Which Surfboard Size is Right For You?

There are many types of surfboards on the market, each offering their own benefits for different styles of surfing and experience levels. 

San Diego Surf School presents six of the primary styles below:

 

Fish

Common Sizes:

5’2″ – 6’4″ long

20″ – 22″ wide

Distinguished by its “swallow tail” end, fish surfboards have a wider, rounder nose that is good for small to medium sized waves.

Shortboard

Common Sizes: 

5’5″ – 6’4″ long

16″ – 19″ wide

The shortboard is the most common style used by advanced and professional surfers as they are designed to maximize speed and maneuverability.

Hybrid

Common Sizes: 

6′ long or more

Hybrids combine elements from other styles to customize the experience. For example, a heavier surfer might want a performance board with a heavier or wider build.

Funboard

Common Sizes: 

6’6″ – 8′ long

20″ – 22″ wide

Funboards are designed for less-experienced surfers who want to have the turning ability of a shortboard and the paddling easy of a longboard.

Longboard

Common Sizes: 

8′ – 9′ long

As the name implies, longboards have a greater length as well as a rounder nose, both of which make it harder to maneuver but easier to paddle and catch waves.

Gun

Common Sizes: 

6′ – 10′ long

Ideal for big wave surfing, gun boards have a narrow design that makes it easier to paddle out and control on steeper waves.