What Size Surfboard is Right for you?
The short answer, or follow-up question rather, is how experienced are you? Experience in the water is typically the go-to factor when determining the size of board you need. You’ll notice that beginners are very seldom found on a shortboard. The reason for that is that the longer or bigger the board is, the easier it is to surf.
There are many sizes to choose from, so when you’re asking yourself, “what size surfboard do I need,” it will benefit you to consult a sizing chart and, even better, chat with the staff for the best advice. For starters, let’s get an idea of what’s out there!
Determining what is the right size surfboard for you will depend on a number of factors. And each of these factors is equally important. So pay close attention to ensure you buy the right size surfboard for you!
Beginners have to consider a bit more in the shopping process. It’s not just down to the size of the board, many styles suit different skill sets, types of wave riders, and waters that factor into a style of board.
Checking out the list of longboards is probably the best way to go when starting since they’re far easier for paddling out and standing when you catch a wave.
Let’s face it when you’re fresh out there in the water, you want to be able to stay on the board for at least a couple of seconds before wiping out!
For the skilled surfer, he might give a longboard a miss because it’s just heavy and bulky, never mind the fact that it's just a nightmare trying to fit it in the average car due to its length!
Though, speaking of skilled surfers, there are a lot of less agile type surfers that simply wish to comfortably ride waves for the pure joy of being out at sea, but not necessarily into doing gnarly tricks. In this instance, Mini Mal’s are ideal! It’s a smaller type of longboard made of foam, making it a little more forgiving in the waves.
A real foam board is a bit shorter than a Mini Mal and generally the same size as a shortboard. With a wider profile, slightly thicker, and a rounded nose, it lends itself to the novice transitioning to the intermediate stage of surfing.
Shortboard Sizes
These sizes serve as a guide, but it’s always recommended to chat with someone that could give you the right advice, especially if they’re in the business of matching people up with certain board sizes. Note that the measurements are imperial, so everything is in feet and inches.
Chart guide - shortboard size for surfers surfing at least one day a week
Surfer Weight (lbs)
Surfer Weight (kg)
Surfboard Length
Surfboard Width
Surfboard Thickness
100-140
45.4-63.5
6′0″-6′4″
18½″-19″
2¼″-23⁄8″
140-160
63.5-72.6
6′2″-6′6″
18¾″-19¼″
23⁄8″-2½″
160-180
72.6-81.6
6′4″-6′8″
19″-19¾″
2½″-25⁄8″
180-200
81.6-90.7
6′8″-7′2″
19½″-20½″
25⁄8″-27⁄8″
200 +
90.7 +
7′2″ +
20″-21½″
3″-3¼″
Funboard Sizes
Also known as minimal, these surfboards are perfect for beginners who are eager to get their feet wet and their boards tested in the water! Irrespective of whether you’re starting or have been paddling out for years, you should still make sure the board is big enough to accommodate your height, weight, and skills!
Chart guide - funboard / minimal size for occasional surfers
Surfer Weight (lbs)
Surfer Weight (kg)
Surfboard Length
Surfboard Width
Surfboard Thickness
100-140
45.4-63.5
7′0″-7′4″
20¼″-21″
2½″-2¾″
140-160
63.5-72.6
7′2″-7′8″
20½″-21½″
2¾″-3″
160-180
72.6-81.6
7′6″-8′0
21″-21¾″
2¾″-3″
180-200
81.6-90.7
7′10″-8′4″
21½″-22¼″
3″-3¼″
200 +
90.7 +
8′2″-8′8″
22″-22¾″
3¼″ +
Longboard Sizes
Everyone secretly loves a longboard! They’re super for newbies in the waves and are still loved by many old surfers. The funboard is what it says – “fun”! But you'll still need to ensure you’re choosing the right amount of fun!
Chart guide - longboard size for avid surfers
Surfer Weight (lbs)
Surfer Weight (kg)
Surfboard Length
Surfboard Width
Surfboard Thickness
< 154
< 70
9′4″
20½″-21¼″
2¾″+
155-198
70-90.7
9′4″-9′10″
20¾″-21½″
2¾″+
200 +
90.7 +
9′10″+
21″-21¾″
2½″
With all the size guidelines to choose from when it comes to the size that’s ideal for you, several general guidelines can help you along the way before making the final decision.
General Guidelines
A beginner in the water should always go for a longer board compared to a skilled surfer.
An occasional surfer should also preferably opt for a longboard or bigger board than a regular surfer.
When a board is too small for the surfer, it will hinder the performance and progression in the stages of learning to surf. This could result in someone giving up before they’ve given themselves enough time to enjoy it.
Factors to consider with surfboard sizes
Apart from the obvious factors, including the length, width, and thickness of a board, several significant factors should be considered when you’ve decided you want to buy a surfboard. The following list is crucial when you consider yourself in the equation, and what you want out of the surf missions you’re going to be embarking on!
How old you are?
How much you weigh?
How fit you are?
Your surfing standard?
The types of waves you want to surf?
Chat to us at South Bay Board Co.
Purchasing a new surfboard is not only an exciting process, it’s often daunting as it’s a fairly large investment. Let’s be honest, it’s not the financial component either! You’re investing in your safety out there!
Choosing the wrong board can ruin your experience, be dangerous and overall leave you in a compromised position. Take care in choosing the right surfboard when you are ready to buy. Remember, the longer and thicker the board, the easier it is to stand up and paddle. Give us a shout for any guidance, and we’ll make sure you invest in the best choice!