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.
This was an absolutely killer read! Thanks bru! Don’t underestimate your knowledge brother, I consider myself an advanced surfer and I still felt like I found some answers reading this. And anybody who is too “advanced” to learn something new from another pro, isn’t very advanced at all. There is a whole sphere of knowledge and skill that comes with surfing, and if your ego is too big to allow you complete your sphere of knowledge, I’d consider you just as much is of a beginner as someone who still hasn’t even stood up on a wave 🤙🏼
Hey, Im 16 and “5,7” and am a beginner/intermediate surfing the south east coast of Queensland, Aus. For the last two years my board was “6,6” but I really struggled to get out the back as it was very hard to duck dive this board. I just got a “6,0” surfboard for my birthday and have not ridden it yet as I am still contemplating on weather to take it back as i really struggle with duck diving but am not the best paddler either- so do u reckon It will suit me or should I exchange it for another one? cheers.
Hi, I am a beginner surfer and I am 5’6 130lbs and I was wondering if a 5’8 or 6 foot short oats is the right size? Thanks for the help!
I’m 5’10", 130lbs and a beginner/intermediate surfer in RI most of the year, so the waves aren’t great. I’m looking for a new board and can’t decide if 9’ will seem too big or if 8’ or smaller is too small? And unsure of what width and thickness would be best? Any suggestions? Thanks!
I appreciate all the guidance I’ve been reading. I am 5’3", 125 lbs, good paddler, can catch and turn on waves pretty easily. I surf in Hawaii when I go to visit family once a year. I’ve been using a 6’10" fun board and love it. I feel really comfortable on it and can handle it pretty well. But am wondering if I can downsize. I’ve been on a 6’4" a couple times, but can’t get up. I’m pretty sure it was narrower than the 6’10". What are your thoughts on a shorter board, and width sizes?
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