What Are the Different Types of Surfboards? – Explained

by Joshua Speaks

You will agree with me when I say,

In surfing, we have different types of waves, so, therefore, you need to look for many kinds of surfboards on which you can have the best enjoyment of surfing.

Choosing the right board is integral to the experience among so many different types of surfboard name. If you are shopping for your surfboard for the first one, you will undoubtedly want some hints on how to purchase a surfboard. Choosing a reliable beginner different types of surfboards can be puzzling if you don't have a local surf professional to help you out.

Few essential factors of surfboard design are outline, length, width, nostril shape, tail shape, thickness, rocker, backside curves, rails, fin setup, and volume.

Incase you are looking for the Best Surf Hats, Check out our guide here

Top 7 Surfboard types of 2023:

Top 7 Surfboard types of 2023:
Top 7 Surfboard types of 2023:

Right in this guide, we will be discussing different types of surfboards which you can pick to make your surfing experience worth and exciting:

The Shortboard:

Shortboard Surfboards For Sale - Degree 33 Surfboards
Shortboard Surfboards For Sale - Degree 33 Surfboards

The shortboard surfboard types are the basic surfboard born out of the so-called shortboard revolution, when Bob McTavish, Nat Young, and Dick Brewer radically converted the 9'6" longboards into 6'6" surfboards. Shortboards are the most famous surfboard template in the world right now.

If you go to a renowned browsing beach, you will discover out that 95% of the surfers are using boards between 5'5" and 6'5". A shortboard can be hard to paddle. However, it is simpler to duck dive evaluating with a longboard. Shortboards are additionally simpler to flip and will reply rapidly in crucial moments and sections of the wave. The most common fin setup used in shortboards is the thruster (tri-fin) system.

The Longboard:

Mini Longboard Surfboard For Sale | ISLE Surf & SUP
Mini Longboard Surfboard For Sale | ISLE Surf & SUP

The first surfboard of the cutting-edge generation used to be a longboard. As the name suggests, longboards are hence long surfboards. Longboards are generally over 9′, feature a rounded or blunt nose, masses of ahead width, and enormous tails. Longboards surfboard types have a lot of foam extent and are slightly buoyant. As a result, they are handy to paddle and will enter any wave quickly.

The longboard is the ideal craft for small surf due to the fact they land very nicely in sloppy, summertime waves. Longboards are pretty secure and can be ridden on the nose. However, they are sturdy and gradual to turn. However, they replicate a tradition, a style, and a declaration in the records of surfing.

The Fish:

Lib Tech Surfboards 5'10
Lib Tech Surfboards 5'10

Fish surfboards are comparable to short surfboard types; however, they tend to be more extensive from nostril to tail, and smaller in length. Because of their width as well as low rocker, they aircraft higher and hence generate a lot of pace in small-to-medium waves.

The fish model was once designed by way of Steve Lis, a kneeboard from San Diego, in 1967. These small and speedy surfboards additionally perform a fish-inspired tail and are often ridden with a twin-fin setup. One of the most famous fish models is the 1980 Retro Twin Fin using mark Richards, a magic contest surfboard that helped the Australian win four world titles between 1979 and 1983.

The Malibu/Funboard:


A Malibu surfboard types additionally recognized as a funboard as it is known out to be among the most popular surfboard types. It is a combination between a longboard and a shortboard. They are a preferred kind of board between novices and heavier surfers.

However, they can additionally be a backup alternative for skilled riders who experience having enjoyable in small summer season conditions. Malibus usually vary from 6′ to 8′ and are forgiving boards in ankle-to-waist excessive waves.

The Gun:


Guns are massive short different surfboards that are used for excessive browsing conditions. Prominent wave browsing pioneer Pat Curren is extensively regarded as the father of the gun. He was once one of the first surfers to task Waimea Bay, in Hawaii.

Big waves are pretty handy to paddle and will enter fast, massive waves rapidly but, due to the fact they are big, they're no longer effortless to turn. They usually feature a pintail, and the size varies from 7′ to 12′. Big wave surfing boards have a slim nostril and are frequently outfitted with a thruster fin setup.

The Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP):

5 Great Health Benefits Of Stand-up Paddle Boarding You Should...
5 Great Health Benefits Of Stand-up Paddle Boarding You Should...

Among different kinds of surfboards, a stand-up paddleboard is comparable to a longboard; however, it was once inspired by using historical Hawaiian and African water practices. SUP surfers use a paddle to propel the board throughout via the water. SUPs are thick, comprehensive, and constructed from epoxy and fiberglass. They usually vary from 9′ to 12 and are additionally on hand in inflatable versions. Stand-up paddleboards permit customers to surf small-to-medium waves; however, they can moreover be loved in flat water spots, such as lakes, rivers, and canals.

The Tow-In Board:

Tow - Dylan Surfboards
Tow - Dylan Surfboards

With the introduction of jet ski-assisted massive wave surfing, there used to be a want for short, slender, and low place boards. The tow-in model used to be delivered in the early Nineteen Nineties using Dick Brewer and first examined through Laird Hamilton. Tow-in boards are geared up with a small quad or thruster fin setup, foot straps, and are more substantial than standard surfboards. Traditionally, tow boards feature pin or swallowtails, and vary between 6′ and 6'6".

What to look for in a Surfboard?

When shopping for different kinds of surfboards for beginner surfers, it is necessary to think about their body dimension and the place where they will be surfing. In general, the exceptional beginner surfboards are long, thick boards for top balance and flotation. These kinds of surfboards permit you to capture new waves with much less effort.

Intermediate and superior degree surfers test with the whole thing from a 10'6 longboard to a 5'4 fish surfboard.

The most current addition to the surfboard lineup is the stand-up paddleboard . Surfboards are in natural evolution and improvement. There are various board designs for a vast range of environments.

Why are there different Surfboard sizes?

Surfboard Sizes
Surfboard Sizes

The world gives so many unique kinds of waves, and that is why there is an extensive range of surfboard designs, templates, shapes, and sizes. You will locate retro surfboards, as well as hybrid models, high-performance boards, or old logs, and massive wave browsing guns.

Nevertheless, cutting-edge surfboard shaping works around eight essential templates such as shortboards, longboards, fish boards, malibu/funboards, guns, tow-in boards, alias, and stand-up paddleboards. There additionally different modalities like bodyboarding and kneeboarding; however, we will maintain our interest just on the ones you want to stand-up to surf. You will discover retro surfboards, hybrid models, high-performance boards, old logs, and large wave browsing machines.

How to choose the right surfboard?

How to choose the right surfboard?
How to choose the right surfboard?

You have sooner or later determined to purchase yourself a new or your first surfboard. But what dimension is the best? And what structure have to you pick? What are the variations as in between a shortboard, a fish, a funboard, a longboard, or even a stand-up paddleboard (SUP)? Beginner surfers have to usually get a surfboard with an above-average paddling/flotation ratio.

Super steady surfboards are less complicated to paddle, will get in the waves faster, and is more forgiving when the pop-up second arrives. So, if you are in the new ranges of surfing, get a beginner-friendly surfboard. They provide a lot of extent and flotation, and will, without a doubt, help you stand up faster.

As a common rule of thumb, the best types of surfboards for an intermediate surfer are commonly one palm higher than his height. If you visit small-to-medium-sized waves, you can continually pick out a longboard or a funboard/malibu. After cautiously choosing the right dimension based totally on your weight and stage of the ride in surfing, it is essential to explore and know the vital aspects of a surfboard.

The primary surfboard traits are template; define a curve, the place of the broad point, nostrils (shape and width), tail (shape and width), fin setup, thickness, rocker, rails, and backside curves, and standard extent in liters. The massive majority of types of surfboard are made of polyurethane, despite the environmental problems related to this kind of core. However, the principal surfboard shapers, as well as producers, are already shifting toward greener picks such as algae and epoxy.

Know about Surfboard Shapes and Design:

Know about Surfboard Shapes and Design:
Know about Surfboard Shapes and Design:

Surfboard styles designers know which substances permit surfers to enhance their universal overall performance in the waves, and how they have an impact on board weight, design, and resistance to impact. A rounder template/outline will force you to draw longer curves and consequences in more magnificent laid-back surf. However, extra areas additionally potential increased buoyancy and extra planning carry potential.

That is why the width and size are paramount variables. Wider boards provide greater flotation and are the best preference for small, delicate waves. Rocker is viewed by using many shapers the most vital features in a surfboard. Surfboards with extra rocker are commonly slower in a straight line, and more difficult to paddle. The rounded pintail, spherical tail, squash tail, and rounded tail are very frequent due to the fact they maintain the surfboard pretty properly in all-around surf conditions.

So, in a dream scenario, and if you had to take around four surfboards to a faraway browsing island for the relaxation of your life, the last surf quiver would encompass two shortboards, one malibu, and a longboard. The fact is that there is an extensive vary of surfboard kinds for all kinds of waves and using surfing boards types, and every template has a one of a kind influence on performance.

Remember that the satisfactory surfboard is the surfboard that you experience using the most. However, you must, without a doubt, make your choice primarily based on the thought that there is a right board for your body kind and experience in the surf.

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THURSO SURF Lancer 5'10'' Fish Soft Top Surfboard Package Includes Twin Fins Double - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

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California Board Company 6'2'' Fish Surfboard - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

BIC Sport Paint Shortboard Surfboard, Red/Green, 5'6" x 19" x 2.68" x 35 Large - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

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Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board (Blue, 6-Feet) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Rock-It 6' Albert Surfboard (Blue) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard Ocean Beach Foamie - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

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Grande Juguete Surfboard 5'5", Soft Top Surf Board, Lightweight Surfing Foamie Board Tri - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Boardworks Froth! | Soft Top Surfboard | 3 Fins | Wake Surfboard | 5' 6" | Mint - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Driftsun Nymbus Blue Foam Surfboard - 72” x 20” Surfboard with EPS Foam Core and 3 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

South Bay Board Co. - 4'10/5'5/6' / 6'8 Hybrid Surfboards - Wax-Free Soft-Top Surfboard + - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

About Joshua Speaks

Can’t think of a day that that Josh didn’t have a beer or two. Be it a long day of work or of nothing. Sometimes, it is a few packs even. Especially when there are familiars over.

His fridge is packed with beers: Heineken, Corona, Guinness, Budweiser, and all other wierd brands in between. He had to get a secondary 30 cu. fridge off Craigslist for more beer storage.

Sometimes he wonders if a day truly starts only after the first sip of beer for the day. Enough talk about Josh and his passion; that’s the reason for this beer blog and related items. Feel free to hit on him. Start with something like: “hey beer head!” You got the idea!

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