What Size of Surfboard Should I Get?

May 6th, 2010 by Luc Stokes

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.

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 sign up for our surfboard guide that will give you some more detailed information.

Posted at 3:46 pm: 40 comments

Give us a little feedback. Whacha think?

40 responses to “What Size of Surfboard Should I Get?”

alex sutton writes:

I am a 5’7″ 160lbs… beginner/intermediate surfer… lookn for a board that does a little of everything from smaal waves to big waves, what size is best..

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
What have you been surfing on already? What type of wave do you surf (mushy, hollow, etc.)? What’s your goal with surfing?

[Reply]
@ May 6th, 2010 at 20:21
travis writes:

what about grovlers? i want a short thick board that rips and catches waves easy….i’d also like to catch some air and punt a little in mushy shore break.

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
May 10th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Travis- One of our Pivot Fish should be the trick. What’s your height, weight, skill?

[Reply]
@ May 7th, 2010 at 14:45
Sol writes:

Hey Luc,
I’m an beginner/intermediate surfer I’m 5’4 180lbs i try a lil of every wave what would u recommend
Mahalo in advance
Sol

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
May 10th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Sol- What is your goal with surfing. Have fun and just catch a bunch of waves or get good and move down to a shortboard?

[Reply]
@ May 10th, 2010 at 11:07
Mike writes:

Luc,

6’4″ 220 beginner. Jersey shore. 10′ is what I was told. Sound right? Don’t want to spend alot initially. Are foam boards a waste of time?

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
10′ sounds right to me. You may be able to get away with a 9’6″ but that would depend on how hard/easy you want the learning curve to be and what your ultimate goal with surfing is.

Foam boards are great if you’re not sure you are gonna like surfing and want to test it out first. If you’re committed to making surfing a sport that you enjoy, than a soft board is a waste of money as you will likely have to replace it within several months. Just not made for long term use.

[Reply]
@ May 10th, 2010 at 19:59
Longboarding kicks ass writes:

Long boarding is amazing…Just sayin.

[Reply]
@ May 20th, 2010 at 23:54
Sean Ingenluyff writes:

Im 5’11″ 155 lbs. beginner/intermediate. trying to get back into surfing. i go to hawaii every year so im trying to decide what kind of board i should get.

[Reply]
@ August 8th, 2010 at 05:19
Angela writes:

my daughter is 12 and is about 4′ 9in. What size board is best for her? I’ve been told a 6′-6’6″ board. Maybe a BIC? Something that takes a beating. Her only issue with the big board is that she says (when we rented one) that its hard to paddle because it is big, but certainly doesn’t want to go w/ a smaller board because she’s a beginner. Thanks for advice!

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Buying a board for a 12 yr old is a little tough. They are still growing!

The main thing you will want to look for is something that isn’t too wide. At her size her shoulders aren’t very wide and so a wide board will be harder to paddle even though it will be a more steady platform to stand on. I would look for something in the 6′-7′ range but stay under 20″ wide. Hope that helps.

Let us know what else we can do for you.

[Reply]
@ August 25th, 2010 at 07:06
elliot writes:

i’m 5’11 and 140lbs, and ive been shortboard/fish’ing for about 3 years now, advanced i guess, but i want to get into longboarding a bit, as i live in florida, but i know NOTHING about what size i should get in one. I know how to surf well, and have even entered competitions and placed, so its not like i’ll be beginning, but i was looking for a performance longboard? Please help me out on the dimensions

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
September 20th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
@elliot – Rule of thumb for length on a longboard is 3ft. So you’ll want something in the 9ft range. Width and thickness is a variable based on preference. At 140lbs you don’t need to go super thick but I’d go at least 2 3/4″ but not more than 3″. The main thing about width is you want comfortable paddling. This has to do with your shoulder width… or how comfortably it fits under your arm when carrying it.

I would recommend our 9′ Ultimate. Check it out here – http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/longboard-surfboards/ultimate.html

[Reply]
@ September 9th, 2010 at 19:41
Deb writes:

I’ve been borrowing a 9’6″ glass Infinity for the last year as a beginner and love it for it’s stability but I’m now ready to by my own board. I’m 5’3″ and 130lbs, strong and go out in all conditions. I’m thinking of going with the 9′ epoxy for the float, weight and durability. How does the nose rider compare to the regular shape? What would you recommend?

[Reply]
Rob Reply:
October 1st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I’ve been borrowing a 9’6″ glass Infinity for the last year as a beginner and love it for it’s stability but I’m now ready to by my own board. I’m 5’3″ and 130lbs, strong and go out in all conditions. I’m thinking of going with the 9′ epoxy for the float, weight and durability. How does the nose rider compare to the regular shape? What would you recommend?

Deb!
Good to hear from ya. A 9′ epoxy would definitely make it easy on you—since the material is lighter than glass you could probably even go down to an 8’6 and still feel rock solid.

If you’re looking for a great all arounder, The Ultimate is where its at. Paddling and catching waves is incredibly easy.

If you’re on the market for more of a technical longboard, The Hangar is what you want.

Sort of depends on what you hope to be able to do with your board and where you wanna end up in terms of surfing style. Give us a buzz and we’ll get you taken care of!

[Reply]
@ September 30th, 2010 at 04:43
ryan writes:

hey i am wanting to buy a board, i am a beginner can stand up but find duck diving and paddling hard as i am short and light. 5’3″ and 68kgs. the boards i borrow are always massive. What should i get?

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
I would recommend our 7’6″ Stepping Stone. Here is a link to them.

http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/funboard-surfboards/stepping-stone.html

[Reply]
@ October 16th, 2010 at 01:58
kev.d writes:

hi, im 6’1″ and 16 stone,(muscle not fat !), beginner, and im after my own board now. Any suggestions please im looking at the minimal 8’6″, what do you think please

cheers

[Reply]
@ November 1st, 2010 at 07:31
Rob writes:

For an athletic build like yours we’d recommend something at least 9ft. 9’6″ would probably be a little closer to ideal.

You want to be able to catch waves easily and consistently and the stability & ease of paddle you’ll get from a 9’6 is definitely a good place to start.

[Reply]
@ November 2nd, 2010 at 12:57
Rick Hill writes:

I’m 6’2 and 240 lbs. now surfing 3 years..first year on a rental 11ft foamie and then i bought a 9 ft Stewart LSP….a little beyond my ability but was told that was a smart thing as I would grow / improve into it.Took some effort but now very comfortable. I would appreciate your thoughts on progressing to a fish surfboard as a precursor to a smaller board. I surf mostly Pismo Beach and Morro Bay

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
November 13th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
If you’re just looking to get something with more maneuverability then I would go with a larger hybrid first. Something in the 7′ range. Something like this-
http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/funboard-surfboards/turning-point.html

[Reply]
@ November 12th, 2010 at 10:16
Drew writes:

I haven’t surfed in 6 years but I’m movin to the gulf coast the surf is horrible but I don’t really want a long board I’m 6′ 2″ and 235 what size funboard should I get or should I go with a longboard

[Reply]
Rob Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Drew — A funboard could work out. Might even be able to swing the jump down to a fish. How long have you been surfing for and what are you used to riding?

[Reply]
@ March 21st, 2011 at 03:36
Josh writes:

hi im 6’1″ 170 i would consider myself intermediate. i surf a 6’3 Al Merrick right now it floats me nice and i catch waves, but i want something a little faster with better manueverbility. i surf anywhere from knee high to 2ft overhead. Where i live it is mushy waves, but next year i will be in Santa Cruz for college. I am just trying to get a better surf and rip the wave more and just overall have more fun.

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
I would go with one of our retro fish boards. It’s call the Pivot Fish. Super drivey and great maneuverability. For you height, weight, and skill level, I would get a 6’0″ in NexGen. Let us know if there is anything else we can do.

[Reply]
@ March 22nd, 2011 at 17:31
Tony writes:

I’m finally getting back into surfing after 20 years.A friend gave me a Haut 8’6″ and it just didn’t work for me. I struggled to catch waves, so i looking for good board that will give paddle easier. I’m 6’2 and weigh about 190. I’m a beginner to intermediate surfer and i just want to have fun on the waves

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@Tony- Here is what I would go with if I was you. I would get one of our 9′ Ultimate’s. It was designed to paddle easy, float well, and catch waves like a dream. Here is a link to them. Hope that helps. http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/longboard-surfboards/ultimate.html

[Reply]
@ June 8th, 2011 at 21:45
James writes:

Hey I was wondering what you would recommend I’m a beginner on the east coast, usually maryland sometimes jersey. I’m 6’2″ 240-250lbs but with no way to transport a long board. Not sure if this is a factor or not but I wear a size 14 shoe

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@James- Without question you need to get a longboard. I know you say you dont have a a way to transport but do you have a car? As long as you have a vehicle with doors you have a way to transport your board. Here is a link to our beginner recommendations and a like to the rack system you will want for your car.

http://www.degree33surfboards.com/blog/surf-education/beginner-surfers-listen-board-start/

http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/fcs-deluxe-roof-rack-single.html

[Reply]
@ June 24th, 2011 at 21:12
Jon writes:

Hey Luc,

I’m 5’10” 190lbs and I’ve been riding a 9’2” longboard and I’m starting to outgrow it. At least I think I am. I still have some trouble riding breaking waves on it, but have a little less problem riding my girlfriend’s 8′ funboard. I’m thinking the size of my board is a little too cumbersome for turning on a face. I was looking into getting a fish as a transitional board but still something I can keep for a while. What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Jon.

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
August 1st, 2011 at 11:08 am
Honestly I think that until you can catch, ride, and turn top to bottom on a clean breaking wave you need to stick with you longboard. Inability to turn it and be comfortable with it isn’t a function of the board as much as it is a function of your skill level. That being said, if you choose to go smaller anyways I wouldn’t go shorter than a 7’6″. Hope that helps. -Luc

[Reply]
@ July 28th, 2011 at 09:25
Anonymous writes:

I’m petite – 5’0 and 90lbs and currently riding a 7’5 funboard and 8′ walden magic longboard. Want to add a shorter board to start experimenting with shortboarding – would you recommend a retro fish in the 6′-6’4 range (more transitional) or is that too big and wide? Or just go for it and go for something in the 5’8-5’11 range? Surfing in typically messy coldwater surf 2-6ft beach break but would like something that’s small and could travel with me. Looking for something I could learn to duck dive but still has good stability, paddling and wave catching.

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
September 12th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
For your height and weight I think the best choice from our line would be the 5’8″ Pivot Fish or, if you’re not sure you want to go that short yet, the 6’6″ Poacher. Here are links to both of them. Cheers.
http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/funboard-surfboards/poacher.html
http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/pivot-fish-5'8-nexgen-clear.html

[Reply]
@ September 5th, 2011 at 00:13
Ellen writes:

Wow – great great site, lots of good info.

I’m 5’3″, 112 pounds. Just started surfing on the long foam boards, and am able to somewhat get up in the white water. Looking to buy a used board, and found a used Hammer Surfboards mini longboard: 8′ x 22.25″ x 3″.

Do you think this is an ok board for me to learn on?

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 12:14 am
I am not familiar with Hammer’s line of boards. We have a lot of great boards though. Let us know if you would like any help with our product line.

[Reply]
@ October 17th, 2011 at 17:40
Aaron writes:

Really like the article. I am 6′ and 225 I know i need to get around a 9’6″ or taller maybe up to 10′ but what about width for a long board, are there different widths.

Thanks

[Reply]
Luc Stokes Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 9:20 am
Widths will vary for sure, but depending on skill level, I would recommend something in the 23″ – 23.5″ range for your height. Something like this would be perfect. http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/ultimate-10'-nexgen-clear.html

[Reply]
@ November 7th, 2011 at 07:34
Linda writes:

Hi, I’m a beginner only been using soft boards to date in around 8″. However I’m now looking for my own board. I’m 5″4 and around 140 weight. I’ve been recommended at 8″6 board. Not sure if I should be looking at a long board or funboard as I think I will struggle with anything too heavy.

[Reply]
Rob Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Hey Linda, it’ll depend on how consistent your wave catch was on your foamie. If you were catching about 70-80% of the waves you were going for, and starting to turn, then you’re ready to move down in size. On a side note, if weight’s a big concern, epoxy surfboards = 20% lighter. A 7’6″ or 8′ epoxy would be the best fit.

8ft: more float/stability/weight
7ft 6: more maneuverability/shoulder burn

Cheers

[Reply]
@ January 23rd, 2012 at 19:08