Surfboard Guide - Board Shapes Simplified

What's the difference between all the surfboard shapes I see?

The overall shape of your board, (taking into account nose & tail shape) will essentially determine how your board performs.

Most boards fit into a general category, in which the other boards in that category will also have similarly shaped noses and general outlines.

There are obviously exceptions to this rule when a custom board is created. In this case, the customer can literally pick what type of specifics they want for the board.

Here are the most common shapes of surfboards, and an explanation of who would most likely be surfing them. This will help you determine the best shape for you.

Stand Up Paddle Boards

The stand-up paddleboard has burst onto the surf scene recently because of its unique combination of fun and exercise. If you have been looking for a new way to enjoy the water, whether it is on a lake, river, or in the ocean, this versatile all around SUP is the perfect fit. Our paddle boards are user friendly and for EVERYONE! Try this board in both flat water and waves.

paddle board

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Size range from 8’ - 12’
  • Provide a great workout
  • Can be used in many different bodies of water.
  • Very stable platform that you stand on the entire time
  • Propelled by standing up and using a single paddle
  • Great for EVERYONE
  • Surf in flat to waist high waves
LONGBOARDS

This shape is ideal for any level of surfer especially for those small wave days. A longboard is what we recommend for all beginners and/ or larger surfers and is one of those boards that EVERY quiver should have.

longboard surfboard

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Range in size from 9’ - 11’
  • Very buoyant due to its large volume (width, thickness and length)
  • Round nose and squash/square tail or rounded pin tail
  • Wide through entire board 23+” (provides stability)
  • About 2.5” - 3.5” thick (adds buoyancy making it easy to paddle)
  • This board style is for EVERYONE
  • Great om anything ankle to chest high
MINI-LONGBOARDS

The mini long or mini-mal is primarily a slimmed down version of the longboard. It carries many of the same characteristics but in a smaller size. This shape is ideal for lighter weight or female beginners and/or intermediate surfers. Since the mini-longboard is really just a small longboard most of the time you will see them listed in the same section as longboards.

mini longboard

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Size range from 8’ - 9”
  • Round nose and squash/square tail
  • Wide through entire board ~22” (provides stability)
  • About 2.5” - 3” inches thick (making it easy to paddle out)
  • Great for transitioning from beginner to intermediate longboarder
  • Ride in anything from ankle biters to chest high
FUNBOARDS

This shape is ideal for light weight beginners (120lbs and under) or intermediate surfers looking to transition down in size from a longboard. Includes: egg shapes, fish, etc.

funboard surfboard

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Size ranges from 6’6” – 7’6”, and anything that is 20” or wider
  • Can have a variety of nose & tail shapes
  • Overall outline makes it easy to paddle and versatile to surf
  • A great transitional board as you step down from a longboard
  • Surf this board in anything from knee to chest high
HYBRIDS

This shape is ideal for intermediate surfers or surfers wanting to transition from a mini longboard or funshape down in size. The main thing to keep in mind is that a hybrid surfboard is a combo of varying elements. From nose shapes to tail shapes to fin setups. Different combos are going to give you a different ride and feel.

hybrid surfboard

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Size ranges vary greatly and can be anywhere from 5‘6” to 8’+
  • Longer boards can have pointed noses for tighter turns
  • Shorter boards will have a wider nose for easy wave catching
  • Greater width and thickness will provide stability and float
  • Great transition board for someone who wants to move faster
  • Can make a great first board for a youth or grom
  • Surf this board in anything from knee to head high
FISH

This shape is ideal for intermediate surfers. Looking to maximize turns and speed on small to medium sized waves.

fish surfboard

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Size range from 4’8” – 6’2”
  • Surf this 2-6” shorter than your shortboard
  • Wide, pointed nose (for carving turns)
  • Swallow tail (channels water to generate speed)
  • Width and thickness provides strong wave-catching ability
  • Great transition board for stepping down from a funboard
  • Great transition board for stepping down from your shortboard
  • Best in knee to head high waves
SHORTBOARDS

This shape is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Designed for maneuverability and aggressive moves, the shortboard has been a surfing staple since the 70‘s.

shortboard

Some of the typical highlights are-

  • Size range from about 5’ – 6’10”
  • Ride this board as long as you are tall or longer
  • Pointed nose (for maneuverability and carving turns)
  • Square/Squash/Swallow/Round tail
  • Unless you have been surfing for a while... STAY AWAY!
  • Ride this board in waves waist high to overhead