It depends on your skill level, but not only: here are some useful tips

Choosing the right surfboard is crucial to improve your skills or get to know this fantastic sport. The choice of surfboard depends on several factors: your level of experience, your weight, your height and the type of surfing you intend to do.

Let’s take a closer look at this topic.

Read also: Where to surf all year round? Spoiler: in Fuerteventura!

Surfboard for beginners: what to choose

If you are a beginner, a larger, more stable board is ideal. Longboards and softboards are usually recommended for surfing beginners: they are long (usually 9 feet or more), offer great stability and make paddling and balancing easier. They are ideal for “catching” small waves and learning basic surfing techniques, with the help of a good surf school instructor, of course.

The softboard, made of polystyrene foam, a material that offers buoyancy and safety, is capable of absorbing shocks in the event of a fall and resisting drops.

Another type of board suitable for beginners is the funboard, a combination of evolutionary boards and shortboards. They are shorter than longboards and offer greater maneuverability, but without sacrificing much stability.

Experienced surfers: which boards to choose

If you are an experienced surfer, you may need a board that allows you to perform more complex maneuvers and tackle bigger waves. Shortboards are shorter and smaller boards, excellent for performing spectacular tricks and maneuvers.

Gun” boards are also for more experienced surfers: they are longer and specialized for bigger waves.

Fish boards have a similar length to shortboards, but a higher volume: they are good for surfing even small waves and are easier to use due to their volume (but speed is reduced).

What are the differences between surfboards for beginners and for experts?

As we have already said, the differences between a surfboard for beginners and one for experts lie mainly in the size, shape, volume and material. For beginners, the ideal boards are larger, wider and longer: this is because they offer more stability, which facilitates paddling and balance.

For experienced surfers, the most suitable boards are shorter and smaller, such as shortboards, which allow them to perform more complex maneuvers and tackle bigger waves. Fish boards, similar in length to shortboards but with a larger volume, are suitable for surfing even small waves.

In general, the volume of the board should also be proportional to the surfer’s weight and height, and the board material can vary between polyethylene, polystyrene, fiberglass and epoxy resin.

Longboard vs shorboard: differences

There are many differences between a shortboard and a longboard, especially in terms of size, maneuverability and use.

Generally, the longboard is longer, usually measuring around 9’4″ and up, while the shortboard is shorter, usually measuring between 5’6″ and 6’4″. In terms of maneuverability, longboards offer more buoyancy and stability, and are more suitable for smaller waves, but are less maneuverable than shortboards, which are designed for maneuverability and performance in larger waves. They are more agile and allow for more radical and faster maneuvers.

As already mentioned, longboards are ideal for beginners and for those looking for a more relaxed and classic surfing style. They are suitable for classic “toes on the nose” surfing.

Shortboards are more suitable for surfers looking for performance and adrenaline in bigger waves, for more aggressive surfing and for performing tricks, which are obviously learned after a lot of practice.

In summary, longboards are more suitable for relaxed surfing and beginners, while shortboards are designed for performance and agility in bigger waves, and are more suitable for experienced surfers.

Another option is the midlenght, an excellent compromise between maneuverability and buoyancy, suitable for a more relaxed and fluid surfing. The main difference between a shortboard and a midlenght surfboard is also the size and use.

Read also: The definitive guide to the best Canary beaches for surfing (and more).

In conclusion

Which board to choose? The answer is simple: it depends on your level, your weight, your height and also, why not, your surfing style.

While longboards, which are stable and easy to handle, are perfect for beginners, shorter shortboards are chosen by surfers familiar with the board and the waves.

To avoid making mistakes, it is good to be advised by experts; above all, before “jumping” into the practice, it is advisable to take surf lessons in a specialized school, for example Point Break, in Fuerteventura.

Takeaways

• Beginners should opt for larger, more stable boards such as longboards and softboards, while advanced surfers prefer shortboards for more complex maneuvers.
• Boards such as longboards and softboards are ideal for those who are learning, as their stability facilitates paddling and balance in small waves.
• Boards such as shortboards and fish, smaller and more agile, are perfect for experienced surfers looking for speed and the ability to do tricks in big waves.
• Longer, bulkier boards offer greater buoyancy, ideal for smaller waves, while more compact boards are designed for control and maneuvering in larger waves.
• If you are looking for a balance between maneuverability and stability, midlength boards are an excellent choice, perfect for a more fluid and relaxed surfing.

FAQ

What is the best surfboard for beginners?

The most recommended boards for beginners are longboards and softboards. They are stable, easy to maneuver and allow you to learn basic surfing techniques.

Which surfboard is suitable for experienced surfers?

For experienced surfers, shortboards are an excellent option because of their maneuverability, allowing you to perform tricks in big waves. The use of fish and gun boards is also recommended depending on sea conditions.

What are the differences between surfboards for beginners and for experts?

Boards for beginners are larger, wider and more stable, such as longboards. On the other hand, boards for experts, such as shortboards, are smaller and offer more maneuverability in big waves.