How to Choose the Right Surfboard - WestWind Guide

A wise surfer once said: "You can basically surf any board, the only question is how long you want to spend not catching any waves."

But if you don't have time to wait and you want to optimize your time on the wave, you might want to use these general tips.

It must be said that there is no one board that is perfect for one person in all conditions, so if you surf regularly it is a good idea to have several boards that you can switch between. But if you don't surf that often, it is recommended to find a board that can match you and your level for a long time, and which you can surf in most conditions. Before you go out to invest in a board, however, we would always recommend that you have taken a course in surfing. The course will help give you an idea of ​​what it takes to balance a surfboard (ie how big a beginner board should actually be). In addition, you can try different board sizes on the course, and in this way you can find the perfect board size for you, together with the instructor.

Here are some things you should consider:

1 - Level

The first thing you have to decide on is your level at the time you buy the board. You will of course develop, but that development will only go slower if you e.g. choose a small shortboard when you are a beginner. Conversely, it can be difficult to learn how to make cut-backs on a softtop.

A beginner can typically settle for one board at the start. Preferably a board with good volume and stability, most people will be happy with a board of around 7 – 8 feet, but depends to a large extent on one's body weight.

Completely green surfers can enjoy a soft top surfboard, which provides a lot of stability and is a good way to learn how to balance on the board and catch a lot of waves. But you will soon want to move down to a hardboard and a smaller board, which you can more easily practice turning with. As you get better, you can get more out of surfing on a smaller board. But a small board also requires that you like to lie deep and catch the wave, where you risk wipe-outs.

2 - Your body size

The next thing to consider is how fit you are. Even if you are a good surfer, you may need more volume if you have a few extra kilos. It will give you more time on the wave.

Overall, you need to consider your size in terms of height and weight. It goes without saying that the bigger you are, the bigger board you should choose. But even if your size is decisive, it must be in conjunction with the other parameters such as the shape of the board. In the chart below, you can get inspiration for how much volume you should roughly choose according to your size and level.

Weight (kg)	Beginner	Easy-practiced	Expert
30	35.0	23.0	21.0
55	37.5	24.0	22.0
60	40.0	25.0	23.0
65	42.5	27.5	24.0
70	45.0	30.0	25.0
75	47.5	32.5	27.5
80	50.0	35.0	30.0
85	52.5	37.5	32.5
90	55.0	40.0	35.0
95	57.5	42.5	37.5
100	60.0	45.0	40.0
105	65.0	50.0	45.0
110	70.0	55.0	50.0
115	80.0	65.0	60.0
120	100.0	80.0	70.0

3 - Relationship

Different waves require different boards. So before you buy boards, you need to consider which waves you will typically surf. Are they e.g. fast and hollow, or are they soft and slow? It can be difficult to maneuver a large board around in fast waves. And it can be difficult to catch a soft wave on a small board. But the waves can also change from day to day, especially in Denmark where many of the spots are created by sandbanks. Therefore, it is a good idea to build a so-called 'quiver' if you expect to surf regularly, so that you have one board for the fast days and one for the softer days. If you expect that you can only get out once a month and often on the same spot, you can settle for one board that suits that spot in different weather conditions. And then the rule of thumb is: Better too much volume than too little.

Different shapes

LONGBOARD (9–12 FEET) : The longboard is especially known from California, where relaxed long-haired types dance out on the tip of the board and stand in a reclined style. It is a long board – typically with a round nose and a large single fin. A skilled surfer can surf a longboard in all conditions. A less experienced surfer may find it difficult to surf a longboard on a fast steep wave without nose-diving.

MINI-MAL/FUNBOARD(7–9 FEET) : It is a smaller version of the classic longboard, it makes the board easier to maneuver around the water, but a bit difficult to paddle and keep balance on. An obvious beginner's board for you who want to be able to use the same board for a long time and learn to turn. Or an obvious board for you who don't surf that often and want to have as long time on the wave as possible in all kinds of conditions. Available as a single fin or with multiple fins.

SHORTBOARD (5.5–6.11 FEET): The shortboard is particularly characterized by its pointed nose and generally narrow dimensions. This shape gives the surfer optimal mobility to make tricks and sharp turns. But they are small, so there is not much stability. Requires some experience. Typically has three, four or five fins.

EGG/FAT POTATO (5.5–7 FEET): The egg or fat potato are typically small broad hybrid longborads. Due to the width, despite their short length, they are good for beginners as they provide a lot of stability with their high volume despite their short length. It gives you the opportunity to lie high in the water and catch a lot of waves. But can also be used as a fun alternative for experienced surfers on days with small waves. It's not a board to do tricks on, but to catch a lot of waves and have fun on the wave. They can work with a single fin but also with multiple fins.

RETRO FISH (UNDER 7 FEET): There are different definitions of a fish, but with us it is a short, thick board for smaller waves. The name fish refers to the fact that the board often has a fish-shaped or split tail. The perfect board for smaller or messy days, as with its very straight rocker line it has a good glide so it can keep up speed on waves with less push.