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.
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
@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
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.
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
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.
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