What Size of Surfboard Should I Get?
So one of the most common questions we get here is, "what size of surfboard should I get?" I wish that there was a simple answer to that but unfortunately there really isn't. The answer lies in several questions I need to ask you... "What's your skill level, height, weight, goal, type of wave...?" I think you get the idea.
So even though there's a whole slew of options, and obviously a few variables, I will do my best to give you some general rules of thumb.
Beginners
If you're a beginner, I always recommend going with a longboard. Now, I know longboards may not be cool and sexy but I need you to put your ego aside for a moment. Let me ask you a question. What's "cooler": sitting, falling, and barely paddling a "cool" shortboard OR surfing, turning, and easily paddling a longboard? I hope you answered surfing over falling. If you didn't say surfing... take up a different sport. :) Now, what size of longboard should you get? We'll look at this from a height stand point, and we'll assume that you're of an average weight. Rule of thumb is to get a longboard 3ft longer than your height. So for me, I'm 6' 180lbs and I ride a 9'0". There can always be exceptions to this if you're on the heavier side or lighter side.
If you want to start out safe we have an amazing no wax hybrid soft top surfboard line that is ideal for the new and progressing surfer. These boards have a similar ride feel to our regular Epoxy or Poly boards but you eliminate the use of wax which is something our customers love.
Intermediates
You guys are little more tricky because your board selection can be anything from a longboard to a funboard to a fish or shortboard. And they all have different rules. So let's see if I can make this simpler. Longboard- Same rules above, 3ft taller than yourself. Funboard- These boards can be anywhere from 6'6" to 8'6" or so and is more dependent on your weight and what you are trying to accomplish. A good place to start is going to be 12"-24" taller than yourself but will vary by the shape and style of surfboard. Fish- Proper fish size is typically 2-4" shorter than your shortboard. Shortboard- I usually recommend going 2-6" taller than yourself. But this depends on the size of waves you'll be surfing it in.
Advanced
You guys don't need my help. You now exactly what you want and probably wouldn't take my opinion anyways. :) Well hopefully that helps a little. If this wasn't specific enough for you send us an email or leave us a comment below and we'll give you a personal recommendation. If you're not ready to contact us (afraid we're going to try and sell you something huh?) you can always check our Progression Guide that will give you some more detailed information on this subject.
If you have any other questions, please email us at surf@degree33.com or call (800) 920-2363 to discuss your next board.
What is your skill level and where will you be surfing?
Hi, I live in California, I’m 34 yo, been surfing since I was 8. Having trouble finding the right short board as well as a fishy/biscuit type board. I’m 6’6" and weigh 180 lbs, I’m very flexible and don’t surf like a typical tall human, I surf top to bottom with fin release turns and punt a few airs here and there. I’ve been surfing 6’8" squash tails generally about 19 1/2" wide and 2 1/2" thick, but I feel a little held back with these boards and wonder if I should go shorter and thicker. what do you think? Also have no idea on length, width, thickness on smaller/mushier wave boards. thanks
Hi, I have been surfing for quite sometime now East Coast N.C. I have a 6’8 epoxy quad fish for bigger days and a 7’6" funboard for small days. Also have a 6’6’ shortboard. Im looking at getting a longboard for the really small days and want to know what size I should get. I am looking at 9’0 epoxy and 9’6" epoxy. This board will be primarily for 1-3 ft slop and occasionally waist to chest high depending on whether I like longboarding. I am athletic/bodybuilder type 5’10" 190lbs. I kinda want a performance type longboard should i go with the 9’0 or shoot for the 9’6. Thank you for the advice.
My daughter just turned 8 years old and has done two surf camps over the summer. She is getting up on about every wave on the 8ft foam boards. She is starting to turn but the bigger board is a bit heavy. They moved her to a 7’6" and she had no problem transitioning to it. She would like to do surf competitions some day (she says). We live in Oceanside so will do most of her surfing probably south pier. Do you have anything that would be good for her?
I would look at our Bean in probably 6’2". I think it’s a little thick for your weight, but you’re so tall that you will want the length. A custom may be in order. Let us know and we can help you with either. Here’s a link to the Bean. http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/fish-and-specialty/the-bean.html
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