The surf language will probably be difficult for anyone to understand who is new to the sport. And while purchasing a surfboard is typically the first step in learning to surf, doing so might be more challenging and confusing than first thought. As there are different types of boards available, you must know what type to choose if you are planning to buy one. In this write-up, we will discuss 9 different types of surfboards and their uses.
1.Shortboard
Shortboards are the most popular type as you can find people riding them almost everywhere. It is shorter than 7 feet and has a curved rocker that enables you to make precise turns on the crucial part of the wave. These boards typically have a pointed nose, three or four fins, and are narrow.
Uses
Shortboards are best suited for experienced surfers because they are made for high-performance surfing. They are incredibly sensitive and nimble in challenging waves thanks to their small size and thin form. In strong surf, shortboards perform best, enabling surfers to execute aggressive manoeuvres and aerial acrobatics.
2.Longboard
Most powerful one in the list of types of surfboards is longboard. Longboards range in length from 8 to 12 feet, have a minimum thickness of 2.5 inches, and begin at a width of 20 inches. A longboard is incredibly simple to manoeuvre and very simple to catch even little waves because of its vast volume and displacement. Either a single large fin or a 2+1 layout with a single large centre fin and two small side fins are available for the longboard.
Uses
Longboards are a timeless and functional sport for riders of all skill levels. They are perfect for beginners to learn on since they offer stability and ease of paddling. With a focus on nose-riding, cross-stepping, and classic moves,
Longboard surfing is all about fluid and beautiful motions.
3.Fish
Fish surfboards are a particular kind of surfboard with a distinctive shape and style. They have a rounded nose and a swallowtail at the back and are shorter, wider, and thicker than conventional shortboards. They are a wonderful choice for surfers who prefer to ride smaller waves and have a more fun style of surfing due to their greater stability and agility provided by this design.
Uses
Fish surfboards are short and wide, and they perform well in mushier, smaller waves. They are ideal for surfers who want to stay active and agile on the wave face due to their excellent speed and mobility. For gaining speed in weaker surf conditions, fish boards are ideal.
4.Funboard (Mini Malibu)
A Funboard, also known as mini Malibu, is kind of a mixture of a longboard and a shortboard. They are normally between 7 and 8 feet long, making them longer than shortboards but shorter than longboards. If you are looking for stable types of surfboards, a funboard is an ideal choice as it also offers a mix between the stability of a longboard and the manoeuvrability of a shortboard.
Uses
The best qualities of both longboards and shortboards are combined in funboards. They give a sturdy foundation for new surfers while giving agility for more seasoned surfers. Funboards are an excellent choice for advanced intermediate surfers who know the basics and trying to excel in it.
5.Gun
Gun surfboards are enlarged shortboards made specifically to sail large, dangerous waves. Since gun surfboards are long and narrow, they help the surfer to ride a wave as swiftly as they can with good speed.
Uses
Guns are made for riding the kind of strong waves that are common in big-wave areas. They can easily endure steep drops and high speeds thanks to their elongated and narrow shape. Surfers with expertise who are skilled and self-assured enough to handle heavy wave conditions choose guns.
6.Hybrid
Hybrid surfboards, also referred to as transition boards, combine the greatest features of shortboards and funboards. This sort of surfboard is one of the most adaptable types of surfboards due to the combination. Travelling surfers who want a board that performs well in a range of circumstances will find hybrid surfboards to be ideal.
Uses
Hybrid surfboards combine characteristics from many board types to provide a flexible alternative. They also combine the stability of a longboard with the performance characteristics of a shortboard.
7.Foam board
These days foam boards (also known as softboards, soft top surfboards, or foamies) exist in a variety of forms and are no longer just for beginners. They are very much lightweight, even lighter than Shortboards.
Uses
Foam boards are perfect for learning to surf and gaining confidence in the water because of their stability. Beginners who want to know about different types of surfboards, it is perfect for them as it catches waves easily and allows them to enjoy surfing while improving their skills on these boards.
8.Egg
Egg surfboards belong under the funboard and mid-length categories and are made for more laid-back and casual riders looking for a nice balance between performance and ease of paddling. These boards provide a ton of fun in waves that are between chest high and barely overhead.
Uses
Eggs are a hybrid between a shortboard and a funboard that combine the greatest features of both types of boards. They are a fantastic option for surfers looking for a versatile board for different wave types because they are simple to paddle, sturdy, and can handle a wide range of wave situations.
9.Tow in surfboard
The last one in our list of types of surfboards is tow in surfboard. Tow-in Professional surfers, who only want to ride the biggest and quickest waves, can use tow-in surfboards. Tow-in boards are used by the surfers you see on television or on YouTube riding enormous waves.
Uses
In tow-in surfing, where surfers are carried into enormous waves by jet skis or boats, tow-in boards are made exactly for this purpose. These boards are small, extremely agile, and capable of withstanding harsh weather.
