Basic guide of board types

if you are starting in this exciting sport, this article on the main types of surfboards will interest you, basic tips to help you learn to choose your perfect surfboard.
Cesar Alvarez
Cesar Alvarez

05-11-19

Surf nomad

Roaming the globe with a surfboard and a laptop, crafting digital stories that ride the wave of surfing culture.

If you are an experienced surfer you already know the type of surfboard that is most appropriate for you. You will also know the different parts of your board, the type and number of appropriate keels you should have depending on the type of surfing, its dimensions, the most common sizes, and all the elements that differentiate one surfboard from another. But nevertheless, if you are starting in this exciting sport, this article on the main types of surfboards will interest you, basic tips to help you learn to choose your perfect surfboard.

Before moving on to the guide, this video titled 'Different Surfboard types' shows you more about the different models that we list below, allowing you to form a clearer image of each model.

With this guide, you can know the most important characteristics of the 9 main types of surfboards. Let's begin!

Main types of surfboards

  • Stand Paddle Board

 This is the largest surfboard. Its size, width and thickness allow it to stably support the weight of a person standing in any circumstance, both on and off a wave. On this huge board, the surfer has a flexible oar to propel himself and also to maneuver on a wave. The Stand Paddle Board is an excellent and fun option for surf days with small waves with little force. 
Taking your surfboard to the beach can be complicated, normally you would need a big car or a roof rack to carry it. Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the perfect solution for all those who want to ease the carrying process and enjoy the waves without limitations. 

  • Longboard

This is a large, round-tipped surf board, also known as a 'plank.' Inspired by the Hawaiian 'trunks,' they are the original surfboards, used at the beginning of the growth of surfing. The Longboard is ideal for small and medium waves, and also for big waves if the surfer is experienced. This type of surfboard allows you to perform unique movements such as Hang Five, Hang Ten or Drop Knee.
It's not easy to get the perfect surfboard for you, if you're looking for a stable and reactive board that makes you feel confident from day one on the water, HONU Longboard 9'6 is what you've been looking for. Sturdy and durable (varnished wood) For beginner to intermediate and advanced surfers. 

  • Gun

The characteristics of this type of surfboard, its tip and sharp tail, as well as its elongated design, make acceleration while catching waves greater and increase their stability, which makes them perfect for surfing large waves. The Gun is a surfboard suitable only for expert surfers.

  • Malibu (Mini-Longboard)

Despite being a large surfboard with a rounded tip like the Longboard, it is somewhat smaller and more maneuverable, allowing you to carry out the typical maneuvers of its big sister. Due to its size and thickness, the Malibu is a good choice for beginner surfers, but also for days with small waves with low force, even if you're an experienced surfer.

Flowt Surfboard Dura 6'4 Mini Malibu is the lifelong board, comfortable, safe and with a very large range of possibilities. Its main qualities are its strength, ease of use and buoyancy. With this one you'll never stay out of the water.

  • Evolutiva

This is a type of surfboard of greater size and thickness than the Shortboard, which gives them a buoyancy and stability very suitable for beginners surfers. But because of their maneuverability, they can also serve for more advanced surfers with a desire to have fun spinning on the waves. In addition, its design with the slightly rounded tip makes it easier to paddle and surf the waves from the first day. The Evolution is the best surfboard to start surfing.

If you're thinking about getting started in surfing, the Torq Epoxy Tec Hybrid 6'4 Surfboard model is an excellent option. Fast and maneuverable, mixed composition. Wide middle and tail, Vsection on the back. Get in the water with the confidence that this board give you right from your first experience in the water until you are an expert.

  • Shortboard

This surfboard is the most common model, with a more evolved design. They are versatile and suitable boards for all wave conditions, because they offer a good balance between speed and maneuverability. The Shortboard is the most technical type of surfboard, so you need a medium level of surfing ability to get the most out of it.

If you can't choose between the different models of Shortboards, we recommend the Light lsb036 Mixed Surfboard, fast and of the highest quality. The Shortboard is the most technical type of surfboard, so it takes a medium level of surf to get all the performance out of it. 

  • Retro

Thick, short and with a lot of front surface, this is a type of surfboard inspired by designs from the 70s, the golden age of surfing, with shapes that can be somewhat strange, finished with a swallowtail and with 1, 2 , 3 and up to 4 keels. The Retro moves well in small or medium waves with little strength, but is not suitable for large or very hollow waves.

  • Fish

The fish model is characterized by being wide, short, with little curve and a swallow tail, being a type of surfboard designed especially for surfing waves with little force, whether small or medium, because they plan very well on them. It is very similar to certain models of Retro type boards. With respect to the Shortboard, the Fish comes out ahead, since its greater thickness facilitates paddling and maneuverability, at the same time allowing it to slide a lot without needing a strong wave. However, it doesn't work well in large or hollow waves.

There are many models of Fish type boards, Shortboard Fish 5'3" is an excellent option if you are after a special board with a unique style. Perfect for carving a lot and radical surfing in the purest retro style or for relaxing surfing. This model allows you to paddle, catch waves and surf in a very easy way thanks to its width and volume. Ideal for waves from 0.5m to 1.5 m either short or shorebreak waves. 

  1. Tow-in

This type of surfboard is designed to catch waves while you are towed by a jet ski. The Tow-in is the smallest and narrowest of all surfboards and has 'footstraps' to keep it attached to the feet at all times, which gives perfect control in maneuvers and great stability in large waves. To use this type of surfboard you need to have a medium or high level of experience and, of course, someone to tow you with their jet ski.