How to choose the right surfboard?

Choosing your new board is an important step. It's the time to look forward to new challenges, new desires, maybe even new surfing conditions... a new spot?

In the equation, it's just essential to :

1. Know the type of spot to go to: hollow waves, small waves, medium waves...
2. Getting to know each other: my surfing ability, my size
3. Have an idea of your next challenge: what type of surfing do you want to adopt? Cool or dynamic? Would you like to hang five or rollerblade?

There are so many parameters to consider when choosing a board, and there are many good articles on the subject. I won't pretend to give you all the secrets of shape, swell and surfing... let's keep it simple and cover the essentials... I'd like to review a few fundamentals to ensure that your purchase meets your expectations:

•  Finding the right volume for your board: too big is complicated to handle, too small is less forgiving of mistakes and requires more juice... so what's the right compromise?
•  The choice of materials for my surfboard: polyurethane foam or polystyrene (EPS)? epoxy resin or polyester lamination?

It's not always easy to know which board to choose. Surfboards come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Each one seems to have its own fans...

Which surfboard to choose?

Let's take a quick look at the main board families:

• Longboards A longboard is a board measuring over 9 feet (9′) with a generous shape (not to be confused with a gun, which can also exceed 9′ but whose shape is much more tapered for surfing very big waves like the Nazaré wave in Portugal). The outline is rounded and the volume consequent. The longboard is a very versatile toy in small and medium-sized waves, with a fast paddle that allows you to get into the waves very quickly and launch yourself without waiting for the wave to break, which is a joy! The little plus for this type of surfboard is that in big waves it allows you to make the most of your time as long as you can pass the bar... its volume when passing the bar is perhaps its main weak point and requires a little technique, effort and perseverance. Once over the helm, however, its volume and large size enable it to stay stable and comfortable in big waves... a great toy.
• Evolutives The Evolutives: a well-thought-out surfboard family, with the same characteristics as a shortboard but with a more accessible volume and size, better suited to medium conditions. The rocker is pronounced, allowing you to rediscover maneuverability and tight, fast maneuvers. The nose is often rounded, as is the case with Eggs.
• Shortboards Shortboards: the queen of surfboards for big and hollow waves... easy to handle and agile in the take-off thanks to its pronounced rocker, its shape literally hugs the wave. Its small volume makes it extremely responsive, right at the heart of the wave, and its rails are designed to catch the wave without delay. The only drawback is that it can't stand inactivity... it's a board that has to be piloted, so there's no time to fall asleep with this type of toy!
• Fishs Fishs: for a while forgotten in the hearts of surfers, they've come back with a vengeance in recent years, in a slightly revamped version. Originally named after the pronounced swallow tail shaved over twinfins, this original shape is far removed from modern fish boards, which have retained a more sober swallow tail. This type of board adopts a fairly taut rocker and sufficient width to move easily in small to medium waves. It's easy to row and comes in a wide range of sizes. It's easy to paddle and comes in a wide range of sizes. It lets you link wide curves and take advantage of small waves without leaving your mini-malibu or longboard.
• The mini-malibus The mini-malibus: the pocket longboard, it borrows most of the features of its big brother, the longboard, but takes up a little less space. It's often used as a first board for its comfort. As easy to paddle as a longboard, it's quick off the mark and easy to handle. An excellent choice for small and medium waves. Perfect for beginners of all sizes.

Need advice on choosing your surfboard?

Buying a new board is an important moment, and nothing can replace customized advice. That's what we're here for... so contact the team:

• Via the form
• by telephone on 07 82 23 78 10