What Size Surfboard Do I Need?
153 commentsThe choice of surfboard size depends on a couple of factors. The first is ability and the second is time in the water. In general, the bigger the board is, the better it will be to catch waves on. Take a look at the tables below to get an idea about the minimum sizes that you should be looking at for your surfboard. Be sure you make the right choice when guide to buying a surfboard; have a chat with the surf shop staff for their advice.
- A novice surfer will need a larger board than a more skilled surfer.
- A surfer who only surfs occasionally will need a bigger board than one who surfs regularly.
- A board that is too small will hold back a surfers improvement and probably result in frustration.
Shortboard Sizes
Note that the sizes below should be used as a guide only. If you′re in doubt, get something a little bigger than suggested below, or post on our surfboard advice forum for some impartial advice. Surfboard measurements are still in imperial, so it′s feet and inches.
Surfing Less Than 1 Day Per Week
| Surfer Weight (lbs) | Surfer Weight (kg) | Surfboard Length | Surfboard Width | Surfboard Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A guide to shortboard size for surfers who will surf less than one day a week | ||||
| 100-140 | 45.4-63.5 | 6′2″-6′4″ | 18¾″-19¼″ | 2¼″-23⁄8″ |
| 140-160 | 63.5-72.6 | 6′4″-6′8″ | 19″-20″ | 23⁄8″-2½″ |
| 160-180 | 72.6-81.6 | 6′6″-6′10″ | 19½″-20½″ | 2½″-25⁄8″ |
| 180-200 | 81.6-90.7 | 6′10″-7′4″ | 20″-21½″ | 2¾″-3″ |
| 200 + | 90.7 + | 7′4″ + | 21½″-22½″ | 3″-3¼″ |
Surfing at Least 1 Day Per Week
| Surfer Weight (lbs) | Surfer Weight (kg) | Surfboard Length | Surfboard Width | Surfboard Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A guide to shortboard size for surfers who will surf at least one day a week | ||||
| 100-140 | 45.4-63.5 | 6′0″-6′4″ | 18½″-19″ | 2¼″-23⁄8″ |
| 140-160 | 63.5-72.6 | 6′2″-6′6″ | 18¾″-19¼″ | 23⁄8″-2½″ |
| 160-180 | 72.6-81.6 | 6′4″-6′8″ | 19″-19¾″ | 2½″-25⁄8″ |
| 180-200 | 81.6-90.7 | 6′8″-7′2″ | 19½″-20½″ | 25⁄8″-27⁄8″ |
| 200 + | 90.7 + | 7′2″ + | 20″-21½″ | 3″-3¼″ |
Funboard Sizes
Funboards (mini-mals) are much more suited to someone new to surfing and are ideal to start getting waves straight away. You still need to make sure the board is large enough to suit your weight and surfing ability.
Surfing Less Than 1 Day Per Week
| Surfer Weight (lbs) | Surfer Weight (kg) | Surfboard Length | Surfboard Width | Surfboard Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A guide to funboard / minimal size for surfers who will surf less than one day a week | ||||
| 100-140 | 45.4-63.5 | 7′0″-7′4″ | 20¼″-21″ | 2½″-2¾″ |
| 140-160 | 63.5-72.6 | 7′2″-7′8″ | 20½″-21½″ | 2¾″-3″ |
| 160-180 | 72.6-81.6 | 7′6″-8′0 | 21″-21¾″ | 2¾″-3″ |
| 180-200 | 81.6-90.7 | 7′10″-8′4″ | 21½″-22¼″ | 3″-3¼″ |
| 200 + | 90.7 + | 8′2″-8′8″ | 22″-22¾″ | 3¼″ + |
Surfing More Than 1 Day Per Week
| Surfer Weight (lbs) | Surfer Weight (kg) | Surfboard Length | Surfboard Width | Surfboard Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A guide to funboard / minimal size for surfers who will surf more than one day a week | ||||
| 100-140 | 45.4-63.5 | 6′8″-7′2″ | 20½″-21¼″ | 2¼″-2½″ |
| 140-160 | 63.5-72.6 | 6′10-7′4″ | 20¾″-21½″ | 2½″-2¾″ |
| 160-180 | 72.6-81.6 | 7′2″-7′8″ | 21″-21¾″ | 2½″-3″ |
| 180-200 | 81.6-90.7 | 7′6″-8′0″ | 21½″ -22¼″ | 2¾″-3¼″ |
| 200 + | 90.7 + | 7′10″-8′4″ | 22″-22¾″ | 3″-3¼″ |
There is a topic on the forum where you can discuss board sizes further and ask any questions that may not have been answered. Please post any questions about specific board size on the forum.
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Comments
 | Guest on Apr 25, 2011 | I weigh 300+ - will I sink? |
 | surf patrol on Apr 26, 2011 | If you are serious about surfing, you'll be able to get a board that will float you at 300 lbs. |
| Guest on May 12, 2011 | i havent surfed since i was a kid...im looking to buy a used board form a guy thats in great shape...im 6 foot and 190 lbs and still athletic and good balance....i will be surfing on the southeast coast of florida...will these dimesions work for me to relearn on so i dont have to buy different boards to catch up? Dimensions 6' 9" X 11 X 19 X 13 5/8 X 2 1/2...please help. |
| surf patrol on May 12, 2011 | This board will be ok for you to re-learn on. If you are in good shape can get in regularly, you'll soon be back up to speed. You could always see if he'll let you take it out a couple of times, try it out before you buy to make sure it's suitable. If you'd not surfed before, I'd suggest getting something bigger. |
| Guest on May 16, 2011 | Thanks...i also heard a fish would be an option...wider and thicker espically for florida waves...id have more stability and be able to turn better unlike a funboard...any sense in that rather than the shortboard i mentioned above?...if so how big of Fish should i get? |
| surf patrol on May 17, 2011 | A fish is an option, but be honest about your ability. They are not boards for beginners. You'd probably want something at least 6'5" x 21" x 2 5/8 - 3" We've got some knowledgeable members on our surf forum if you want to bounce some ideas around. |
| Guest on May 22, 2011 | I haven't surfed in maybe 10 years. I am 5'10 170 and in great shape. Surfboard sizing charts have me at a 6'4-6'8 shortboard, which is what I want to ride. I have an opportunity to buy a used Channel Islands whip which is in excellent shape. It is 6'6x 20 1/4x 2 3/4. I talked to the local at the surf shop who recommended a 6'4 x 19 7/8 x 2 5/8. On channel Islands website it recommends riders ride this board 3-4 inches smaller than your normal shortboard. So I am kind of confused, have decided on this board but unsure of what size to get. I sure would like to save the 300 hundred dollars and get the used one but am afraid that it is way too large. Any thoughts? |
| Guest on May 22, 2011 | im not 15 and not very heavy or tall, and am looking at buying a new surfboard i am looking at one thats 6'6" but i think it might be too big for turns and things? what size do u recommend? |
| Guest on May 27, 2011 | I'm 5'5 and 170lbs. I can stand on a 7'9" but I'm interested in buying a board. There is a 7'9" or 7'3" for sale, which should I get? |
| Guest on May 30, 2011 | Help please... I have a 6'4" Quiet Flight thruster w/ 3 glassed in fins...Tom Nielson design. Probably a 1990 or so.... measurements written on the board are: 11 1/4 x 18 1/2 x 13 3/4 "Double Concaves" "2114 (1x3)", too...but i don't know what that means. What do the dimensions above mean also? Where are the three measurements taken? I weigh 145 and am 5'7"...great board from home in Florida, but now I'm stationed in Guam, and it's all reef break. I'm having a hard time getting the board to finish turns unless I'm standing on the very tail. i surf pretty aggressively, with a lot of driving turns and fast runs. need to know what to look for in a new board. this one doesn't whip turns around fast enough...wants to try to go straight as I come around. was going to shorten the #3 fin, or the 2 twin fins....which would do the trick? I'm thinking the center fin... Help! the waves here rock! Brian |
| Guest on Jun 2, 2011 | I’m a 15 year old girl, 5’5 and roughly 50 kg… what size of beginner board should I get? Also whats better, fibre glass or foam? Thanks |
| Guest on Jun 2, 2011 | I am planning a surf trip and im not what i used to be. what board should i ride. Im 6'2 and about 215 |
| Guest on Jun 7, 2011 | Hey guys, I wanted to seek your advice. I surf in the bay area in northern california. I started surfing two years ago and have gotten a very good amount of water time. Probably twice a week average over the two years. I have been riding a 7'2 for a year now and feel that I need to go shorter. I struggle catching overhead waves with such a large board. I am 5'7 180 pounds. What size do you suggest? Looking for a beach break board, primarily surf ocean beach san francisco, on days that are overhead and a little more. Appreciate the advice. |
| surf patrol on Jun 7, 2011 | Please ask any specific questions about suitable board size over on the surf hardware forum. Many thanks |
| Guest on Jun 12, 2011 | I need help, i want a short board but i weigh a tad bit over 140. will i still be able to ride a 6'2 short board?? |
| Guest on Jun 18, 2011 | im 90 pounds and have a 4'7" and it rides great... |
| Guest on Jul 5, 2011 | if weigh 350 lbs and im 6'4 WHAT SIZE LONG BOARD WOULD I START ON |
| Stevo on Jul 5, 2011 | At 350lbs you'll need a board with plenty of volume (3.5" maybe), and plenty of glass. Have a chat to a local shaper, you'll have to get a custom board shaped for you. |
| Guest on Jul 7, 2011 | i weigh in at 210, used to surf but havent in about 3 years. ive been buggering around on a longboard but miss the manouverability of a shortboard. am i wasting time buying a 6'8 x 19'5" x 2'5"? |
| Guest on Jul 8, 2011 | Really want to get going, live in wa. Don't want to ride the long ass boards. Really good in the snow and on a long board. I'm 6"1 and was Thinkin of getting a board 6"10. Is that long enough? |
| Guest on Jul 8, 2011 | what are the best waters to start surfing in in florida? any ideas? |
| Guest on Jul 13, 2011 | Im 220 pound 6ft 2 " . What size board shold i buy? |
| Madeline on Jul 15, 2011 | I weigh 96.2 lbs. and am 5ft 2in. I am looking to surf on fun boards but I am not sure what size please help me out? :) thanks a bunch! |
| Guest on Jul 20, 2011 | i am new to surfing and i was wondering if i should get a shortboard or a funboard? |
| surf patrol on Jul 21, 2011 | Funboard, no question |
| Guest on Jul 21, 2011 | i am about 5'7" and weigh about 135-140lbs so what size board should i get |
| nic on Jul 25, 2011 | i am about 6'3 200 would a 6'10 board be good for me or should i go up to a 7'0 7'2 board i haven't surfed in a couple years so its tough to think bout what i should get now |
| HairMeister on Jul 30, 2011 | You will be able to find a board fine at 300+ lbs... Something atleast 3 1/2 in thicknes.. minimal. I am 208lbs and I use a 6'4 biscuit with 2 3/4 thickness. |
| Guest on Jul 31, 2011 | Hello! I'm an occasional surfing looking to get more invested in the sport. I've been going out more recently, and have fallen in love with the whole idea of surfing, wondering why I never got more involved in the first place. I'm 22 years old, 5'0" and 120lbs. Right now I have a 6'0" shortboard, and I'm definitely in need of something bigger! I was out in the water last week and the nose of my board sliced my head open right above my temple, resulting in an emergency room visit and 5 staples. Surprisingly (haha), now I'm determined as ever to get back out there and really start taking on the waves. Although, now I really want to retire my board and get on something else. So my question is what size board would you suggest for me? Thanks so much! :) |
| Guest on Aug 3, 2011 | I weigh 105lbs. and i am 5ft.3in tall and i surf Massachusetts waves(they aren't very big)and i am very very very new to surfing. what kind of board should i get? |
| Guest on Aug 7, 2011 | I am not the biggest guy around, but really want to get started...i am 5'2" @ 130lbs.....i tried a 9 foot board and caught 4 out of 5 waves...my first time ever on a board...the one thing i didn't like is that it is outrageously cumbersome for me to carry this thing to the beach and anywhere around....would you recommend i stick to this one or get a small board....i've only surfed that one time |
| Guest on Aug 16, 2011 | hi im moving to hawaii for school! and im gonna learn to surf but i wanna buy my own pink surfboard but i dont know what size i would need! im deffinately a begginer! im 5'7 and i weigh 145?! can anyone help! |
| Guest on Aug 20, 2011 | my name is brandy jimenez and i started surfing last week, but m still getting the hang of it and itss really awesome!! im 14 and i also play basketball so im in good shape! im 5'4 and i have a 6' something board but im not sure if its the right one forr me??so does anyone have any advice for me? id appreciate it veryy much(: thanks |
| Guest on Aug 28, 2011 | Weird it says I need a 6.4-6.6 cuz my weight but I ride a 6 an I'm fine lol but I do wanna pick up a 6.4 for sure tho |
| Sarah K on Aug 30, 2011 | Hey, iv been surfing a 7'3 mini-mal for 2 years and want to move to a shortboard. im 5'2 and weigh 130lbs. i am going to get a spider bomb and they say to go several inch smaller than what you would normally, so what sort of length am i looking at? i am planning on surfing at least once a week, as much as the waves round here will let me (south coast uk, moving to Cornwall soon) Thanks. |
| Guest on Sep 1, 2011 | im 6' 00 and ive got a 6''4 2 and quater inch thhick.....im 79 kg is that too heavy for it? |
| Riley on Sep 5, 2011 | I'm 6'3 173 lbs could I ride a 6'4 board? |
| lovesakeyla@gmail.com on Sep 7, 2011 | im 16 year old male, new to surfing, 62kg 170cm tall. what demensions board should i get? please note im allways active as im a boxer and study at new zealand institute of sport, so im doing diferent sports all day long. |
| surf patrol on Sep 7, 2011 | Please post all "what board should I get" questions to the forum. Please include your weight, size, fitness and surfing ability. Members of the forum are all friendly and helpful - join our community today! |
| Westy on Sep 18, 2011 | Im 72-73kg (160 lb) and ride a 5'10" thats 19" wide. Its got a pretty flat rocker that helps with speed on entry though. This board flies once it gets going and can surf waves from 1 ft to about 4-5 ft, then i need to step up to a 6'2 with a bit more rocker for anything bigger and heavier. Kelly slater is riding 5'8" boards just thicker than 18"...and he weights 75! |
 | Sunnyl on Sep 20, 2011 | My dad is 6'8" and weighs about 250. He's in good shape except for a little tummy (he coaches and trains basketball). He tried my spongie (8') but I think he was more embarassed about not knowing what he was doing than not able to do it. If I can get him started I know he will take lessons. What size board should he use? Should I get him out on a boogy board first? |
| Dao on Sep 24, 2011 | My weight 48 Kg., My height is 153 CM., I normally surf with board size 6.6 at Phuket, Thailand. I'm now thinking to get a new surfboard. I'm so confused between size 6 and 5.10, anyone can please advise me which one I should go with. |
| Guest on Sep 25, 2011 | I'm 5'5" and new to surfing, but I'm really good at wakeboarding, wakeskating, and longboarding. Will these dimensions work for me? |
| Guest on Sep 28, 2011 | I take woodshop in school and want to make a surfboard because i like to surf when i go down the shore in the summer. Will making a board out of wood be horrible and just sink or do you think that itll do alright? |
| surf patrol on Sep 29, 2011 | You can make a surfboard out of wood, with th right construction techniques it will not sink. It's probably not suitable for a school project though. |
| Guest on Oct 1, 2011 | to give you an idea of what you can do when you get better at surfing, Im 6 3 230 and I ride a Super Vapors model thats 6 2 x 20 1/4 x 2 5/8 with a lighter glassing job. once you get better, you can start to play around with different shapes, different fin setups, different volumes, but remember one thing, FOAM IS YOUR FRIEND. Just because a friend of yours is riding some 5 5 chip doesn't mean you can too. Either they've been surfing for a lot longer or they are vastly under floated and as a result doesn't get the momentum to carry through sections to thoroughly enjoy the wave. You can tell when someone has taken the time to thoroughly learn the ins and outs of surfing on a mini mal or a long board before sizing down to a more performance based short board. Trust me, take your time and get comfortable on a long board. nothing under 8 ft to start. Besides, if your doing it right you'll catch more waves than any short boarder on a smaller day. |
| Guest on Oct 1, 2011 | don't make a wooden surfboard if you haven't got experience with shaping boards or with a wooden surfboard making kit. I'm sure it will look nice but realistically unless you understand how rail volume, single and double concave, rocker and glassing techniques work, it wont be much in the water. As a wall hanger, however, it will be totally awesome. |
| Guest on Oct 5, 2011 | I'm 17, 5'4", weight 120lbs and am a girl. I'm new to surfing what should my first board be? Size wise too. |
| Guest on Oct 17, 2011 | what 7'6" actually means? |
| surf patrol on Oct 17, 2011 | 7'6" => 7 foot 6 inches (2 meters 29 cms) |
| Guest on Oct 18, 2011 | Hey.. im getting started on surfing.. and im like 5'3" And my weight is like 110 and I bougth a 6"2 surfboard... did i made a good decision? |
| Arvid on Oct 18, 2011 | Hello! Is it too hard to learn to surf on a 6'8" funboard if I weigh 170 lbs and Im 6'6" tall? It's pretty wide though, probably 20" I only surfed once before and Im going to surf on my vacation in two weeks, so I need to know if my board is good |
| Shae on Oct 23, 2011 | I'm a total beginner and I want to get a board so do you think a fish would be fine? |
| surf patrol on Oct 23, 2011 | Fish are not suitable boards for beginners. Here's an article on surfboard choice for a beginner. |
| Guest on Nov 1, 2011 | i am 14 5 4 and 105 pounds and ride a 5'6 lost and its great |
| deni on Nov 6, 2011 | im 5 feet 11 71kgs wat size board should i get? |
| Maurice on Nov 7, 2011 | If you are 300 pounds or more go surfing with me, that way when a great white shark comes it will eat you over me. Are there surfboards for beginners weighing 300 pounds or more? If they did the board would have to be 12 feet long and 5 inches thick hahahaha |
| Guest on Nov 14, 2011 | I have two boys aged 11, weight at around 90 lbs each, New to surfing..loves water and did some intro surfng...which board , fun- or short- board do i buy them? Surfing in Jeffreys and PE South Africa... |
| Caleb on Nov 16, 2011 | If you are 6'0 and want to short board then you need a board within 3 inches of your height. I am 5'11 and weigh 220 lbs. I thought like all of you once and got a 6'8 Rawson Hyperskate 2. Easy as all hell to catch a wave but turning it in average California beach break is next to impossible. Cut backs forget about it. So I took a chance and got a 6'0 flyer one day and even though my wave count went way down, when I caught a wave I was able to get myself up the line. I realize now I need something a little wider like a 20-20 and a quarter inch rather than that 19 inch. The 2 5/8 felt like plenty of foam. In fact with full rails width is the most important thing for us heavier and broader men. I am looking at the Roberts diamond and dump truck boards myself. I am also interested in the Rusty Dozer and T. Patterson Rising Sun. Which of these boards do you guys think would be the best for every kind of surf. |
| Bunny on Nov 18, 2011 | I am a beginner who just finished surfing lessons, and would like to buy myself a board. I'm 5'1 weighs 58kg. What would be the ideal board for me please. Thank you |
| Guest on Nov 19, 2011 | hey,i'm going to do my first surf in a 2days and hopes that it passes well!!!i'm a bit of nervous because i get tired quickly by swimming and canot swim for long and i also have orientation problems-can someone give me tips?? |
| Guest on Nov 19, 2011 | i am 11 years old and i am around 4'9 would a 4'2 sized surf board be big enough? |
| hey on Nov 20, 2011 | im like 6'1 and i ride a 6'6 foamy would it be hard for me to learn |
| Guest on Nov 21, 2011 | Hey my name is Teahna and I got a 5'8 board I use to have a fome board that was 7'6...do you think I went to low? |
| Guest on Nov 21, 2011 | I weigh 210. I know i will float but idk what size board to get. I am new to it but i want to get good. |
| Guest on Dec 2, 2011 | Dude 7'2" for a person that weighs 91kgs. thats unneccasarily big. Thats a tank. I weigh over 100kgs, im ridding a 6'6". Granted that is probably slightly too small, I should be riding like a 6'8" or 6'10". |
| Guest on Dec 3, 2011 | i am 5'7 and weigh 125 lbs. what size surfboard should i get? |
| turtle on Dec 6, 2011 | hey man, ima start surfing and im look at buying a board with the dims of 6'8" 19.1/4" 2.9/16" would that be good leaner board? |
| Guest on Dec 11, 2011 | i just got a 6' 2" shortboard. I'm 5' 2" and 100 pounds. Would this board be good for me? |
| Guest on Dec 14, 2011 | I am 5'8 200-210lbs and used to ride a 5'11 when I was 135 lbs ages ago. I'm looking to get back into surfing with a buddy who just picked up the sport. I am not looking for anything but a shortboard but the old 5'11 doesn't quite float me anymore. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on the size I should get. The charts I see are all 7' or so but I'm not really interested in going above 6'6. Is that just no feasible anymore? |
| Guest on Dec 23, 2011 | i am thinking of picking up a danny hess quad fish. i am 5'10 and 200lbs. the board is poplar aand eps construction. the approx dims are 6'0x20.5x2.5. i am an intermediate level surfer. will this board work for me. a 3'0 thick poly board is too corky? i like a 2 3/4 thickness in a poly board. never owned a poplar/eps board? any feedback for me ? |
| Guest on Dec 23, 2011 | Im a begginer and i weigh 200 + should i get a longboard shortboard or a funboard |
| Guest on Dec 26, 2011 | i am 194kg would i sink |
| Brandon from So Cal on Dec 27, 2011 | I'm 6'1 165 no surfed once and did terrible. Snowboard was a little easier but still difficult. Would a 7 foot epoxy board work for my first board? |
| Guest on Dec 29, 2011 | I'm 14. 5'5" and weigh about 114. I live in WA, but we go to Hawaii every year for 2weeks and I go to surf camp in Cali. I wanna get a shortboard but I don't know what size to get??? Help? I wanna get the FCD Octo short board.?(: |
| Guest on Dec 30, 2011 | I am 40kgs and 145cm and I want to start learn to surf but I cannot get a longboard so what size shortboard should I start learning on? |
| Guest on Dec 31, 2011 | I am 40kgs and want to learn to surf, is a 9'4" longboard too big to start learning on for me? |
| Tori on Jan 3, 2012 | Hey I am not a beginner but I havent surfed as often as I have wanted. I just sold my shortboard and I was either looking into buying a fish or funboard. I am a decent surfer and have surfed Hawaii quite a few times but I just dont know if a fish is right for me |
| Guest on Jan 4, 2012 | I am 5'7'' 135lbs and i got a 6'5'' swallow tail board and the problem is that I cant make a duck dive. Can you help me? |
| Guest on Jan 4, 2012 | I got a 5'8'' swallow tail surfboard. I am very good at surfing on it but right now its the only board i have. Do you think that it will hold up on 10-15ft waves at Swamis or Blacks? (I am 6'1'', 160lbs.) |
| Guest on Jan 7, 2012 | I'm 11 about 4.3 ft tall and i weigh 38kg and i'm loking into geting a new board. I surf a lot in summer and not much in winter i've got no idiea what size my board should be. |
| Guest on Jan 9, 2012 | no it will not sink at 300 ponds |
| johnson on Jan 10, 2012 | once i surf until i think im good enuf for a shortboard i was thinking about getting a channel islands neck beard...im about 5'7 and it said to get 4 to 6 inches shorter than your height??is a 5'6 good enuf or i should look for a different brand... |
| Wallace on Jan 14, 2012 | HELP! I surfed when I was a teen some and now I am 51 yrs old and go to the ocean a couple of week a year (Mostly Outer Banks of NC) I am 185 lbs and 6' 2" tall. I broke my neck in 2003 and have 4 rods and 9 screws in my neck so my neck Does NOT turn much at all. I enjoyed surfing and will only be able to try in on Vacations on the EAST coast or maybe NJ Shore, so what kind of board would be best for me as an old re-learning beginner who wants to surf, ride nice waves, and hopefully someday get tubed? |
| Guest on Jan 14, 2012 | i've had a couple of lessons now, and I want to take surfing up now. would it be good to get a short board or a fun board, looking to buy one so i can have it for a long time. I've got my eye on a 6 foot 8 shortboard. Would you recommend? |
| sofia on Jan 14, 2012 | I want to buy a surfboard and can you get a small one and can you tell me what website to go on to by a surfboard. |
| justin on Jan 16, 2012 | Hello im just about to get back with my surfing again im 15 and have not surfed since 8 years old what do u recomend |
| ChocoMelonSwagg on Jan 17, 2012 | I'm 5'4 and I have an 8' foam.. Is that really big? I can ride it ok it's a beginner board but I dunno.... :/ |
| Guest on Jan 18, 2012 | listen everyone.. this chart is not right..i ride what a 100 pound person is suppose to ride according to this chart? first off its whatever feels best to you..and what kind of waves you are riding and how experienced you are.like for instance iam 175 180 and im riding a 6'2 needing somthn a little smaller.. if your just now startn out try a fun shape..if you have been surfing for a while shortboard usually no bigger than your height.. unless the surf calls for it. just go talk to a shaper or someone at a surfshop.. |
| surf patrol on Jan 18, 2012 | @Guest on Jan 17, 2012 - I agree with the points you make. The size guide tables above will not be accurate for ever surfer, and is aimed at the less experienced surfer. The type of waves, fitness, ability and personal choice are all factors. Just go talk to a shaper (and be honest about your ability) is a good piece of advice. As mentioned, you can receive personal help and advice over on the forum. Feel free to post your questions there. |
| tai on Jan 30, 2012 | i am 194kg would i sink |
| Guest on Feb 6, 2012 | Hi guys, 1.72, 82kg, advanced learner.... 1 a week surfing 6.8 as the table says is ok? |
| Tommy on Feb 8, 2012 | I've been surfing about 3 years on a 7'8 fun shape. I'm at an intermediate level and I'm looking for a big guy shortboard/fish/pumpkin seed etc. I'm 6'3 and weight 230lbs but I'm in good shape. I just have a big build from football and weightlifting background. Any suggestions for dimensions? I was looking into a Webber 6'9 fatburner/pulse but I'm worried I'm too big for the board. I surf about 2-3 days a week. Thanks! |
| Michelle on Feb 12, 2012 | i'm 5'1 and i weigh 175lbs. what type of surfboard will be better for me? |
| Ben on Feb 16, 2012 | Hi Would a 7'6" X 19" X 2" Surfboard suit a beginner i am 5'11 and weight 73kg |
| Guest on Feb 18, 2012 | Is a 8' 6" by 3" by 22" a good board for me? i weigh 150 pounds. |
| Guest on Feb 19, 2012 | im 6'1 200lbs and want to ride a 6'4, is that a bad idea? |
| Guest on Feb 26, 2012 | I am 5 6 and only way around 55kgs. I usually ride a 6 3 or a 5 10 fish both fairly thick. I rode a 5 8 fish today which was 19 wide and about 2 and 1/2 thick and it was really fun to ride. would i be better off on a board like this? i am starting to get sick of turning slow and always catching rails.. |
| Smapsezes on Mar 2, 2012 | Thank you for sharing this great advice here. |
| Guest on Mar 5, 2012 | I am 6.3 and weigh just under 200lbs. I'm in good shape and on head high waves I always surf a 6.0'', of course I usually pick boards that have a bit more width and thickness... |
| shaun on Mar 10, 2012 | Hey guys I need some advise! I'm 6'3 210 lbs athletic and looking to get a 6'6 fish measures 21 3/4" wide and 2 1/2" thick. Would I be to big? I'm intermediate i surf 3 or 4 days a week on a long board. |
| Guest on Mar 25, 2012 | i am between 80 and 85 pounds what board should i get? |
| Guest on Apr 10, 2012 | I'm 5'4. I'm 103 pounds, But I'm not sure what shortboard I should buy? I've been asking differnt people and they tell me 6'0 or 6'2 Isnt that to tall for me? |
| Guest on Apr 12, 2012 | are those measurments are aplicable for wood surf boards ?? |
| Hawaii n surfer on Apr 13, 2012 | I from north shore Hawaii. My weight is 65 kg so I want new board so How many feet should I get for board? |
| Guest on Apr 25, 2012 | i am 6'2" @ 215lbs. I am looking to buy a 6ft6 santa cruz pumpkin seed. will it float me? |
| JoJo on May 9, 2012 | I am about 5"0 and want to surf and i have never surfed before. Any Tips??? |
| Ken on May 13, 2012 | I am 5 ft 10 inch guy I way about 165lbs .what size short board should I get? |
| Guest on May 15, 2012 | i am about 5'11 150 pounds and my boys got a shortboard i can borrow and its 6'1 will it work for me? |
| Guest on May 18, 2012 | i am 5'6 210 what would be a good size board |
| AnthonyF on May 21, 2012 | I am 14 years old and I'm 6'4" and 180 pounds and I am still growing. I'm a begginer-intermediate surfer.. What size board and thickness? |
| Far(NL) on May 26, 2012 | Hey guys, I am a beginner, 6'1'' and 220 pound. what would be a good size board for me to learn? thank you, |
| Guest on May 27, 2012 | At 300 lbs plus you shouild take up Sumo not Surfing :D |
| Bethany on May 28, 2012 | Im 5'11 and i have a 6'4 board and its amazing! |
| Guest on Jun 7, 2012 | That guy who's 300lb need to go on a diet not a surfboard |
| Guest on Jun 7, 2012 | Bethany sounds cute ; ) |
| Guest on Jun 14, 2012 | i am a new comer to surfing. i way around 100 pounds, and my height is 5'2. i have a 6'1 board. do you think i will succeed? |
| Olivia on Jun 23, 2012 | I'm 5'4 and 120 lbs. I have a soft surfboard, and want to get a hard shortboard, but not sure how to go about finding the right type/size. Help? Pleeaase |
| Tom on Jun 24, 2012 | Hi im 17 years old and I im really thinking about start surfing, my height is like 6 feet and I weigh around 132 lbs. I skate and I think I can be really good at this so I would like to buy a small board so I don't have to buy another one some days later if I buy a bigger one now. What do you recommend to me?? |
| JDnOside on Jun 25, 2012 | yo, I see all this smack talk about the 300 pound club. reality is, I used to be that heavy and could ride a 6'7'' big boy fish. it was a little wider and thicker than I liked surfing so it gave me the desire to loose mad weight. now I ride a 6'4'' firewird dominator. basically weight doesn't matter as much as skill level so unless you are a beginner, the size of the board is up to the surf and skill level you are trying for. |
| Nick on Jun 27, 2012 | I am 5'11" 250lbs and need a shortboard so i was looking at 6'7" or above, would this be good. I plan to loose atleast 30lbs over the summer |
| victoria on Jul 8, 2012 | I'm 5'2" 130lbs wich surfboard I need? thanks |
| Guest on Jul 26, 2012 | i am 460 lbs and i ride a 5 foot 6 shortboard. is that the right size? |
| Guest on Aug 3, 2012 | I'm new at this and I weigh around 80lbs and don't know what surfboard to use. Can you help me? |
| Guest on Aug 3, 2012 | I am 6ft and 215 pounds mostly muscle i used to be alot smaller but over the last couple years i stopped surfing and worked out is my 6'4 board to small.? |
| Guest on Aug 4, 2012 | I am a 50 yr old female that is going to Hawaii with my 31 yr old daughter and she is wanting to try surfing while we are there and was wanting me to go with her. I have been in better shape in the past but pretty sedentary for the last 5 yrs. Is this something I can try or should I forget it? |
| surf patrol on Aug 4, 2012 | @Guest on Aug 3, 2012: You're not to old or out of shape yet. Start exercising, especially swimming, to improve your fitness levels. We've some good advice in our surf training section. Then check out our learning to surf later in life topic on the forum and see you are not alone in starting a little later than most. |
| surf patrol on Aug 4, 2012 | PLEASE NOTE, this is not the place to post your questions about what board you need to get. We have a whole section on our forum dedicated to this question. Please Post Your Questions Here |
| Guest on Aug 7, 2012 | i ride a 6ft shortboard and my sister want to start surfing as we started as when we were kids but she gave up shes weighhs 6.5kg and shes 4ft 9 sjould she have the same board as me? |
| Guest on Aug 7, 2012 | *63.5kg* (guest 7th aug 2012) |
| Surfdawg on Aug 21, 2012 | Just turned 50, I used to shread and want to surf again. I am up to 250lbs, What size board do I need? Will be surfing FL waves...I need something that will float me well and that will catch waves. Im still in ok shape despite being fat (for now!)The thought of not surfing again makes me weep! |
| Guest on Sep 6, 2012 | i started surfingin the beginning of summer. i surf 4ft waves and use a 7'2 board. i dont have trouble getting up and i feel like i should get a smaller board to challenge myself. what size should i get? (i go every weekend) |
| Guest on Sep 9, 2012 | I'm 6'2" 180 lbs 23 years old and I want to learn how to surf which surfboard do u guys recommend? |
| Jack on Sep 21, 2012 | im 6'0 250 im looking at the 6'4 chemistry tron and the 6'4 chemistry beaker any thoughts im pretty good at surfing id say if that helps |
| Guest on Oct 16, 2012 | Hi, Im just a kid but I'm fairly good on a surfboard, like I can ride the wave properly. I'm 34 kg's and about 142 cm tall, I ride a 5'11 is that to big for me???? |
| Guest on Oct 18, 2012 | I weigh 200 pounds but I surf a 6'5" that works just fine for me. This varies from person to person. |
| Guest on Dec 1, 2012 | I'm 5'3 and 95 pounds what size board shouls i get?? |
| Guest on Dec 1, 2012 | Hi, I'm 13 and I'm ready for a new board I want to get a better shortboard but I don't know what size to get.. I'm 5'3 and about 95 pounds can you help me figure it out please?? |
| Guest on Jan 3, 2013 | i love surfboards |
| dav on Jan 4, 2013 | is the flatter the rocker the faster the board goes or not |
| Andrew Williams on Jan 5, 2013 | im 215 i dont want to get a 8' longboard or somethings i want a 6'5'' is that okay????? will i not float or what ill really happen |
| E.T. on Jan 11, 2013 | this guide is absolutely terrible in regards to shortboards... i am 185 lbs, 6'2" and ride a 6 foot board and im an intermediate surfer who surfs daily. 6'4"-6'8" is definitely too big and not really even a shortboard anymore |
| Guest on Jan 14, 2013 | This guideline is totally off brah way to big boards for your weight try trimming it down a bit |
| Guest on Jan 16, 2013 | I am about 55kg and 5'9ft and was wondering would a 6'8ft mini mal be a good board to learn on |
| Lara T. on Feb 9, 2013 | Hi, I'm 21, 5'7" and 112 pounds. I surfed as a kid all the time because I lived by the beach but moved away 15 years ago and haven't been surfing since. Now I'm moving back and want to start out again, should I start as a beginner and get a longboard? |
| lloyd on Feb 20, 2013 | does having too volume on your surfboard could work against me? |
| Megan on Feb 23, 2013 | I am trying to learn how to surf but what would be the best size board for a 13 year old? |
| AMELI on Feb 26, 2013 | PLEASE WRITE BACK TO THIS SURF PATROL! I'm 12 and I weigh like 80 pounds what size board I should get?! Thanks |
| surf patrol on Feb 26, 2013 | We've got a specific forum called surfboard advice where you can get personalised help and advice on board choices. :) |
| Guest on Mar 20, 2013 | This is completely non-sence. I'm 80kg 24years old surfing since I was 13 and my favorite boards goes from 5'10 to 6'1 |
| surf patrol on Mar 21, 2013 | This guide is aimed at the beginner and novice surfer, not for the more experienced surfer who will be able to surf shorter, thinner boards with less volume. |
| Kevin on Mar 27, 2013 | Growing up i use to mess around with my mates who surfed and tried a few times but since ive grown (6'7") i havent been in years. I weigh anywehre from 220 to 230. Im athletic and have great balance and want to get back into surfing. I live at the beach so this summer i want to go practically every day. Your thoughts on the size and what kind of board? |
| Guest on Mar 30, 2013 | im new at surfing and planning to buy a board cause board rentals would really burn your wallet in the long run if u think about it. I'm 5'4" and i weigh 138 lbs. I can pretty much stand up and balance myself. the problem is catching waves. what size would be suitable for me? |