, and board length. However, it should not be used in isolation.

Currently, weight, volume, experience, and wave type offer a more complete reference. two surfers of the same height may need different boards if they have different weights, technical levels, or physical conditions.

How do sea conditions influence?

Small and weak waves

For waves with little power, look for characteristics that help generate speed:

• More volume;
• Greater width;
• Fuller outline;
• Lower rocker;
• Greater planning area.

Fish, grovelers, longboards, and some mid-lengths are great options for these conditions.

Medium and varied waves

To use the same board in different conditions, look for a balanced and versatile model.

Funboards, hybrids, mid-lengths, and shortboards with comfortable volume can work well.

Strong and hollow waves

Faster waves require control, fit, and security. Boards with more refined lines, suitable rails, and compatible rocker help follow the wave's curve.

The choice should consider the surfer's experience, as using too technical a board before the right moment can make surfing more difficult.

Is more volume always better?

Not necessarily.

More volume helps with paddling, flotation, and catching waves. However, a board that is excessively voluminous for the surfer can make rail control difficult, increase the arc of turns, and decrease sensitivity.

On the other hand, insufficient volume can make paddling difficult, reduce the number of waves caught, and require much more physical effort.

The best volume is one that offers the necessary ease without compromising the desired control.

Common mistakes when choosing a board

Choosing only by length

A 6-foot board can have very different volume from another of the same size. Always check the full dimensions and literage.

Buying a small board too soon

Many beginners choose a shortboard because of its look or by observing experienced surfers. A board that is too small can drastically reduce the number of waves caught and delay progress.

Ignoring physical conditioning

Those who surf only a few times a month generally benefit from a little more volume. An extremely technical board requires paddling, positioning, and frequent time in the ocean.

Considering only weight

Weight is important, but it is not the only factor. Skill level, age, physical fitness, frequency, type of wave, and objective also influence the choice.

Using a chart as an absolute rule

Charts help to find a starting point, but each model has its own characteristics. Always check the specific recommendations of the brand and manufacturer.

When to switch to a smaller board?

Consider decreasing the size or volume when you:

• Catch waves consistently;
• Have good autonomy in the lineup;
• Can ride along the wave face;
• Perform turns with control;
• Notice that your current board is limiting rail-to-rail transitions;
• Wish to develop faster maneuvers;
• Have the conditioning for more demanding paddling.

The transition should be gradual. Decreasing the volume too much at once can lead to a drop in performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best board for learning to surf?

For most beginners, a softboard, funboard, or longboard with good volume offers more stability and ease of paddling. The correct size will depend primarily on the surfer's weight and physical condition.

Can a heavy person use a small board?

Yes, provided the board has adequate volume and foam distribution, and the surfer has a compatible technical level. However, small boards with low volume require greater conditioning and experience.

Is a bigger board always easier?

In most cases, a larger board offers more stability and ease of paddling. However, excessive size can also make turns, transport, and control difficult in certain conditions.

Can I learn using a shortboard?

It is possible, but learning will usually be more difficult. A board with more volume allows you to catch more waves and practice movements more frequently.

Is it better to choose by literage or length?

Both should be analyzed together. Literage helps to understand buoyancy, while length, width, thickness, outline, and rocker indicate how the volume is distributed and how the board tends to behave.

Find your next board at Board House

The best board is not necessarily the smallest, largest, or most advanced. It's the one that matches your current surfing level, facilitates your progress, and works in the conditions where you actually intend to use it.

At Board House, you'll find different board models for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers.

Check out our selection of surfboards.

Still unsure? Contact the Board House team and provide:

• Your weight and height;
• Your surfing level;
• The board you currently use;
• How often you go surfing;
• The type of waves you usually surf;
• What you expect from your new board.

With this information, we can help you find the most suitable option for your profile.