The different types of board
The first filter to apply when choosing a surfboard is the "category" in which it falls. If you're a beginner, forget shortboards! Board type also defines your style in the water. It's up to you to decide whether you want to glide smoothly and quietly, or take a radical, maneuvering approach. Check out our short summary of the different board types, or jump straight to our interactive tool to help you choose your board 👇
The foam board
Foam boards are renowned for their sturdiness, buoyancy and safety. They're an ideal choice for beginners, allowing them to learn with complete peace of mind. The soft material minimizes the risk of injury in the event of a fall.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Foam, usually expanded polyethylene (EPE). |
| Size | Variable, generally longer and wider than resin boards for better buoyancy. |
| Volume | Very high, ensuring maximum buoyancy. |
| Handling | Weak. |
| Stability | Very high, facilitating take-off and balance. |
| Wave type | Suitable for small waves, ideal for learning. |
| Surfing level | Mainly for beginners, but can also be used by experienced surfers for fun sessions or in small waves. |
| Repair | Generally non-repairable, a major impact can irreversibly damage the board. |
Shortboard
The shortboard, characterized by its compact size, is renowned for its exceptional maneuverability. This board is highly responsive, enabling surfers to execute dynamic and technical maneuvers.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally between 1.50 m and 2 m. |
| Volume | Weak, implying reduced buoyancy. |
| Handling | Very high, ideal for technical and radical maneuvers. |
| Stability | Relatively weak, requiring good balance and technique. |
| Wave type | Powerful, hollow waves. |
| Surfing level | Suitable for surfers with significant experience and good technical skills. |
Considerations: The shortboard's low buoyancy calls for good paddling fitness. Its responsiveness requires precise technique to control turns and maneuvers. This type of board is not recommended for beginners or those looking for a board that's easy to handle. Other, larger models are more suitable for learning the basics and progressing smoothly.
Longboard
The longboard, with its generous size (generally over 8'), embodies the surfing tradition. Its large volume gives it exceptional buoyancy, making it easy to paddle and take-off. It offers a fluid glide, ideal for enjoying the full sensations of the wave.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally over 8' (2.75 metres). |
| Volume | High, ensuring buoyancy. |
| Handling | Relatively weak, less suited to fast, technical maneuvers. |
| Stability | Very high, offering great comfort and easy handling. |
| Wave type | Small to medium waves, soft and regular waves. Can be used on bigger waves by experienced surfers. |
| Surfing level | Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers who enjoy gliding and classic manoeuvres. |
Advantages: The longboard is a good option for beginners, as its stability and buoyancy make it easy to learn. It lets you concentrate on the fundamentals, without worrying about the complexity of maneuvers. Even experienced surfers appreciate its comfort and ability to generate a unique glide. Its trump card is that it allows the surfer to anticipate the wave and get up long before it breaks.
Disadvantages: Its size and low level of maneuverability make it less suited to hollow, fast waves and technical maneuvers. Depending on where you're surfing, it can also be complicated to pass the longboard bar, which can't be used as a duckboard.
Hybrid
Hybrid boards represent an excellent compromise between the performance of a shortboard and the ease of a longboard. They combine the advantages of both types of board, offering appreciable versatility in a variety of wave conditions. Their length is generally between 6'6 and 8'. They are shorter and less bulky than longboards, but longer and wider than shortboards. Hybrid boards are recommended for intermediate surfers.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally between 6'6 and 8'. |
| Volume | Moderate, offering a good balance between buoyancy and manoeuvrability. |
| Handling | Medium to high, allowing a variety of maneuvers. |
| Stability | Average, more stable than a shortboard but less than a longboard. |
| Wave type | Suitable for a wide range of conditions, from small, soft waves to more powerful, hollow waves, depending on the board's specific design. |
| Surfing level | Suitable for a wide range of levels, from intermediates to experienced surfers. Suitable for advanced beginners at ease on foam boards. |
Advantages: Versatility is the main advantage of hybrids. They allow you to surf a wide spectrum of waves, from the smallest to the most powerful, offering an enjoyable experience in a variety of conditions.
Fish
The Fish board, recognizable by its wide, double tail, was born in the 70s. Its unique design gives it remarkable maneuverability and speed, particularly suited to soft waves.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally between 1.50 m and 1.90 m. |
| Volume | low to high, offering good buoyancy. |
| Handling | Two-daggerboard fishes are not very manoeuvrable, but those with three daggerboards are much more so. |
| Stability | Good, offering appreciable surfing comfort. |
| Wave type | Small, soft waves with little power. Can be used in bigger waves by experienced surfers. |
| Surfing level | Suitable for intermediate and experienced surfers looking for a fun, high-performance board in light wave conditions. |
The Fish board excels in light wave conditions. Its maneuverability allows you to generate speed and have fun even in small waves. Its volume ensures good buoyancy and surfing comfort. Beware, however, that these boards are difficult to access for beginners.
Fish and hybrid, what's the difference?
Fish boards may or may not fall into the same category as hybrids. A fish board is primarily determined by its fish-like shape. Originally, fish boards were as small as shortboards, but with greater volume, often with greater width and thickness.
Mini-malibu
The mini-malibu, derived from the longboard, offers an interesting compromise between performance and ease of use. Its size, generally between 2.20 m and 2.60 m, makes it easier to handle than a classic longboard, while retaining appreciable buoyancy. The difference between a longboard and a hybrid board is generally in the rounded shapes found on mini-malibu boards, unlike hybrids, which are inspired by shortboard shapes.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally between 7' and 8'6 |
| Volume | High, offering good buoyancy and easy rowing and take-off. |
| Handling | Low to medium, more maneuverable than a classic longboard. |
| Stability | Good, offering appreciable surfing comfort. |
| Wave type | Suitable for a wide range of conditions, from small, soft waves to more powerful, hollow waves, depending on the board's specific design. |
| Surfing level | Suitable for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. |
Advantages: The mini-malibu is an excellent option for beginners, as its buoyancy and stability make it easy to learn. It allows you to progress smoothly while maintaining a certain level of maneuverability. Even experienced surfers can appreciate its versatility and ability to generate a pleasant glide in a variety of conditions. It's also easier to transport than a longboard.
Parameters to consider when choosing a board
There are several parameters to take into account when choosing your first surfboard, but we'll focus on the three pillars: size, width and volume.
Size
The size of your board is determined by your level, your height, and the style of surfing you want to have. The longer a board is, the less easy it is to turn. Here are a few examples:
1m70 beginner surfer who took a few lessons
- Choose an 8' foam board for good stability and buoyancy
1m70 beginner/intermediate surfer with a dozen lessons under his belt
- Can be oriented on an 8' mini-malibu or a 7'2 or larger hybrid surfboard
Intermediate surfer, 1m70 tall, with 50 hours of surfing under his belt.
- Can be oriented on a hybrid board of 6'6 or more or a longboard
Intermediate/expert surfer, 1m70, who has been surfing for more than 5 years.
- Can be oriented on all types of boards, especially shortboards
Width
The take-off is the most complicated movement for a beginner to learn. Having a wide board means you won't wobble the board if your foot isn't perfectly aligned in the middle.
Example of narrow width: 20 1/2 (shortboard type)
Example of wide width: 22 1/2 (hybrid type)
The volume
Volume is determined by a board's size, width and thickness. The bigger the board, the easier it is to launch onto a wave, and the more it benefits from the wave's inertia. When you're just starting out, this is the number 1 criterion not to be overlooked. Opt for a good board volume to enjoy surfing and gain in versatility.
Example for a surfer of 1m70 and 68kg:
- 20-38 liters: low volume (more reactive board, more complex to surf)
- 38-52 liters: average volume
- 52-80 liters: high volume (less responsive board, easier to surf)
Our tool to help you choose your ideal board type
Unlike other sites, we use the "number of sessions" variable. Yes, surfing is all about determination. The more you surf, the better you get. 1 session = ~1h of surfing. To be on the safe side, we advise you to contact a surf shop!
Surfboard Selector
The best surfboards for beginners
To begin surfing, if you have between 0 and 10 surfing lessons, we advise you to start out either on a foam board of 8' or more, or on a hard board that's just as big and voluminous.
Although they're not always pretty, foam boards can help you avoid accidents and will have only advantages at the start of your progression. What's more, it's possible to turn and start your first turns on a foam board, so it's only after dozens of sessions that you'll find yourself limited with this type of board.
Don't forget your surfing essentials
Buying a surfboard is a good start! But don't forget to complete your equipment:
- Wetsuits (depending on weather conditions)
- Wax
- Leash
- Daggerboards (if not included with board)
- And surf ponchos
When it comes to ponchos, you're spoilt for choice!
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