There are so many various types of surfboards on the marketplace nowadays that deciding which one is right for you can be difficult. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common board kinds and offer some advice on how to pick the right one for you.
So, whether you’re a newbie just getting started or an experienced surfer looking for one new ride, keep reading to learn about the various types of surfboards currently available. Keep in mind all your needs and what you are looking for in a surfboard.
First, let’s take look at the most common different types of surfboards:
1. The Soft Top types of surfboards
Because it is highly stable and easy to paddle, the soft top is an excellent starter board. It’s also very forgiving if you happen to fall off, which is ideal for those just starting. Soft top boards are buoyant and stable, which makes them ideal for beginners.
They are also usually very affordable, which is another bonus. Wiping out with a soft top is not as painful as with some of the other boards, making them ideal for beginners who are still getting the hang of things.
Soft top surfboards are one of the types of surfboards who has low-cost and easy to find. they are stable, durable, and good for beginners. However, they are not as manoeuvrable as some of the other boards
However, they are not as manoeuvrable as some of the other boards and they can be a bit heavy to carry.
They are generally not as fast or manoeuvrable as other types of boards, and they can be more difficult to control in waves. If you’re looking to progress beyond the beginner stage, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a different type of board.
Pros
-Stable
-Easy to paddle
-Forgiving
-Buoyant
-Affordable
Cons
-Not as fast or manoeuvrable
-Can be difficult to control in waves.
2. Retro SurfBoards
This type of board is a good choice for those who want a bit more speed and manoeuvrability than a soft top, but don’t want to go all the way to a short board. Retro boards are usually around 6-9 feet long and have a bit more noise and tail than a soft top.
They are also usually lighter and easier to carry. Because of its shape, which resembles that of a fish, they are commonly referred to as “fish” boards. Retro boards are fast and manoeuvrable, making them a good choice for intermediate surfers.
For maximum durability, Retro Surfboards used parasitic technology. This sort of surfboard is the most user-friendly for all levels of surfers. Perfect shape for nose riding, trimming, and small wave surfing. They are also not as buoyant, so you may sink a bit lower in the water.They are also relatively easy to control in waves and can be used in a variety of conditions.
However, retro boards are not without their drawbacks. They can be difficult to paddle, and may not be as stable of a fish. Retro boards are often used in smaller waves, as they are not as stable as some of the other boards.
However, they are more manoeuvrable and can reach higher speeds. Retro boards are a good choice for those who want to progress beyond the beginner stage but aren’t quite ready for a short board.
Pros
-Fast
-Manoeuvrable
-Can be used in a variety of conditions
-Relatively easy to control in waves
Cons
-Difficult to paddle
-Not as stable as some other boards
3. Funboards
Funboards are a good choice for those who want to progress beyond the beginner stage but aren’t quite ready for a short board. Funboards are usually around 5-8 feet long and have a rounded nose and tail.
These types of surfboards are best-value beginner surfboards. These boards are designed to make surfboard progression accessible and fun for everyone. The outline and dimensions have been carefully considered to enable early wave-catching success
Easy & incredibly fun shapes of these types of surfboards to paddle and catch waves on. They are the ideal boards for those just starting out as they are stable, durable and easy to control. They are also relatively affordable.
However, they are not as fast or manoeuvrable as some of the other boards and can be more difficult to control in waves. If you’re looking to progress beyond the beginner stage, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a different type of board.
Funboards are fast and making them a good choice for intermediate surfers.
They are also relatively easy to control in waves and can be used in a variety of conditions.
They can be difficult to paddle, and may not be as stable as some of the other boards. Funboards are often used in smaller waves, as they are not as stable as some of the other boards.
Pros
-Stable
-Durable
-Easy to control
-Relatively affordable
Cons
-Not as fast or maneuverable
-May not be suitable for larger waves
4. Big Wave Surfboards
Big wave surfboards are designed for, you guessed it, big waves. These boards are usually around 9-12 feet long and have a pointed nose and tail.
They are also much wider than other boards, which makes them more stable in large waves. Big wave boards are often made of foam or fibreglass, as they need to be very buoyant.
These types of surfboards are designed for experienced surfers who are comfortable in large waves.
However, if you’re an experienced surfer looking for a board that can handle big waves, a big wave board is a good choice.
While they are stable and buoyant, big wave boards can be difficult to paddle and manoeuvre. They are also not as fast as some of the other boards.
Big wave boards are often used in waves that are too large for other types of boards.
Wave surfboards High-performance fish shape and rocker line designed to excel in a wide range of wave types and conditions. Rounded nose and tail with a deep single concave through the centre for speed, drive, and control. The unique hull/rail design provides incredible stability and paddling speed making it possible to catch waves earlier and easier. Best Surf wax for grip are also used in this type of surfboard.
Pros
-Stable
-Buoyant
-Can handle
big waves
Cons
-Difficult to control and maneuver
-Not as fast as some other boards
5. Foam Surfboards
Foam boards are the most common type of surfboard. They have a foam core with a fibreglass and resin coating on top. Because they are buoyant and stable, foam boards are ideal for beginners.
These types of surfboards are the perfect starter board for kids or adults to learn on. They are also great for smaller waves.
The size and thickness of the board You want a board that is big enough to float you but not too big that it is hard to control.
The shape of the board. You want a board that has a lot of volumes (is thick) in the nose and tail so it will float well and be stable. You also want a board with a rounded nose and rails (sides of the board) so it will paddle well and be easy to catch waves on.
The fin setup. You want a board with 3 fins (tri-fin) so it will be stable and have good control.
The removable performance of foam surfboards is not the best. You can upgrade to a better fin setup later on but it is not recommended to get a high-performance foam board.
The design of these types of surfboards is a floaty stylish fish design with a large nose and tail. The largest size of foam surfboards You can get is about 9 feet long.
Pros
-Very buoyant and stable
It-Perfect for beginners
It-Great for smaller waves
Cons
-Not the best for performance
6. The Step-up
A step-up board is a bigger and wider board that is made for intermediate to advanced surfers. These boards are good in both small and big waves. The step-up is made to paddle well, catch waves easily, and for high-performance surfing.
The size and thickness of the board You want a board that is big enough to float you but not too big that it is hard to control.
The shape of the board. You want a board that has a lot of volumes (is thick) in the nose and tail so it will float well and be stable. You also want a board with a rounded nose and rails (sides of the board) so it will paddle well and be easy to catch waves on.
Fin setup that You want a board with 3 fins (tri-fin) or 4 fins (quad-fin) so it will be stable and have good control.
The removable performance of foam surfboards is not the best. You can upgrade to a better fin setup later on but it is not recommended to get a high-performance foam board.
The design of these types of surfboards is usually a shortboard or fish design. The largest size of foam surfboards You can get is about 9 feet long.
Pros
-Paddle well
-Catch waves easily
It-Great for small and big waves
-High performance
Cons
-Not the best for beginners
7. Long Surfboard
A longboard is a classic surfboard that is made for all levels of surfers. Longboards are good in both small and big waves. Longboards are made to paddle well, catch waves easily, do nose rides, and for high-performance surfing.
The size and thickness of the board You want a board that is big enough to float you but not too big that it is hard to control.
The shape of the board. You want a board that has a lot of volumes (is thick) in the nose and tail so it will float well and be stable. You also want a board with a rounded nose and rails (sides of the board) so it will paddle well and be easy to catch waves on.
These types of surfboards have a high-performance shape with a lot of noise and tails. The largest size of foam surfboards You can get is about 9 feet long.
Longboard surfboards are in perfect shape for nose riding that shape is the enhanced glide and stability while nose riding.
Pros
-Paddle easily
Great for big waves
It-Ideal for nose riding
Cons
-Not the best for beginners
8. Shortboard Surfboards
A shortboard is a smaller and narrower board that is made for intermediate to advanced surfers. These boards are good in both small and big waves. Shortboards are made to manoeuvre quickly, do high-performance surfing, and for surfing in powerful waves.
The size and thickness of the board You want a board that is big enough to float you but not too big that it is hard to control.
The shape of the board. You want a board that has a lot of volumes (is thick) in the nose and tail so it will float well and be stable. You also want a board with a rounded nose and rails (sides of the board) so it will paddle well and be easy to catch waves on.
The removable performance of foam surfboards is not the best. You can upgrade to a better fin setup later on but it is not recommended to get a high-performance foam board.
The design of these types of surfboards is usually a short board or fish design. The largest size of foam surfboards You can get is about 5 to 7 feet long. It has an upturned tip for doing quick turns and manoeuvres.
Pros
-Quick manoeuvring
It-Great for small and big waves
-Ideal for high-performance surfing
Cons
-Not for long surfing
9. Fish Surfboards
A fish surfboard is an excellent choice because its inspired shapes transport you to the golden age of surfing. However, there are many various types of surfboards that fall into the category of fish. Your surfing style, the waves you ride, and your body shape all play a role in determining which fish surfboard is perfect for you.
Fish surfboards are similar to Fun Boards in that they have a larger outline and fuller rail. They’re easy to paddle, forgiving, and quick down the line because of these traits. Furthermore, the Fish Surfboard offers different surfing features that allow a must in everyone’s inventory, with fin configurations such as the twin keel or quad fin set up.
Fish surfboards have very little rocker and thick, rounded, and complete rails that meet a nose that is still pointed but also quite round, thanks to their iconic form.
Use the information from the above sorts of fish surfboards to figure out what kind of fish feels right for you. Although a fish board is associated with fashion, it was designed to outperform traditional pintail forms in steep, hollow waves with aggressive faces.
A performance fish surfboard has one main feature that helps it perform well in strong winds: speed. However, they are typically more aggressive on the rocker, a little less wide, and a little thinner than a throwback fish surfboard shape.
A performance fish provides an exciting diversity in how it responds to aggressive actions and will definitely rip to bits chest to overhead waves, as well as for basic hacks and hucks. The faster these boards are, the more you will appreciate their speed on a steeper wave.
Pros
– inspired shapes
-larger outline and fuller rail
-Best throwback fish surfboard shape.
Cons
Typically more aggressive
10. Gun Surfboards
You are unquestionably an expert if you choose a gun surfboard. A pistol surfboard is substantially narrower than a standard surfboard. Because big waves travel faster and have more force than smaller waves, you’ll need to employ less surface area on this board. You’ll skip out of the way if you’re travelling so quickly on a lot broader board. You won’t be able to incorporate that rail line into the wave. As a result, once you’ve entered the wave, you’ll want to make that lengthy turn and exit.
In bigger waves, the spherical pin tail gives you a lot of control. You’re now paddling into waves that are moving at 20 to 30 miles per hour. You must catch up with the waves and slide down over the wave’s leap.
In general, the gun surfboard’s narrow nose has a lot of curves leading down to the wide point, which ultimately leads to a round pin tail. In larger surf, the spherical pin tail provides a great deal of control. You’re now paddling against 20-30 mph seas. You must keep up with the waves and slide down over the wave’s leap. It’s where the hard swimming gets in useful, as you’ll get into the larger waves as soon as possible.
Pros
- -Flatter, thicker, straighter
- -Wide point forward
- -Extremely strong
Cons
-Difficult for beginners
11. Mini-Malibu
The Mini-Malibu is a versatile board that may be used to learn and improve. It’s an entry-level board for beginner surfers weighing up to 175 pounds/80 kilogrammes, with a refined balance of stability for easy paddling and enough performance for the more expert surfer to enjoy.
A mini malibu surfboard is simply a combination of a longboard and a short board, a form of fun shape or hybrid ranging from 7′ – 8’6” ft in length, and was first developed as a unique and slightly more progressive way to ride the peeling and flawless longboard waves of Malibu.
A tiny malibu surfboard’s nose is nice and chunky, with enough breadth and volume to allow for effortless paddling and wave catching. This keeps you stable down the line and lets you stretch out your front foot for a cheater five.
The thick rails start to thin out as the board gets closer to the tail, and small malibu surfboards have thinned-out tails.
A mini malibu will easily catch thigh-high waves due to its great volume in the nose. A beginner surfer will appreciate how much easier this board is to control than a longboard, and a tiny mal surfboard is highly recommended for learning the fundamentals of riding down the face.
Experienced surfers can mix short board-like turns with the stylistic and old-school style of longboarding on this smaller longboard surfboard to satisfy a small wave fix.
A tiny mal surfboard can withstand situations well over head-high on mushy and slow waves if you know what you’re doing. These miniature log surfboards, on the other hand, should be left at home when waves are too high.
Pros
– Best for learning and improve
– easily catch thigh-high waves
-Best throwback fish surfboard shape.
Cons
Mostly for beginners only.
12. Classic Malibu
It was so popular there that the type of board they used was named after it. Malibu longboards have the same shape as traditional longboards. They’ve been tweaked somewhat to emphasize the flamboyant riding style associated with the mid-century watermen who resided just up the coast from Los Angeles.
So much so that the sort of board used there was named after it. In terms of shape, Malibu longboards are identical to classic longboards. However, they’ve been subtly altered to emphasize the flamboyant riding style associated with those mid-century watermen who lived just up the coast from Los Angeles.
The malibu is not only capable of catching any wave, but it is also lighter and easier to handle than a traditional longboard. This makes it suitable for surfing and moving from and to the beaches. Purchasing a Malibu as a first board is a wise decision. These are perfect for almost all waves and will never become obsolete. More experienced surfers enjoy such tactics, therefore the Malibu is suitable for them as well. A Malibu is ideal for a progressive ride because it is less burdensome than a traditional 9′ or 10′ longboard.
A Malibu isn’t just for longboarders, either. Surf vacations that take you to places with lesser waves are always a solid idea for a short border who wants to enhance his skills. Learning to carve on a smaller, lighter short board is similar to learning to carve on a larger, heavier Malibu. Purchasing a Malibu is an excellent decision for any surfer. They’re a cross between a longboard and a short board. As a result, they’re ideal for beginners, individuals wishing to have a good time on a smaller scale, and advanced riders polishing their skills.
Pros
– Best for learning and improve
– easily catch thigh-high waves
Cons
-For beginners only.
Buying Guide
When you’re ready to buy your board, keep the following points in mind.
- The Size of the Board: You will want to make sure you get a board that is the right size for you. It is advised that you get a larger board if you are a novice. As you become more experienced, you can move to a smaller board.
- The Wave’s Characteristics: Make sure you purchase a board that’s suitable for the waves you’ll be riding. If you are going to be surfing in big waves, you will want a different board than if you are going to be surfing in small waves.
- Your Budget: Surfboards can be expensive, so make sure you set a budget before you start shopping.
- The Material: Surfboards are made from different materials, so make sure you choose a material that is right for you.
- The Fin Setup: The fin set up on your board will affect how the board rides Make sure the fin arrangement you chose is appropriate for the sort of riding you intend to conduct.
- The Accessories: There are many accessories that come with surfboards. Make certain you receive the items you require and that are appropriate for you.
Conclusion
There are a plethora of various types of surfboards available nowadays. Choosing which one is best for you might be tough. In this blog post, we’ve looked at some of the most common types of surfboards and offered some advice on how to choose the right one for you. If you want some more that’s kind to reviews visit thetopboards. Keep in mind all your needs and what you are looking for in a surfboard.