What size surfboard should I get? This question has been asked countless times over the years. The answer is simple: it depends.
Surfboards come in various sizes. Some are designed for beginners, some for intermediate surfers, and some for advanced surfers. If you want to start surfing, you’ll probably want to go with a beginner board. The choice of board size will also depend on your height and weight.
Surfboards vary from beginner boards to professional boards. Beginners usually choose a longer board and work their way up to a short board which takes a lot more skill and experience to master.
In this article, we look at the different-sized surfboards and which might be the best board for you.
How To Choose The Right Size Surfboard
The first thing that you need to know when choosing a surfboard is how tall you are. You can measure yourself by standing straight against a wall with both feet together and getting someone to measure you using a tape measure.
You then also need to know how much you weigh as this will be a good guide on surfboard size. A girl who weighs 120 pounds and is only 5 feet tall is not going to want to be surfing on the same board as someone who is 230 pounds and over 6 feet tall.
A good rule of thumb is to try out the surfboard before buying it. Once you’ve tried it out, you can make sure that it fits well and works with your height and weight.
Next, you need to decide if you’re an experienced surfer or not. If you’ve never surfed before, then you’ll probably want to buy a beginner’s board.
However, if you already have some surfing under your belt, then you may want to consider purchasing a smaller and more advanced board. It all comes down to personal preference.
If you don’t know how to surf yet, then you’ll most likely want to purchase a larger board. These are easier to learn because they take less time to catch waves and ride them. They also tend to be cheaper, especially if you buy a foamie.
Buying a board that is too small straight away, will hold back the progress of a surfer and can be frustrating when you are trying to improve your skills.
Types Of Surfboards
Traditional Surf Boards
These are perfect for beginners and range from longboard length to complete shortboards. They are long enough to allow beginners to practice catching waves without falling off. Their length allows them to easily turn around after riding waves.
They are also easy to transport and store. They are also very stable, making them ideal for learning. They come in a range of sizes, and picking the size of this type of surfboard will depend on weight and height.
Foamies
Foamies are the easiest surfboards available to learn on. They are made from polyurethane foam and are very light. They are perfect for beginners who just want to ride some waves already, and they often come in longer lengths because of this.
They are also soft and forgiving, allowing beginners to fall off and still be able to stand up again.
Longboard
Longboards are used by surfers who are ready to tackle the big stuff. Longboards are used primarily for cruising and freestyle and are often a lot longer than intermediate boards. They can measure up to about 12’6″.
They are different from traditional surfboards and they are designed for advanced surfers looking for good vibes, a loose attitude, and a relaxing surf. They are much heavier, much more dangerous, and require some skill to use safely.
So it is important not to get mixed up with a traditional longboard and a longer beginner board when you are first starting to surf. Longboarding is a discipline of its own, but if you were interested in getting started, the guidelines we have included below should still roughly apply.
What Size Surfboard Should I Get?
Below, we have included a table of the size of boards you should invest in based on the weight in kg. This is based on if you were surfing less than one day a week.
If you were surfing at slightly more than this in a week, you could decrease the length by an inch and the width might be decreased by around half an inch depending on length. This is a guide only.
| Surfer Weight (kg) | Traditional Surfboard Length (feet) | Traditional Surfboard Width |
| 45-65 | 6.2-6.4 | 18¾″-19¼″ |
| 65-72 | 6.4-6.8 | 19″-20″ |
| 72-81 | 6.6-6.10 | 19½″-20½″ |
| 81-90 | 6.10-7.4 | 20″-21½″ |
| Over 90 | Over 7.4 | 21½″-22½″ |
How To Choose The Right Surfing Board For You
It’s no secret that choosing the right surfboard is crucial to having fun while surfing. But which board do you choose?
There are many factors to consider when buying a new board that goes beyond just the size, and below we have included a few considerations you might want to keep in mind.
Shape
The shape of the board is another key factor to consider. Some people prefer a rounder board, whereas others love a sharper nose. Rounder boards tend to offer more stability and maneuverability.
However, they lack speed and power. Sharp noses provide more speed, but they can be difficult to turn.
Weight
Another important consideration is how heavy the board feels. Lightweight boards are easier to carry around and transport. They are also more responsive, making them ideal for beginners. Heavy boards offer more stability, but they are harder to paddle fast.
Construction
There are two main types of construction: fiberglass and wood. Fiberglass offers flexibility and durability. It is lightweight, easy to carve, and requires little maintenance.
Wood boards are stronger and last longer. They are usually thicker and heavier, but they are also sturdier and more durable.
Durability
When choosing a board, look for one that is made from high-quality materials. Boards made from low-grade plastics and composites will wear down quickly.
Look for a board that has been built using quality materials such as glass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and polyethylene. These materials are strong and will keep their integrity for years.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a major concern for most surfers. When choosing a board, look carefully at the flex pattern. The best boards are those that offer both softness and stiffness. Soft boards allow you to move easily through the water, but stiff ones offer greater support.
Final Thoughts
We hope after reading this article, you have learned all you need to know about surfboard sizes and how to pick the right one based on weight, height, experience, and more.
Remember, surfboard sizes come down to personal preference but buying a board that is too short when you are first starting will be one of the worst mistakes you can make. Start with a longer and sturdier board and go from there. Happy surfing!
