Board Science 6/5/4
Struggling to choose a board? That's completely understandable, and we get it. Finding the board that's right for you is not easy. There is a plethora of different models, shapes, volumes, weights, and colors out there, and navigating through all the specific terms and slang doesn't make the decision any easier. It's like standing in front of the candy aisle at the grocery store and you can only pick one. They're all probably good, but which one will meet your needs? Not to mention, each candy, each board, entices you with its colors and shapes, but its ingredient list and product description don't tell you anything either.
We know exactly how complicated it can be, especially at the beginning of a surfing journey, so we put together this guide. A brief overview of some of the most common surfboard models to provide you with the basic knowledge you need. What characteristics does a shortboard possess? What does it mean when people talk about a fish, and what is the real difference between a midlength and a minimal? All of this and much more will finally be answered here. Welcome to Board Knowledge 654.
Longboard
The name pretty much says it all, but it's never wrong to be overly clear. A longboard is simply a long surfboard. Anything over 9 feet (approximately 2.7 meters) is considered a longboard. The longboard is the closest relative to the earliest surfboards and is the modern equivalent to the long planks that Hawaiians used to surf on back in the day. It is also the resemblance to the old logs people used to surf on in the past that has given certain types of longboards the nickname "log".
A longboard is a surfboard with a longer and wider design that provides stability and a smooth ride. These boards are designed to prioritize control and glide over speed and maneuverability. Longboards are ideal for beginners or surfers who want a relaxed and enjoyable experience on the water. These boards can be used in anything from small to large waves, but they are best suited for smaller to medium-sized waves.
Mini Malibu / Funboard
The Mini Malibu, also known as a funboard, is exactly what its nickname implies: a fun board. It typically ranges in size from 7 to 9 feet (2 to 2.7 meters) and is essentially a slightly shorter longboard. The model maintains its stability, making it easy to paddle and get up on the board, but its shorter length makes it easier to maneuver. It is often a thruster setup with ample volume, suitable for most waves, but it is best suited for waves up to shoulder height. As always, the type of waves a board can handle depends a lot on the surfer.
A Mini Malibu is characterized by a rounded nose and a wider tail, providing stability and good paddling performance. Mini Malibus are typically designed for beginners and surfers who want a board that performs well in smaller waves and is easier to handle than a traditional longboard. They are also popular among surfers who want an all-around board that works in different conditions.
Retro
A board whose design is based on an older model. A classic example of a Retro is the Gerry Lopez Thunderbolt, a 70s favorite that has made a comeback. A retro board can also be a modern interpretation of its older ancestor, with the same model but with added modern details and features. Popular among advanced surfers who are looking for something new and unique, seeking a challenge and an understanding of what it was like to surf in a different era.
A retro surfboard is often inspired by the classic boards from the 1960s and 1970s. They often have a rounded nose and a wider tail, as well as a flat bottom, which provides a smoother ride and more stability. Retro boards can be made of various materials, but many of them are handcrafted and are often used for surfing smaller waves or cruising in milder conditions.
Shortboard
The shortboard is one of the most iconic boards, it is short, compact, and agile to maneuver. Anything under 7 feet (approximately 2 meters) is considered a shortboard. A shortboard is not suitable for beginners, as it requires a lot of practice to handle a short board due to its small surface area, which makes it harder to paddle, get up to standing position, and maintain balance. A shortboard is recognizable by its pointed nose and rounded tail and excels in larger waves. Shortboards are usually designed for more experienced surfers and are intended to enable fast and sharp turns in the waves. With a shortboard, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the maneuvers one can perform on the wave.
Fish
Unlike the longboard and shortboard, the term "fish" may not be as obvious at first, but upon closer inspection, the term becomes clear. The board's tail is split in the middle and resembles the tail fin of a fish, often referred to as a "swallowtail," which provides the board with two points of grip instead of one. The split tail provides extra surface area for water to flow through, resulting in increased stability and control when riding smaller and softer waves. This design also aids the surfer in making sharp turns with the board without sacrificing speed and balance.
With its wider, shorter, and rounded design, a fish is perfect for smaller waves. It is a versatile board that suits surfers of all levels and performs best on waves up to 6 feet. A fish differs from a regular shortboard in its wider and rounder design, providing a larger surface area to catch waves. The fish design emerged in the 1970s with the development of the twin fin system, which was highly popular at that time. Today, fish boards are available with both quad and twin fin systems.
Groveler
A high-volume shortboard that performs well in small waves and less ideal conditions. These boards usually have a wider nose, a rounded tail, and are shorter than traditional shortboards, making them a great option for surfers looking to progress from a longboard or mini mal and further develop their surfing skills. The added volume makes it easy to paddle and get up on the board, while the reduced surface area makes it easier to maneuver and excel on the wave. It's simply a great transitional board.
Hybrid
A hybrid board is simply a model that combines the best of two different variants. An example could be a high-performance shortboard with a fishtail. Typically, a hybrid board is a combination of a longboard and a shortboard, resulting in a more versatile board.
Asymmetrical
A asymmetrical board is designed with a very specific purpose in mind, such as surfing in only one direction. A surfboard intended for either right or left surfing adopts a distinct, asymmetric shape that affects everything from the tail and rails to the fin setup. The result is a board with a peculiar shape but one that is optimal for surfing specific point breaks. Often, one side of the board has a rounder curve and is more suitable for tight turns, while the other side has a longer, straighter curve that provides more speed and stability during paddling. Asymmetric boards allow surfers to tailor their boards to their individual surfing styles.
Finless
A trend that has emerged in recent years is the finless board, a board that is exactly what it claims to be: a surfboard without fins, plain and simple. Fins are the board's primary steering tool, and without them, traditional maneuverability is lost. Instead of fins, various types of channels, grooves, or concavities are used on the underside of the board to provide grip and stability in the waves. The experience becomes more similar to that of snowboarding or skateboarding, where turns are made using the toes and heels in a different way than in traditional surfing.
Finless boards are typically more challenging to surf than traditional finned boards, as they require more technical skill to maintain control and the right direction in the waves. Finless boards have become increasingly popular among experienced surfers who want to challenge themselves and explore new techniques and styles.
Midlength
A popular variation that works for most people. Similar to its cousin, the mini mal, but developed for performance. A midlength is a surfboard that falls between a longboard and a shortboard in size and shape. A typical midlength is usually between 6 to 8 feet long and has a rounded nose and a wider midsection to provide a smoother ride and easy paddling, while the rear section is narrower to allow for quicker turns.
A midlength catches more waves in subpar conditions without sacrificing maneuverability like a mini mal/longboard. The fin setup can vary, including single fin, twin-fin, 2+1, thruster, and quad, depending on the type of surfing you intend to do. It's perfect for surfers who are transitioning from beginners to more advanced surfing and want to progress. It's also a great option for advanced surfers who just want to have fun in the waves regardless of conditions.
Soft Top / Foamie
The beginner's best friend and the top choice for surf schools. A board that is hard on the bottom and soft on top and can withstand a lot of abuse. Usually larger in size, on par with midlengths or longboards, but recently, small soft tops have emerged as a trend for surfers who want to surf freely without worrying too much about damaging the board in case of accidents. The high volume and wide surface make the board float easily and paddle quickly, making it ideal for beginners looking to catch their first wave.
