With surfboards having developed a long way since they were just a plank of wood, it can be overwhelming to know which is the right surfboard for you. But relax, we've got your back! Here we introduce you to:
>> Common categories of surfboards available and how they affect performance.
>> Why the volume is important to you.
Before we get stuck in, lets review the basic terminology of a surfboard.
Nose - The nose denotes the front of the surfboard
Tail - The back of the surfboard, where you find the fins
Rail - The sides of the surfboard which will dig into a wave face
Top - The side you lay on
Bottom - The side on the water
Rocker - The curvature of the bottom of the board, often split into the front and back
Now you know this, lets dig into the detail.
Common Surfboard Categories
There are four main categories when it comes to surfboards: Longboards, Mid-lengths, Hybrids, and Shortboards. Lets go through each one to understand the differences.
1. Longboards
First up, longboards. You don't need to be a genius to guess but these are the longest type of surfboard. Longboards typically range from 8 to 12 feet in length, and come in a variety of subtly different shapes. The size of the board provides the rider with an easier paddling experience, the width lends itself to a stable platform, and the large surface area in contact with the water allows the surfer to catch smaller waves with less effort.
For beginners this obviously makes them a very attractive choice, but don't think your progress will be stunted by going down this avenue. Longboard riding is a massively popular style of surfing, and there are numerous highly competitive competitions world wide such as the ISA World Longboard Championships. If you've ever heard of hanging 5 or hanging 10? These highly technical moves are longboard specials... check out this clip from queens to see some longboard skill on show:
As with all board types the shape is a crucial factor to the ride characteristics of a longboard. The key aspect of the shape which you'll need to consider is where the wide point is along the board. Put simply, the wide point can tend towards the front, back, or sit dead in the middle, and more of the boards volume will be distributed around the location of the wide point.
Wide Point Forward (WPF):
Conditions = Mellow
Experience level = low.
By distributing the volume towards the nose of the board stability towards the front is increased, and the board will lock into the mellowest of waves. This makes it ideal to developing nose riding skills on and allows the user to surf in softer, lower powered conditions. The thinner tail lends itself to pivotal turns, carving would be a challenge, and the shape is difficult in steeper waves as a result of the increased grip towards the front.
Wide Point Middle (WPM):
Conditions = Capable in most
Experience level = low - Intermediate
The most common longboard shape gives a balance between manoeuvrability and stability on the wave. When the rail is long and straight the board shape is known as a parallel rail surfboard, or 'log'. Although great for straight lines, and allowing the rider to sit comfortably in the widest range of conditions, it does mean there is lot of rail to break out of the water in order to complete a turn. A high rocker is key if you want to retain the ability to turn.
Wide point back (WPB):
Conditions = Steep
Experience level = Intermediate - high
By shaping the board with the widest point at the back you will increase the curve at the back of the board and make the front of the board relatively lighter. Both these traits make it easier to carve through turns with better responsive tendencies.
The thinner nose will also reduce risk of catching the nose on steeper sections letting riders surf tighter to the curl (the breaking section of the wave). Countering this, however, is you'll find slightly less power on flatter sections, and the shape of the rail will naturally draw you away from the wave
For an extra in depth review of longboards, dip into this overview by surf simply:
At Vol.Surfboards we have a WPF and WPB longboard shape on file just drop us a message, or, we can adjust the wide point to fit your needs just get in touch with what you are after and we will fit the board to you.
2. Mid-lengths
Mid-lengths typically range from 7 to 8 feet in length, again, no points for guessing they sit in the middle of the range in terms of length (at least whoever picked the names was logical). As a general rule, as a surfboard gets smaller they become more manoeuvrable, but slightly less stable. That being said Mid-lengths are still relatively large in the surfboard world but they are more manoeuvrable and easier to turn than a longboard, while still maintaining some stability compared to shortboards. Additionally, the turns you tend to see remain a smooth arcing one from rail to rail.
Mid-lengths are great for intermediate surfers who want to improve their ability to turn while still having a stable platform to work with, or for irregular surfers who want to catch lots and maximise ride time.
As for which shape mid-length would suit you best, we would encourage you to match your board to the conditions you want to surf in. Just remember, as this is a middle of the pack board on almost all stats don't expect it to be the best on a steep day, or the easiest on a mellow day. The mid-length, however, will allow you to go out and have a good session in the widest range of conditions.
3. Hybrids
Hybrid surfboards squeeze on in between a Mid-length and a shortboards. could be considered a slightly larger stockier shortboard. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but typically range from 5 to 7 feet. Hybrids are highly versatile and capable, they can be used in a variety of conditions making great all-around boards for a regular surfer. However, they are likely to be a bit much of a jump for a beginner/improver, so we would only recommend this shape to an experienced surfer with a good level of fitness.
4. Shortboards
Shortboards are the go-to for advanced surfers looking to rip up some waves, and you will most likely have seen them if you've ever tuned into surf competitions like the World Surf League. They also range from 5 to 7 feet in length and are designed for speed, manoeuvrability, and sharp turns. Shortboards are not recommended for beginners because they require a great deal of skill and experience: wave selection, positioning, and timing need to be on point to achieve a successful drop in.
Tail Shape
There is another, very important aspect to a surfboards shape which you need to be aware of: the tail. The tail shape of a surfboard is just as important as the length and width. There are several different tail shapes to choose from, each with its own benefits.
- Squash: Looking quite literally like someone has squashed the bottom of the surfboard flat, a squash tail is the most common tail shape and is suitable for all types of waves. It provides a good balance of speed, manoeuvrability, and stability.
- Round: A round tail is best suited for larger, more powerful waves. It provides good hold and control in big surf.
- Pin: A pin tail is a narrow tail shape that is best suited for long, hollow waves. It provides excellent hold and control in critical sections.
- Swallow: The swallow tail is found on the back of a shortboard fish and some hybrid boards. The shape allows the board to hold plenty of volume but still achieve relatively tight turns.
Surfboard Volume
Possibly the most important aspect of all. Surfboard volume is a term used to describe the amount of space inside the board. The higher the volume, the more buoyancy the board has, making it easier to paddle and catch waves. The lower the volume, the more sensitive and responsive the board will be.
Generally, beginners should choose a board with higher volumes to make it easier to catch waves and maintain stability. Intermediate and advanced surfers can choose a lower volume board for greater manoeuvrability and control.
Round Up
Always bare in mind that paddling is less fun than riding, and more volume equals more riding. Choosing the right surfboard shape depends on your skill level and the wave conditions you'll be surfing. Longboards are great for developing longboard style, or for beginners and small waves. Shortboards are best suited for advanced surfers and bigger, steeper waves. Mid-lengths and hybrids offer versatility for a variety of conditions. So, do your research, try out different shapes, and most importantly, have fun out in the water!
Find all our Vol. Surfboard shapes here: