When I first started surfing I bought a shortboard, since that’s what I saw women riding in films and magazines. It took me more than a year before realizing I had bought the wrong surfboard for my experience level and the surf breaks that I liked going to, as I had purchased a 6’2” surfboard without any advice. I wasn’t catching as many waves as I wanted to, and I found paddling to be exhausting.
Thankfully I opened my mind to other surfboards and it changed everything, making it way easier to paddle and get into waves. Here’s what I wish I had known about shopping for a surfboard. If paddling has felt way too hard while surfing, look for a surfboard with these features.
Longboards float better
It can be tempting to go for the short surfboard that you see women riding in the movies as they are easier to maneuver, carry, and store. But shortboards can be difficult to paddle on, as they have little material and sink in the water as you paddle.
Although longboards may look hard to maneuver, the increased volume helps float the board on top of the water, helping you glide along as you paddle. Surfboards that are longer than 8' will help you catch more waves and provide more stability with greater surface area.
Epoxy surfboards are lighter
After catching a fun wave surfing, we want to make it back out to the line-up as quickly as possible. Gliding along the water’s surface, paddling with minimal effort is key. Longboards made of lighter-weight epoxy material can make the paddle out easier.
Epoxy surfboards are lighter weight and more durable than polyester. The material can also withstand minor damage without needing repairs.
A 2+1 fin set-up is more stable
Single-fin surfboards are classic, but they aren’t the easiest to paddle, as they can feel more tippy when paddling. For surfers who want the most stability, look to surfboards with three fins.
A 2+1 fin set-up will have the long center fin and two small side bite fins. A thruster fin set-up will have three fins of equal size. These set-ups will give you more stability and control when you’re paddling and standing up on a wave.
Move to mid-length: 6'7"- 8'
Surfboards between 6’7” and 8’ are generally considered to be mid-length. Surfboards in this size range still provide good volume for paddling. Mid-length surfboards come in a wide range of designs from classic to high-performance - they don’t call them ‘fun shapes’ for nothing!
Mid-length surfboards are great all-around boards to have as they are relatively easy to paddle and designed to catch waves of all sizes. No matter the conditions, with a mid-length, you'll never find yourself saying that you brought the wrong surfboard.
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