19 Types Of Surfboards (Differences, Size, Color, Appearance)

 

Surfing is quite a bit of fun regardless of your age.

Many people take up surfing when they are young, and this can be a great advantage.

However, if you take up surfing a bit later in life, you may want to be careful which board you end up with.

There are many different types of surfboards on the market and choosing a board that is properly suited to your physical abilities is essential.

We have put together a list of 19 different types of surfboards.

Each of these has its own unique benefits and features for you to choose something that will work properly for your abilities.

 

19 Types Of Surfboards

 

1. Retro Surfboard

Paragon Surfboards Retro Fish Surfboard | Fast, Stylish & Fun Surf Board Ideal to Ride Small to Medium Sized Waves | 5'8" x 21" x 2.5" (35L) | White Stripe 

 

A retro surfboard has a unique shape to it.

These are thicker boards that are typically shorter than other options on the market.

The retro surfboard is designed primarily to work in medium-sized waves, and they are great for having fun in mild conditions.

For very large waves and rough seas, the retro is not going to be an option.

One characteristic of this board is that they will come with between one and four keels.

 

2. Kids Surfboard

KONA SURF CO. The 5-5 Surfboard for Beginners Kids and Adults - Soft Top Foam Surfboards for Beach – Surf as a Boogie Board Bodyboard or Softboard - Includes Fins and Leash 

 

Sometimes you will find a surfboard that is considered to be a beginner board.

There are some boards made for kids and others that are just called beginner boards.

When getting a kid ready to surf, you have to consider that the size of the board is very important.

Although a beginner board is a good idea for individual characteristics, a long beginner board is a mistake.

Also, pay attention to the weight and stability when getting a kid on a board because both of these have to be in check for the child to have success with their surfing.

 

3. Wakesurf Board

 

If you spend enough time in the world of surfing, you will know that there are many different ways to surf.

Although most think about riding big waves in Hawaii or California, surfing is not always this way.

You can surf on very small waves nearer the shore or just in a small amount of wake as well.

One of the most unique boards on the market is the wake surfboard.

This board is a bit of a mix between a skim board and a surfboard.

If you are new to surfing, you will find that this is a hard thing to learn, but once you have things down, you may find that this is a fun way to enjoy the water.

The wake surfboard is very wide in certain areas, and the overall shape helps to prevent the nose from diving into the water.

This is undoubtedly a board worth trying if you enjoy being out on the water.

 

4. Hybrid Surfboard

 

A hybrid surfboard is sort of a cross between a pro surfboard and a beginner surfboard.

Many of these boards are going to have soft top construction, and they come in a variety of finishes.

The hybrid boards are a bit wider than other boards on the market.

If you are looking for a mix of speed and performance from a surfboard, then the hybrid surfboard could be a perfect choice to consider.

 

5. Tow-In Surfboard

 

A tow-in surfboard is for a more professional surfer.

When you see one of these boards, you can expect some large waves and some great skill.

The tow-in board is equipped with foot straps.

The foot straps allow a surfer to be pulled into a swell and not lose their board.

In fact, some of the speeds are so high with a tow-in that you really have to know what you are doing to use a board like this.

Many consider this to be more of a specialized performance-type board.

If you are new to surfing, it will likely take a bit for you to be ready for a board like this.

 

6. Soft Top Surfboard

WAVESTORM 8' Surfboard, Sunburst Graphic,Orange White,WS18-SRF001-SUN 

 

A soft top surfboard is one of the most common that you will find.

With a soft top, the top of the board will have some give and flexibility so that a surfer can feel as though they have a grip on the board.

The soft top surfboard is going to come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

One of the great things about a soft top is that it is usually quite a bit lighter than a wooden surfboard.

This makes it a good option for those who are new at surfing and interested in trying to work on their skills for longer periods of time.

 

7. Wooden Surfboard

 

As you probably figured, the wooden surfboard is made out of wood.

You will notice that there are lots of different materials that surfboards can be made of in today’s surfing world.

There is no questioning the fact that wood is the most environmentally friendly.

In addition, the wooden surfboard is often very durable and will last for a long time.

Those who are stronger will enjoy the extra weight that this board has and the control that it gives you.

If you are new to surfing or not quite as strong, the extra weight is probably going to be too difficult to manage, and it won’t be worth it.

In addition, wooden surfboards are often very expensive.

Prepare yourself for a more significant purchase if this is the board that you need.

 

8. Polyurethane Surfboards

Paragon Surfboards Performance Mini Log | Fun & Easy to Ride Surfboard for All Surfing Skill Levels | 7'8"x 21 3/4" x 2 7/8" | Seafoam Green 

 

As we mentioned, the surfboards on the market today are made with a variety of different materials.

One material that has become quite popular is polyurethane.

The reason these surfboards stand out is that they are generally quite inexpensive.

Surfing does not have to be an expensive hobby if you can find equipment that is going to hold up well over the long term.

The polyurethane surfboards are also very easy to repair, and they are quite flexible.

Many surfers find that the poly boards are a bit heavier than the epoxy boards, and that can be difficult in choppy conditions.

However, if you get used to the weight of the board, you should be able to handle the poly board fairly well.

The only real problem you may run into with polyurethane surfboards is that they can get damaged quite easily.

If you are surfing in conditions that could cause damage to a board, get ready to deal with some issues with one of these boards.

You can fix them quickly, but it still is a concern that should be considered.

 

9. Epoxy Surfboards

Paragon Surfboards Retro Noserider Longboard | High-Performance & Fun Single Fin Long Board Surfboard for All Wave Conditions | 9'0" x 22 3/4" x 3 1/16" | Seagull 

 

An epoxy surfboard is known for being very durable but, at the same time, lightweight.

When you surf with a lighter board, you will have no issues getting a wave.

Even if waves are smaller, you will be able to ride them when you have a lightweight and durable board like this.

The problem with epoxy surfboards is that they are going to cost more money than other boards.

Being a hand-shaped option, it takes quite a bit of labor to put out a great epoxy surfboard.

If your conditions are very choppy where you surf, make sure that you have enough skill to use an epoxy surfboard.

It’s hard to keep your balance in a chop when using one of these boards.

 

10. Shortboard

Komsurf Fiberglass Surfboard, 6”4/6”10 Shortboard, 7”6/8”6 Longboard, Ocean Beach Boards Durable Waterproof and Flexible, For Beginner and Intermediate Surfers, Surf Board Kids & Adults (Ship from US) 

 

During the 1970s, the shortboard was first released.

When it first came to the market, surfers were amazed by the different performance and feel that they could get from this board.

The idea behind the shortboard is that a shorter surfboard can give you some different performance than a longer one.

Most of the time, the shortboard is going to be about seven feet or less.

The shortboard typically has a short nose, and it is known for having quite a bit of rock to it.

This means that you will be able to surf in different parts of the wave that you can’t with the traditional longboard.

For those who like to surf often and in a variety of conditions, it makes sense to have one of these surfboards available.

 

11. Fish Surfboard

Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 5'10 Fish Surfboard Blue 

 

One of the exciting things about a fish surfboard is that it started as a kneeboard.

Those who wanted to ride shorter waves and surf in a smaller surf found the fish to be a good fit.

Today, people who use the fish surfboard are not just kneeling, but they are standing as well.

The great thing about these surfboards is that they have excellent speed.

You won’t be disappointed in the ride that you get while using the fish surfboard.

Overall, this is a smart choice and one you will want to consider if you are dealing with smaller surf.

 

12. Longboard

Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing 

 

Chances are when you think about a surfboard, it is the longboard that will come to mind.

These are longer boards and the most traditional type of surfboard that is out there.

In order to be considered a longboard, the length will have to be at least eight feet.

The longboards can get as long as 12 feet which is obviously for a more advanced surfer at that point.

The longboards are usually about 20 inches wide and 2.5 inches thick.

The idea is that these are going to be much easier for padding and matching waves.

The longboard is fantastic for a beginner because of the basic skills that it will teach so well.

Paddling out to a wave, learning how to choose a wave, and then being able to turn and maneuver are all concepts that the longboard can help teach a person.

Those who are better at longboarding will be able to show off their smooth style and abilities.

 

13. Funboard

Rock It 6' Baby Jesús Surfboard 

 

Many people can consider a funboard to be more of a mini longboard.

These are still larger surfboards but not nearly as large as the longboard.

Most are going to be around seven feet in length.

The majority of surfers who use this board like the functionality of a smaller board but are worried about losing the paddling power and stability of the longboard.

The funboard has many of the same characteristics as the longboard, but it is easier to maneuver and work with.

When you choose a funboard, you can get one with a single fin or with three fins.

Again, this gives the funboard a more advanced performance than other surfboards on the market.

 

14. Gun Surfboard

 

The gun surfboard will get its name from the speed that it can produce.

With a gun surfboard, you are going to have plenty of speed and maneuverability to work with larger waves.

In fact, this is the surfboard that many will use when the largest waves are breaking.

The gun surfboard can handle large drops, and it works at high speeds without taking away your control.

These will come with either three or four fins, and they are considered a more advanced surfboard.

 

15. Basic Beginner

 

A basic beginner surfboard is built for those who are brand new to the sport.

With this board, you will get lightweight performance as well as the ability to paddle and maneuver the board.

If you have never been surfing but would like to give the sport a try, this is a really smart option to consider.

Basic beginner surfboards tend to be relatively fairly priced since this is an introductory model.

 

16. Premium Beginner

South Bay Board Co. - 7' Ruccus Premium Foam Surfboards - Wax-Free Soft-Top Surfboards - Best Beginner Surfboards for Kids & Adults – Fins & Leash Included - Patented Heat Damage Prevention System 

 

A premium beginner surfboard is best for those who are serious about the sport.

This is something that will help you learn to surf but then allow you to surf some great waves as soon as you get a bit better.

Those who purchase the premium beginner surfboards are interested in an easy start to the sport, yet they also want something that will last for years to come.

Expect to pay a bit more than you would for a basic beginner board.

 

17. Pro Surfboard

South Bay Board Co. - 5'10/6'6/7'6/9' Pro-Series Surfboards - Shortboard & Longboard Shapes - Hard Epoxy Surfboards - Fins & Leash Included (7'6 Funky Bus) 

 

As you may have imagined, a pro surfboard is something that is built for the professional surfer.

With a pro surfboard, you will pay for premium materials, expert-level features, and lots of impressive feel and maneuverability.

For surfers who are new to the sport, this is not the surfboard you will want to purchase.

It takes some time to get to the level of being able to manage something like this.

Over time, you might want to upgrade to a pro, but it won’t make much sense to use a pro-level surfboard while you are starting.

 

18. Stand-Up Paddleboard

FITWAVE Paddle Board 9.5ft/10ft/11ft SUP + Kit - Inflatable Paddle Boards for Adults - Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Pump, Emergency Repair Kit, Bag & More - Anti Air Leaking & Nonslip Deck 

 

Although you may be surprised to see the stand-up paddleboard as part of a list of surfboards, this is really where the stand-up paddleboard originated.

Those who enjoy being out on the water and maneuvering around the sea will enjoy the stand-up paddleboard and all that it has to offer.

These are meant to be used in much more tame conditions.

The stand-up paddleboard is not the best choice for larger waves.

With a stand-up paddleboard, you will stand or kneel on the board and get around the water this way.

It is going to take a little bit to learn how to use a stand-up paddleboard, but overall, it is much easier to use than a traditional surfboard.

There are thousands of different stand-up paddleboards on the market to choose from.

You will have no problem finding something to suit your needs.

 

19. Egg Surfboard

Paragon Surfboards Retro Egg Surfboard | Fun & Easy to Ride | Single Fin Performance Surf Board | Ideal for Intermediate Surfers | 6'6"x 22.06"x 2.75" 

 

Last but not least on the list of surfboards is the egg surfboard.

The egg is a more modern design, and it is a hybrid of two other boards.

The egg is a mixture of a fish and a shortboard.

The egg is typically going to be about seven feet in length, but this board can vary from six to eight feet.

The end of the egg surfboard will have a more rounded tail which lends to its egg shape, hence the name.

These are known for doing tricks and for helping surfers to get some better rotation.

The egg surfboard is the best fit for those who already have some surfing ability.

If you are an intermediate-level surfer looking for a fun and versatile board, the egg makes a great choice.

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this list of different types of surfboards has helped you see how many options you have to choose from.

The sport of surfing is likely much more involved than you realize.

If you get really into surfing, you will notice that there are many great options on the market.

Most serious surfers are going to end up with more than one surfboard.

Ensure that you do proper research before investing in your next surfboard.

This will help ensure you choose a board that will last for quite some time.