How to Choose the Perfect Surfboard: A Guide for Surfers of All Levels
When it comes to improving your surfing, one of the most important factors—yet often misunderstood—is your surfboard. Many surfers make the mistake of thinking that in order to progress, they need a sharp, thin, high-performance board like the pros ride. But in reality, surfboard selection is all about finding a board that suits your individual needs, taking into account factors like shape, outline, and volume.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the top signs that your surfboard might not be working for you, as well as the key principles you should follow when choosing the right board. Let’s dive in!
Sign #1: A Compromised Take-Off
The first sign that your surfboard might not be right for you is when your take-off feels compromised. If you're struggling to smoothly glide into the wave and instead find yourself paddling furiously just to get to your feet, your board might be the issue. A smooth take-off is crucial to maintaining speed and momentum on the wave.
When you paddle for a wave, your board should help you move forward easily. If you’re feeling like you're being pulled backward or can’t get enough speed to drop into the wave, this could be a sign that your surfboard is too small or lacks enough volume for your body. The most common symptom of this is what I call the "backward moment"—that awkward moment when you’re paddling, and instead of gliding forward, you’re moving backward as the wave starts pulling you up. If this is happening to you, your board may need more volume to help you stay ahead of the wave's pull.
Tip: If you’re having trouble with your take-off, it’s worth considering a board with more volume to help you get up and into the wave more smoothly.
Sign #2: Nose Diving
Nose diving is another sign that your board might not be working for you. This is especially common for surfers riding long, beginner-friendly boards. While these types of boards are great for the early stages of learning, they can actually start to hold you back as you progress, especially when riding unbroken, steeper green waves
Nose diving happens when the front of your board dips down into the water as you’re catching a wave, which can completely throw off your balance and make it harder to stay on the wave. If this happens frequently, you might want to try one of two things:
Try a shorter board with enough volume: A shorter board may give you better control and help you avoid that dreaded nose dive.
Paddle in on an angle: Approaching the wave at an angle can help reduce the likelihood of your nose diving when you pop up.
Tip: If you're finding that nose diving is happening often, it might be a good time to experiment with a shorter, more maneuverable board.
Sign #3: Paddling for Waves and Not Catching Them
This is one of the most obvious signs that your board is holding you back. If you’re paddling for a lot of waves but still aren’t catching them, your board might not be providing enough volume for efficient paddling.
A good rule of thumb is that you should be catching at least 75-85% of the waves you paddle for in a given session. If you’re catching less than that, your board might be too small or too under-volumed for your current fitness and surfing level. This is especially true if you’ve been surfing for a while but haven’t adjusted your board to match your evolving fitness and surfing abilities.
Tip: Pay attention to how you feel after a surf session. If you’re feeling overly fatigued in your back, neck, or shoulders, it might not just be your paddling technique—it could also be that your board is too small and making it harder to paddle efficiently.
Why Surfboard Selection Matters
Your surfboard plays a massive role in your overall progression. Too many surfers get stuck thinking that they need to have the sharp, thin, pro-style board in order to progress. But in reality, choosing the right board should be based on your unique needs—from your fitness level and paddling ability to the types of waves you want to surf.
A lot of surfers (myself included) make the mistake of jumping on a board that’s too advanced for their current skill level. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of wanting to ride what the pros ride, but if your board isn’t suited to your body and your surfing, you won’t progress as fast as you could.
Pro Tip: I actually developed what I consider to be the perfect board for late beginner through to advanced surfers looking to make the surfing experience more effortless. It’s called a performance mid-length and you can check it out here.
Finding the Right Surfboard for You
So, how do you find the right board for your specific needs? Well, I’ve put together a comprehensive online course called the Ultimate Surfboard Buying Guide, where I dive deep into the formula for selecting the perfect board based on your body, fitness level, and the waves you want to ride. It’s an affordable, easy-to-follow course that will help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Many of these skills and points are covered in much more detail, with visual help, inside The Surfer’s Roadmap online programs. The Surfer’s Roadmap, with over 10,000 students, is the world’s largest and most effective online surf training program. Check it out here.