There are different types of surfboards that offer varying performance in the water. Depending on factors such as your surfing level, the typical conditions you surf in, and your goals, one type of board may be more suitable than another. While many experienced surfers own multiple boards, beginners or those just starting out don’t need to.
Today, we invite you to explore the available options so you can choose the one that suits you best. But if you’re just starting or want to come and learn, don’t worry—at our surf school in Fuerteventura, we’ll provide you with the best board for you and teach you how to make the most of it while having fun riding the waves.
Discover the types of surfboards and choose yours
Shortboard or short surfboard
Let’s start by saying that these boards are suitable for advanced and expert levels. Generally, a board is considered shortboards when its length ranges between 5 feets (1.60 meters) and 7 feets (2.15 meters), approximately.
Regarding fins, most shortboards have three fins (thruster), but there are also configurations with four fins (called ‘quad’) or two fins (called ‘twin fin’). Short surfboards, in general, are more maneuverable, take up less space, and respond well to the surfer’s movements when performing maneuvers. However, they make paddling, catching waves, and maintaining speed more challenging.
There are different types of shortboards, from high-performance models with smaller dimensions to more forgiving designs. For example, the fish is a shortboard but wider, shorter, and thicker. It has a retro style and is perfect for small to medium waves. Another important mention is the twin fin, which is a fish board with two fins, recommended only for advanced surfers.
The most commonly used materials for shortboards are polyester and epoxy, although there are also “soft” boards (often called “foamies” because they are made with an expanded polystyrene core coated with soft polyethylene on top). These have similar dimensions to a shortboard but are not comparable to a high-performance shortboard.
Evolutionary Surfboard
These surfboards, generally between 6’ and 7’, are large and thick, and they are positioned between a longboard and a shortboard. They offer excellent stability and buoyancy due to their width (both at the nose and tail) and thickness. They make catching waves easier, which is why they are considered among the best surfboards for advanced beginners and intermediate surfers.
Longboard, “big board”, or long surfboard
In general, these boards are very long (between 8’ and 10’) with a rounded nose, making them perfect for catching small to medium waves and enjoying these conditions in the water. This size, combined with significant width, ensures stability and buoyancy, making them ideal for the initial learning phase, where beginners can understand and practice the basic techniques. However, it’s worth noting that a classic resin or epoxy longboard is best suited for advanced and expert surfers.
It’s important to know that there are three types of longboards: mini malibu (between 7’ and 8’6), classic longboard (over 9’), and high-performance longboard (between 8’ and 9’).
The mini malibu has a rounded nose, a wide surface, and a soft rocker (the curvature of the board). As mentioned earlier, these characteristics provide great stability and buoyancy, making paddling easier and helping with wave-catching. Because of these advantages, it’s an ideal surfboard for advanced beginners and intermediate surfers.
There are also longboard models perfect for complete beginners, such as soft boards, which typically have a shape similar to the mini malibu.
Hybrid surfboard
Hybrid boards are a mix between a shortboard, a fish, and a mini malibu. They are generally very versatile and more accessible, although they still require at least an intermediate level to be used effectively. They maintain good maneuverability and perform well in small and/or weak waves.
Guns: ideal for experts
These boards are suitable only for highly experienced surfers and for riding giant waves like those in Nazaré.
Gun surfboards typically range from 8’6 to 11’ in length, with a width between 20 and 22 inches and a thickness between 3 and 4 inches. They feature tapered tails, relatively straight outlines, pronounced bottom curves, and high hard rails above the fins. These characteristics are designed to ensure maximum paddling power and control while moving quickly through the most critical sections of large, barreling, and heavy waves.
This category also includes “semi-guns,” which range from approximately 7’ to 8’ in length. They share the same characteristics as a gun but with more compact dimensions.
Bonzer: a trendy 1970s design
There are two types of bonzer surfboards: those with three fins and those with five fins. Thanks to their design, they make excellent use of the energy generated by gliding over the water, maximizing power during direction changes. This is a great board for advanced and expert surfers seeking powerful turns and tube rides.
Mid length or medium-length surfboard
Midway between shortboards and longboards, we find the mid length surfboards, which offer superior performance compared to evolutionary boards or mini malibu.
These boards have great buoyancy, responsiveness, and speed when executing turns and maneuvers. They are a popular choice among intermediate and advanced surfers looking for a balance between the maneuverability of a shortboard and the stability of a longboard.
They can have various fin configurations, but the most common are 2+1 and 4+1.
As you can see, there are many types of surfboards, and finding the right one for you may take some time. However, choosing a board suited to your skill level and the wave conditions you typically surf in is essential. Knowing how to choose the right surfboard size will help you make the perfect purchase.
