How Do I Know What Size Surfboard to Buy?

Choose the appropriate board size to match your surfing abilities.

Numerous types and sizes of surfboards are available for riders to choose from. Surfers choose a board based on several individual factors such as skill level, height and weight. Surfboards of different length and shape will function in various ways. Choosing the incorrect type and size could lead to frustration for the surfer, which leads to rides that are less enjoyable and might also stunt development for surfers aiming to achieve reach higher abilities.

Things You'll Need

• Weight scale
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Determine your skill level. A novice surfer should opt for longer boards, while more experienced surfers can better handle shorter boards. Stick with wider and longer boards for more buoyancy if you are a beginner. Shorter boards are better for turning and maneuvering but much harder to balance making them more suitable for experienced surfers.

2. Choose a type of surfboard. The different types of surfboards include longboards, shortboards and funboard. Longboards are 9 feet and longer and easily glide across the water while allowing balance. Shortboards are less than 7 feet long. This board style paddles slower than longer boards but is much easier to maneuver. Funboards are designed for beginner surfers and range from 7 to 8 feet in length.

3. Determine your height by using a tape measure. The surfboard should be at least six inches over your own height. For funboard riders, a rule of thumb is that it should be roughly one foot taller than you. When looking at shortboards, surfers in the height range of 4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 4 inches are well matched with boards 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 11 inches. Surfers in the height range of 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 10 inches will do well with boards from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 3 inches.

4. Step on the scale to find out your weight. Weight is important in determining the appropriate board size. Larger surfers require larger boards to be able to ride and float atop. A person that weights 220 pounds should choose a 7-foot shortboard, while surfers that weight 80 pounds are well suited on a 5-foot board. Longboard riders choose 9-foot boards, but those who weight more should select slightly longer boards.

5. Refer to the size chart of your chosen surfboard. Match your height, weight and skill level to the appropriate board size.

References

• Surfing Waves: What Size Surfboard Do I Need?
• Surfboard Auctions: What Size Surfboard do I Choose?
• Surfboard Shack; Surfboards For Beginners; Kent Senatore
• Surfer Today: Surf Board Size Chart

Resources

• Ote Surf: Surf Board Buying Guide and Size Charts