Surfboard Types and Uses****

These are just some general descriptions of the types of surf boards.

Shortboard

The classic description of a shortboard is that it has 3 fins and around 6 feet with a pointy nose. A shortboard works best in larger waves that are waist high to double overhead. Most shortboards are not ideal for beginners as they trade off stability and paddle speed for maneuverability.

Fish

A Fish is a surfboard that is generally under 6 feet long with a lot of volume packed into it. It is characterized by a wide nose, wide tail with a deep swallow cut into it, and a flat rocker. The main ride characteristic is speed and flow to get working in subpar conditions. Fish work best in thigh high to overhead waves.

Funboard

Funboards are surfboards that are between 7 and 8 feet long that have a wide nose, relaxed rocker and foil, and are designed for ease of riding in a wide range of conditions. They are good for beginners, but a well-designed one can work well as a one-board quiver for an advanced rider as well. A Funboard can work in waves from knee high to well overhead.

Longboard

A longboard is a surfboard that is 8 feet and longer and is designed for ultimate stability. This board should have a wide nose, a lot of volume, and should be a single fin or 2+1. Longboards are the perfect surfboard type for beginners to learn on, but they are difficult to ride in average beachbreak conditions. Longboards are best in ankle high to waves that are just overhead.

Gun

Not for the weak of heart or unskilled, a gun is a specialized surfboard designed for serious, death-defying waves. A gun will have a pointy nose and a pointy tail and can have any kind of fin setup. These are the most specialized surfboards there are because they are designed for waves of consequence where the rider’s life is literally in danger. Guns are for waves double overhead and up.