Surfboard Types Compared

By WaveRider

Here's something most surf shops won't tell you upfront: there's no "best" surfboard. But there's definitely a best surfboard for YOU, and figuring that out can mean the difference between stoked sessions and frustrating wipeouts.

After two decades of riding everything from beat-up logs to custom high-performance shortboards, I've learned that choosing the right board isn't about following trends—it's about honest self-assessment and understanding what each board type brings to the lineup.

The Surfboard Types Breakdown

Before we dive into comparisons, here's what we're looking at. The surfboard world basically divides into six main categories, each with distinct characteristics that affect how they perform in the water.

Shortboards (5'6" - 6'4")

These are the sleek, performance-oriented boards you see pros riding in competitions. Thin, narrow, and pointy—they're built for aggressive surfing and quick maneuvers. Think of them as the sports cars of the surfboard world.

Best for: Experienced surfers tackling powerful, hollow waves who want maximum maneuverability and the ability to perform critical turns.

Longboards (8'6" - 10'+)

The classic. Wide, thick, rounded nose, and heavy. Longboards are all about grace, glide, and catching waves early. They're incredibly stable and forgiving—there's a reason they dominated surfing for decades before the shortboard revolution.

Best for: Beginners, traditionalists, small wave days, and anyone who values style over radical maneuvers. Also perfect for older surfers who appreciate the paddle power.

Fish Boards (5'2" - 6'2")

Retro-inspired boards with a distinctive swallow tail and wider outline. They're shorter but carry more volume than traditional shortboards, giving you speed in smaller, mushier waves. Fish boards have that fun, skatey feel that makes weak days enjoyable.

Best for: Intermediate surfers looking to maximize fun in small to medium waves, and shortboarders who want something playful for summer sessions.

Funboards/Mini-Mals (7' - 8'5")

The Goldilocks option. Not too big, not too small. Funboards (or mini-malibus) bridge the gap between shortboards and longboards, offering a blend of paddle power and maneuverability that works for a huge range of conditions and skill levels.

Best for: Intermediate surfers progressing from longboards, anyone who wants one versatile board for varied conditions, and experienced surfers looking for a groveler.

Egg Boards (6'6" - 7'6")

Rounded, full-volumed boards with a distinctive egg-shaped outline. They offer exceptional float and wave-catching ability while maintaining decent maneuverability. Think of them as user-friendly alternatives to traditional shortboards.

Best for: Progressing beginners ready to leave foam boards behind, and intermediate surfers who prioritize wave count over performance.

Gun Boards (7'6" - 10'+)

Specialized big-wave boards with a narrow, pointed outline designed to handle massive, powerful surf. Unless you're charging overhead-plus waves regularly, you probably don't need one. But if you do... you know it.

Best for: Advanced surfers tackling serious overhead waves where paddle speed and control at high speeds become critical.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Now let's get specific. How do these boards stack up when we compare them directly?

Shortboard vs Longboard: The Classic Debate

This is the big one. Walk into any surf shop and you'll hear passionate arguments on both sides.

Shortboards shine when:

• Waves are overhead and hollow
• You want to perform vertical maneuvers and carves
• The lineup is crowded (easier to duck-dive)
• You're fit enough to handle the increased paddling effort

Longboards dominate when:

• Waves are small and weak (1-3 feet)
• You prefer nose-riding and cross-stepping
• You're learning or returning to surfing after a break
• Wave count matters more than radical performance

Real talk? I know shortboarders who regret not having a longboard for summer, and longboarders who wish they'd learned shortboard skills when they were younger. The best surfers I know own both.

Fish vs Funboard: The Small Wave Showdown

When the forecast looks weak, these two become your best friends. But they approach small waves differently.

Fish boards generate speed through their wide outline and flat rocker. They're loose, skatey, and incredibly fun—but they can feel twitchy if you're used to more stable boards. Picture a skateboard that loves to slide.

Funboards offer more forgiveness with their extra length. They catch waves earlier than fish boards and feel more stable underfoot, but they won't give you that same snappy, playful sensation.

My recommendation? If you can already handle a shortboard comfortably, go fish. If you're still building fundamentals, a funboard gives you more room for error.

Volume Matters More Than Length

Here's where beginners get tripped up. A 6'0" board sounds way more advanced than a 7'0", right? Not necessarily.

Board volume (measured in liters) matters more than length. A 6'0" fish with 35 liters will be way easier to ride than a 6'4" high-performance shortboard with 26 liters. According to surfboard design principles, volume determines float and paddle power—the keys to catching waves.

General volume guidelines based on your weight:

• Beginner: Your weight in kg + 20-30 liters
• Intermediate: Your weight in kg + 10-15 liters
• Advanced: Your weight in kg + 5-10 liters
• Expert: Your weight in kg or slightly less

Construction Types You'll Encounter

The board type is only half the equation. Construction affects durability, weight, and performance.

Foam/Soft-Top Boards

Soft foam deck, usually with plastic fins. Virtually indestructible and safe for learning. Universities and surf schools use these for good reason—they work. Don't let ego keep you from starting here.

Polyurethane (PU) Boards

Traditional construction with a foam core, fiberglass wrap, and polyester resin. They offer a classic flex pattern that many surfers prefer, but they're heavier and less durable than modern alternatives.

Epoxy Boards

Lighter, stronger, and more buoyant than PU boards. The epoxy resin creates a stiffer feel that some love (extra pop!) and others find too rigid. Research from the Surfline testing lab shows they typically last 2-3 times longer than PU boards.

Matching Board Type to Your Skill Level

Brutally honest self-assessment time. Where do you actually stand?

The Conditions-Based Approach

Forget about skill level for a second. What do your local waves actually look like most days?

Mushy beach breaks (1-3 ft): Fish, egg, or longboard. Shortboards will frustrate you.

Punchy beach breaks (3-5 ft): Funboard or shortboard, depending on skill. This is where high-performance boards shine.

Point breaks: Longboards for small days, shortboards for overhead. The perfect wave deserves the perfect tool.

Reef breaks: Generally shortboard territory due to steeper takeoffs and hollower sections. But experienced longboarders make it work.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers detailed information about wave formation and characteristics that can help you understand your local break better.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Boards

I've made most of these. Learn from my wasted money:

Going Too Small Too Soon

Every. Single. Beginner. Does. This. That 6'0" thruster looks rad, but if you can't catch waves on it, it's just an expensive wall decoration. Size up more than you think you should.

Buying Based on Looks

Sick spray job and pro model graphics? Cool. But if it doesn't match your ability and local waves, you won't ride it. Function trumps aesthetics every time.

Skipping the Demo

Most surf shops rent boards or offer demo programs. Use them. What feels right on the rack might feel terrible in the water. Test before you invest.

Ignoring Width and Thickness

Two boards can be the same length but have completely different volumes. Always check the full dimensions: length, width, thickness, and total volume.

Building Your Quiver

If you stick with surfing (and you will—it's addictive), you'll eventually want multiple boards. Here's how to build a versatile quiver:

The Three-Board Quiver:

1. Small wave board - Fish or longboard for weak days
2. All-arounder - Funboard or groveler shortboard for most days
3. Performance board - Shortboard for when it's firing

The Five-Board Arsenal:

1. 9'0"+ longboard - ankle-biters and summer
2. 7'0"-7'6" funboard - versatile everyday option
3. 6'0" fish - fun in the slop
4. 6'2" shortboard - standard performance
5. 5'8" shortboard or step-up - when it's solid

Most surfers end up with way more than five boards. We can't help ourselves. But these combinations cover 95% of conditions you'll encounter.

Used vs New: The Budget Factor

Surfboards are expensive. A custom shortboard runs $600-900, longboards can hit $1200+. Should you buy used?

Buy used if:

• You're still figuring out what board type works for you
• You're learning (you'll ding it anyway)
• Budget is tight
• You're buying a backup or experiment board

Buy new if:

• You know exactly what specs you need
• You want warranty coverage
• You're getting a custom shape tailored to you
• You want the latest construction technology

Pro tip: Buy used boards at the end of summer when people are dumping their quivers. You can score premium boards for 40-60% off retail.

The Environmental Angle

Traditional surfboard construction isn't eco-friendly. Polyurethane foam, polyester resin, and fiberglass create toxic waste and aren't biodegradable.

Eco-conscious options include:

• Recycled foam cores - Some shapers now use recycled EPS foam
• Bio-resins - Plant-based resins instead of petroleum-based
• Sustainable wood boards - Hollow wooden boards or alaia-style designs
• Buying used - The greenest board is the one already made

Organizations like the Surfrider Foundation work to promote sustainable surfing practices and protect our oceans for future generations.

Final Recommendations by Use Case

Still overwhelmed? Here's my straight-up advice based on common scenarios:

Trust Your Gut (But Verify with Experience)

Here's the truth: you'll probably buy the wrong board at least once. Most of us do. I've got a graveyard of impulse purchases gathering dust.

The key is learning from each board. Even a "wrong" board teaches you what you don't want, which gets you closer to understanding what you do want.

Talk to shapers, rent different boards, ask experienced surfers at your break what they ride and why. The surfing community is generally stoked to help people find the right equipment.

And remember—the best surfboard is the one that gets you excited to paddle out. If a board speaks to you and you can afford it, sometimes that's reason enough.

Now get out there and find your perfect match. The waves are waiting.