Surfboard Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Surfboard for You

Buying your first surfboard — or upgrading to your next one — can be confusing.

There are hundreds of different shapes, sizes, constructions and fin setups available. A board that is perfect for one surfer might be completely unsuitable for another.

The right board depends on several things:

Your height
Your weight
Your surfing ability
How often you surf
The waves you normally surf
Your fitness and paddling ability
What type of surfing you want to do
Your budget

This guide is designed to help you choose the right surfboard rather than simply buying the board that looks the best.

1. Before You Buy: What Type of Surfer Are You?

The first question you should ask yourself is:

What level of surfer am I?

Be honest.

Buying a board that is too advanced can make surfing considerably harder and may actually slow down your progression.

Complete beginner

You are:

Just starting to surf
Still learning to stand up
Struggling to catch unbroken waves
Learning to paddle and control the board

Beginner / progressing

You can:

Catch waves independently
Stand up consistently
Ride green waves
Make basic turns
Control your board reasonably well

Intermediate

You can:

Consistently catch green waves
Surf both left and right
Trim along the face
Perform basic cutbacks
Generate some speed
Handle different conditions

Advanced

You are comfortable:

Surfing powerful waves
Performing advanced turns
Riding shortboards
Duck diving
Handling larger swells

Your ability level should have a major influence on your purchase.

2. The Best Board for a Complete Beginner

For most adults starting from scratch, a 7’6″–9’0″ soft-top is a sensible place to start.

If you’re heavier or have limited fitness, going larger can make learning easier.

Look for:

Plenty of volume
Wide outline
Stable platform
Rounded nose
Soft construction
3-fin setup
Strong leash attachment

Recommended beginner sizes

Surfer size	Approximate board
Smaller adult	7’0″–8’0″
Average adult	8’0″–9’0″
Larger adult	9’0″+
Child	6’0″–8’0″ depending on size

These are starting points rather than strict rules.

Why buy a soft top?

Softboards are:

Stable
Forgiving
Durable
Easier to learn on
Generally safer when you’re falling around the board

For surf schools and beginner sessions, softboards are often the obvious choice.

3. Buying Your First Hardboard

Once you can consistently catch waves and control a softboard, you may want to move onto a hardboard.

Don’t automatically jump from a 9ft softboard to a 6ft shortboard.

A Mini Mal, funboard or mid-length can be a much better transition.

Good transition sizes

7’0″–8’0″

Look for:

Plenty of volume
Wide outline
Rounded or fuller nose
Stable tail
Moderate rocker

This will still give you good paddle power while allowing you to start learning more advanced manoeuvres.

4. Mini Mal / Mini Malibu Buying Guide

The Mini Mal is one of the safest purchases for a progressing beginner.

Typical size

7’0″–8’6″

Choose one if you want:

Easy paddling
Good stability
Easy wave catching
A board suitable for small UK waves
Something more manoeuvrable than a longboard

Ideal conditions

Small-to-medium beach breaks and clean summer waves.

Who should buy one?

A beginner who has mastered a softboard and wants a hardboard without making the jump to a performance board.

5. Funboard Buying Guide

A funboard sits between a Mini Mal and a shortboard.

It is an excellent option if you want one board that can handle a wide variety of conditions.

Typical size

6’6″–8’0″

Good for:

Beginner/intermediate surfers
UK beach breaks
Small-to-medium waves
Surfers wanting versatility

A funboard can be an excellent choice if you don’t want to own several boards.

6. Mid-Length Buying Guide

Mid-lengths have become increasingly popular.

Generally around 7–9ft, they provide excellent glide and paddle power without the size of a traditional longboard.

Buy a mid-length if you want:

Easy wave catching
Lots of glide
Good paddle speed
A relaxed surfing style
Something that works in weaker waves

They are particularly useful for UK conditions where wave quality can vary considerably.

7. Longboard Buying Guide

Choose a longboard if you enjoy:

Small waves
Smooth turns
Trimming
Cross-stepping
Nose riding
Traditional longboarding

Typical size

9’0″+

A longboard is a good purchase if:

You want to catch lots of waves and enjoy surfing rather than concentrating purely on performance.

A good longboard can transform a small summer day when shortboards are struggling to generate speed.

8. Fish Buying Guide

A fish is an excellent addition to an experienced surfer’s quiver.

Fish boards are normally:

Short
Wide
Thick
Fast
Often fitted with two fins

Buy a fish if:

You already surf confidently
You enjoy small-to-medium waves
You want speed
You want something different from your shortboard

Don’t buy one as your first board

Despite being short, fish boards aren’t necessarily easier for beginners.

Their short length can make balancing and paddling more difficult.

9. Shortboard Buying Guide

A shortboard is designed for performance surfing.

Buy one if you can:

Consistently catch unbroken waves
Paddle efficiently
Turn confidently
Generate speed
Handle a narrower board

Typical sizes

Approximately 5’6″–6’6″, depending heavily on the surfer.

Shortboards are excellent for:

Powerful waves
Steeper faces
Fast beach breaks
Performance surfing
Advanced manoeuvres

Don’t buy one because:

“That’s what good surfers ride.”

A shortboard that is too small or low-volume can result in fewer waves and slower progression.

10. Groveller Buying Guide

A groveller is essentially a small-wave performance board.

It normally has:

More volume
More width
Fuller rails
Wider tail
Less rocker

Ideal for:

Small and weak waves.

This makes grovellers particularly useful for summer surfing in the UK.

If your normal shortboard feels slow and difficult in small waves, a groveller could be the answer.

11. Step-Up Buying Guide

A step-up is designed for bigger surf.

If your normal shortboard is comfortable in head-high surf but starts feeling difficult when the swell increases, a step-up can provide additional:

Length
Volume
Paddle power
Control
Hold

A step-up is generally aimed at intermediate-to-advanced surfers.

12. Gun Buying Guide

A gun is a specialist big-wave board.

Don’t buy one unless you actually surf large, powerful waves.

They are designed to get into big waves early and remain stable when travelling at high speed.

For the majority of recreational UK surfers, a gun is unlikely to be necessary.

13. How Much Surfboard Volume Do You Need?

Volume is measured in litres.

It is one of the most important specifications when buying a board.

More volume generally provides:

More flotation
Easier paddling
More stability
Easier wave catching

Less volume provides:

Greater responsiveness
Easier duck diving
More sensitivity underfoot
Better performance for experienced surfers

General rule

As your ability improves, you can gradually reduce the amount of volume you need.

However, don’t reduce volume simply because you are progressing.

Your local waves matter too.

A highly experienced surfer might deliberately ride a high-volume board in small summer waves.

14. Don’t Choose Your Board by Length Alone

Two boards can both be 7’0″ and behave completely differently.

Look at:

Length

Longer generally means more paddle power.

Width

Wider generally means more stability.

Thickness

More thickness generally means more volume.

Volume

Determines how much flotation the board has.

Rocker

The curve from nose to tail.

More rocker can help in steeper waves but generally makes paddling harder.

Less rocker is often better for flatter, weaker waves.

Tail shape

Different tail shapes affect turning, hold and speed.

15. Surfboard Tail Shapes

Squash Tail

Common on modern shortboards.

Good balance between manoeuvrability and stability.

Round Tail

Provides smooth turning and good hold.

Pin Tail

Designed for control and hold in powerful waves.

Common on step-ups and guns.

Swallow Tail

Common on fish boards.

Provides speed and allows the board to maintain a relatively wide tail.

Round Pin

A compromise between hold and manoeuvrability.

16. Surfboard Nose Shapes

Round Nose

Common on:

Longboards
Mini Mals
Funboards
Beginner boards

Provides stability and paddle efficiency.

Pointed Nose

Common on:

Shortboards
Step-ups
Guns

Better suited to performance and powerful waves.

Wide Nose

Often found on:

Grovellers
Fish
Funboards

Provides additional stability and helps the board generate speed in smaller waves.

17. Fin Setups

The fin setup can dramatically change how a board feels.

Single Fin

Smooth and traditional.

Common on longboards and mid-lengths.

Twin Fin

Fast and loose.

Common on fish and alternative shapes.

Thruster

Three fins.

Probably the most versatile setup.

Excellent combination of speed, control and manoeuvrability.

Quad

Four fins.

Often fast and powerful with excellent hold.

5-Fin

Some boards come with five fin boxes.

This allows you to change between:

Thruster

Quad

depending on the conditions.

For a surfer building a quiver, a 5-fin board can be extremely versatile.

18. Epoxy vs Polyester Surfboards

The construction of the board is another important consideration.

Polyester

Traditional surfboard construction.

Advantages

Traditional feel
Flexible
Responsive
Often cheaper

Disadvantages

Can be easier to damage
Can absorb water if damaged
Heavier than some epoxy constructions

Epoxy

Epoxy boards use an epoxy resin construction and are often lighter and more durable.

Advantages

Lightweight
Durable
Good flotation
Often excellent for smaller waves
Good option for travelling

Disadvantages

Can feel different underfoot
Usually more expensive
Repairs can require specific materials

19. Softboard vs Hardboard

Feature	Softboard	Hardboard
Beginner friendly	Excellent	Depends on shape
Stability	Excellent	Varies
Durability	Excellent	Moderate
Performance	Limited	Excellent
Wave catching	Excellent	Varies
Safety	Generally better	Requires more care
Price	Usually lower	Wide range
Surf schools	Excellent	Less common

For a first board, a softboard is often the sensible choice.

20. New vs Second-Hand

You don’t necessarily need to buy a brand-new board.

The second-hand market can offer excellent value.

When buying second-hand, check:

Nose

Look for cracks and repairs.

Rails

Check for dents, cracks and badly repaired damage.

Deck

Pressure dents are normal on used boards.

Large soft areas can indicate problems.

Bottom

Look for cracks, dents and repairs.

Fin boxes

Check for movement or damage.

Leash plug

Make sure it is secure.

Water damage

If the board has been damaged and allowed to absorb water, it can become considerably heavier.

21. How Much Should You Spend?

Prices vary enormously.

Entry-level softboard

Approximately £150–£350

Better-quality beginner board

Approximately £300–£600

Mid-range hardboard

Approximately £400–£800

Performance board

Approximately £600–£1,000+

Custom surfboard

Often £700–£1,200+

Prices vary considerably depending on manufacturer, construction and whether you’re buying new or used.

Don’t assume the most expensive board will be the best board for you.

22. Don’t Forget the Extras

When budgeting for a surfboard, remember that the board isn’t the only thing you’ll need.

You may also need:

Leash
Fins
Board bag
Wax
Traction pad
Ding repair kit
Fin key
Roof rack or board transport system

Some beginner packages include several of these items.

Always check what’s included before comparing prices.

23. Buying a Board for UK Surfing

UK conditions can be extremely varied.

You may encounter:

Small summer waves
Powerful winter swells
Windy beach breaks
Clean offshore conditions
Weak wind swell
Steep beach breaks

Because of this, a single board isn’t always ideal.

Beginner quiver

Board 1

8’0″–9’0″ softboard

Your everyday learning board.

Board 2

7’0″–8’0″ Mini Mal

For progressing and improving your turns.

24. Intermediate UK Quiver

A useful two-board setup could be:

Small waves

Fish / groveller / mid-length

Bigger waves

Shortboard / step-up

This gives you considerably more flexibility.

25. Advanced Quiver

An experienced surfer might have:

Small waves

Fish or groveller

Everyday conditions

Shortboard

Bigger surf

Step-up

Very large surf

Gun

This is where building a quiver becomes particularly useful.

26. The Most Common Buying Mistakes

Mistake 1 – Buying a board that is too small

This is probably the biggest mistake beginners make.

A board that looks impressive under your arm isn’t necessarily going to help you surf better.

Mistake 2 – Ignoring volume

Two boards of the same length can have dramatically different amounts of flotation.

Mistake 3 – Buying for the waves you wish you had

Buy for the waves you actually surf.

Mistake 4 – Copying another surfer

Your friend’s board might be completely wrong for you.

Mistake 5 – Buying purely on appearance

Graphics don’t make a board surf better.

Mistake 6 – Buying too many boards too soon

Learn what you actually need before building a large quiver.

Mistake 7 – Ignoring transport

A 9ft longboard isn’t much use if you have nowhere to store or transport it.

27. Quick Buying Guide

I’m a complete beginner

Buy:

7’6″–9’0″ softboard

Look for high volume, wide outline and stability.

I’ve learned to stand up and want to progress

Buy:

7’0″–8’0″ Mini Mal or funboard

You will retain plenty of stability while gaining manoeuvrability.

I’m an intermediate surfer

Buy:

6’6″–8’0″ mid-length, funboard or hybrid.

Choose according to the waves you normally surf.

I want to surf small summer waves

Buy:

Fish, groveller, longboard or mid-length.

I want to surf powerful waves

Buy:

Shortboard or step-up.

I want to learn longboarding

Buy:

9’0″+ longboard.

I want a performance board

Buy:

Shortboard.

But only if your surfing ability is ready for it.

28. The Golden Rule

Buy the board that will help you catch the most waves.

More waves mean more practice.

More practice means better surfing.

And better surfing means more fun.

The best surfboard isn’t necessarily the shortest, lightest or most expensive board.

It’s the board that gets you into the water, catches waves and makes you want to go surfing again.

Final Buying Checklist

Before handing over your money, ask yourself:

Is this board suitable for my ability?
Is there enough volume for my weight?
Is it suitable for the waves I normally surf?
Can I comfortably carry it?
Can I transport it?
Does it have the correct fins?
Does it need a leash?
Does it need a board bag?
If second-hand, have I checked for damage?
Have I compared the price with similar boards?
Am I buying what I actually need rather than what looks cool?

Remember

The right surfboard should make surfing easier — not harder.

If you’re unsure, speak to a reputable local surf shop or experienced surfer who knows the conditions where you surf. A good local recommendation can be worth far more than simply choosing a board because it has good reviews online.

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