Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced surfer looking for a new board, learning about the different surfboard types can help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next board.
The most popular surfboard varieties and their attributes will be covered in this article. So, whether you’re in the market for a new board or just curious about the different options available, keep reading for more information.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the most common types of surfboards and give you a little bit of information about each one. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, this guide will help you choose the right board for your next surfing adventure.
Shortboard Surfboards.
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The most popular form of the surfboard is the shortboard, which is frequently what people picture when they think of surfboards. Shortboards are typically between 5 and 6 feet long and are designed for high-performance surfing. They’re often used in competition because of their maneuverability and speed.
High-performance shortboards are perfect boards of surfboard types that are built for optimal maneuverability, speed, power, and control. The most challenging board to ride and requires more expertise than other board types is a shortboard.
The contemporary Shortboard typically measures less than 7 feet in length and has an upturned, pointed nose, and narrow side rails. Increased maneuverability and, of course, avoiding striking the tips of your board are two benefits of this nose rocker. This Surfboard types is good for all types of waves, from small to large.
Longboard Surfboards
A longboard is the second most popular types of surfboard. Longboards are typically between 7 and 10 feet long, and they’re designed for a more laid-back surfing experience. They’re not as maneuverable as shortboards, but they’re faster and easier to paddle.
Longboards come in two varieties conventional longboards and log longboards. Any feature, weight, and number of fins are permissible for a classic longboard. On certain very light, high-performance longboards, competitors compete in competitive surfing. They are exceptionally well-tuned and can be surfed in any circumstance.
If you want to be able to surf all year long, these 8–12-foot sticks are your best bet. They make modest 1-2 foot days much more enjoyable because of their size, excellent flotation, and glide.
Funboard Surfboards
Between such a shortboard as well as a longboard, a funboard is a hybrid. Funboards are typically between 6 and 7 feet long, and they’re designed for intermediate surfers who want the best of both worlds. They’re not as fast as shortboards, but they’re more maneuverable than longboards.
A funboard is generally regarded as somewhere between 6 and 8 feet in length. It is longer than a shortboard but shorter than a longboard, making it one of the most adaptable and simple-to-ride surfboards designs ever.
Additionally, the simple paddling and smooth wave-catching capabilities allow skilled surfers to ride little waves that their shortboards would normally be unable to catch, adding a few extra days of surfing to their resumes when the conditions are choppy, mushy, and lacking in power.
Funboard will continue to place a little more emphasis on performance, giving skilled surfers a shape that makes it simple to manage and carve on tiny waves. These funboard surfboard types won’t float as well as their epoxy counterparts since they’ll be sitting a little lower in the water, which will allow for more aggressive turns where the board will slice deeper into the face.
Mini-Malibu Surfboards
A little longboard is known as a mini-Malibu. Mini-Malibus are typically between 5 and 6 feet long, and they’re designed for beginner or intermediate surfers who want an easy-to-ride board.
When learning circumstances are ideal, the mini-Malibus is the ideal summer board. This is the time of year when the majority of surf schools are open, and the waves are often tiny and weak, which is ideal for the board’s performance. Additionally, when the waves are smaller and between waist and chest height, it would be ideal for novices to train alone during this period.
This surfboard types board will be tougher to control and progression would be more challenging under larger and more powerful circumstances, which are often present in the winter.
The design was created specifically for those who want to learn how to surf or for longboarders who desire a longish board with a more shortboard approach. These boards’ ease of use and stability are their two key qualities. These boards may be surfed more regularly since they take off quickly and are simple to use on tiny waves.
By changing the bottom shape and the scope-rocker line, the performances of this model have been enhanced, notably on the smaller sizes 7′ 6″, resulting in a more responsive board with performance comparable to a shorter board.
Fish Surfboards
A fish is a shorter and wider version of a shortboard. Fish are typically between 5 and 6 feet long, and they’re designed for beginner or intermediate surfers who want an easy-to-ride board.
However, there are several varieties of surfboard types that may be classified as fish. Your surfing preferences, the kind of waves you ride, and your body shape will all influence which fish surfboard is ideal for you.
A performance fish provides an alluring variation to how it reacts to radical actions and will totally rip to bits chest to overhead waves, both for regular hacks and hocks and for incredibly rapid, barrelling waves. You will value these surfboard types boards’ speed more steeper the wave is.
Gun Surfboards
A gun is a larger and longer surfboard, typically between 7 and 9 feet long. Guns are designed for experienced surfers who want a board that can handle big waves. Large, performance-based surfboards called “guns” are designed to catch and ride the largest waves in the world.
Despite the fact that many surfers may have a smaller “little gun” in their rack, only the largest hell guys on the globe will have a true, full-length version in their quiver. Guns may be incredibly long, up to 12′ in length.
This variant is a little bit shorter and more maneuverable, measuring somewhere between 8 and 9 feet. Due to their shorter length, more pronounced outline curve, and added rocker, they frequently respond in ways that a larger gun would not. Large circumstances that allow for some turns following the drop work well for these boards.
To catch and ride the biggest waves in the world, enormous, performance-based surfboard types known as “guns” are used. Guns may be up to 12′ long, which is extraordinarily long. This kind, which is between 8 and 9 feet long and more maneuverable, is a little bit shorter. They typically react in ways that a bigger gun would not because of their shorter length, more dramatic outline curve, and extra rocker. These boards perform effectively in large settings that permit some spins after the drop.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
A SUP is a surfboard type that you stand on and paddle with a paddle. SUPs are typically between 10 and 12 feet long, and they’re designed for all levels of surfing ability. With a novice or sporadic touring board, stand-up paddlers frequently catch their first modest wave. However, you will need a true stand-up paddle board if you want to start moving about on the wave, going from side to side, and doing minor spins.
These boards resemble traditional surfboard types, except they are larger to support your weight when you are standing still. They have a prominent banana rocker at the front to prevent driving into the wave and sharp rails at the rear to hang well in the wave. They are short and wide for simple turning. Standing on the board with your legs hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent is the optimal position to go ahead.
Bodyboard Surfboards
A bodyboard is a type of surfboard that you lie on and ride the waves with your body. Bodyboards are typically between 38 and 42 inches long, and they’re designed for all levels of surfing ability. Depending on the state of the ocean, some riders will either ride a bodyboard or a surfboard. Hard-core riders make up a sizeable percentage who will never switch from a bodyboard to a surfboard types.
But the argument will never end Compared to bodyboarding, is surfing better? While you have the choice to stand up, why ride prone? Is there a natural method to make use of a wave’s energy?
In many of the top surf locations on the planet thirty years ago, bodyboarders were not permitted. Their fellow wave riders didn’t treat them with the respect they deserved.
Best Surfboard Types Buying Guide
One of the most difficult things about choosing a surfboard is finding the right size. The best way to find the right size is to talk to a local surf shop or another experienced surfer. But here are some general guidelines.
Shortboard surfboard types: If you’re under 6 feet tall, you should start with a shortboard. Shortboards are typically between 5 and 7 feet long. If you’re taller than 6 feet, you can still ride a shortboard, but you may want to consider a longboard. If you’re shorter than 6 feet, you can still ride a longboard, but you may want to consider a shortboard.
Funboard surfboard types: Funboards are somewhere in between shortboards and longboards. Funboards are a good option for beginners who are taller than 6 feet or for experienced surfers who want a board that’s easier to maneuver than a longboard. SUPs are a good option for beginners who want a board that’s easy to balance.
Bodyboards Surfboard types: Bodyboards are typically between 38 and 42 inches long. Bodyboards are a good option for beginners who want a board that’s easy to catch waves with. There are also a few other things to consider when choosing a surfboard.
Weight: You’ll want to choose a surfboard that’s the right weight for you. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a board that’s easy to carry. If you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll want a board that’s durable and can handle big waves.
Fins: Fins help you steer your surfboard types. Most boards come with three fins, but some come with two or four.
Deck pad: A deck pad is a piece of foam that you stand on when you’re surfing. A leash is a strap that attaches your surfboard types to your ankle. Leashes are required in most surfing areas.
Now that you know the different surfboard types, you can start shopping for your next board! Remember to consider your level of experience, what kind of waves you’ll be surfing, and what you want out of your surfing experience when choosing the right board for you.