How to choose the right surfboard

How to choose the right surfboard?

Choosing the right surfboard is one of the most, if not the most important purchasing decision you’ll make when it comes to an enjoyable wave ride. It comes down to your surfing skill, surf conditions, types of waves, and believe it or not, your fitness level.

What is surfboard volume?

Volume is the calculation of area in litres contained in a surfboard. Calculated by its total length, thickness, width, and foil using length x width x height = volume. Before considering the other board factors like surfboard size, shape or fin configuration. You first need to know your desired volume.

The importance of accurate volume calculations

Due to the complexity of surfing, it’s important to understand where this calculation comes into play. This gives you a chance to think about what it is you’re looking to archive. Performance Characteristics include, but are not limited to:

Paddle, Power, Stability, Pivot, Control, Performance, Speed, Drive, Glide, Buoyancy and Balance.

Volume can determine all the above factors, ultimately impacting your experience.

What is my ideal surfboard volume?

With everything above in mind, it’s time to make the calculation. We can now come up with your personal volume recommendation.

(Weight & Surfing Ability/Level) x (Age) x (Fitness) = VOLUME

Step 1: Choose your surfing ability/level

Advanced +You’re a borderline pro, a strong, fit rider capable of making critical manoeuvres with total control, power, and speed. Averaging an 80 - 90% completion rate and catch 9 out of 10 waves you paddle for.

Advance surfers are able to complete complex manoeuvres with confidence, control, and consistency. Whilst completing 70-80% of attempted manoeuvres, and catching 8 out of 10 attempted waves.

Intermediate / Advanced riders are able to link moves whilst having confidence and understanding of each condition. Able to complete above average at 60-70% completion of each manoeuvre. catching 7/10 attempted waves.

Intermediate riders are progressive surfers capable of trimming the wave face. Developing their movements whilst completing half of the attempted moves. Catching roughly half or slightly more than half of your attempted waves.

Beginner surfers are your first timers, learning to stand, focusing on their wave count.

Example: Advance surfer

Step 2: Choose your base volume, according to your weight and level

Weight		Skill Level
Kg (aprox.)	Lbs (aprox.)	Advanced +	Advance	Inter./Adv	Intermediate	Beginner
35	77	15.05 l.	15.75 l.	16.80 l.	21.00 l.	25.90 l.
40	88	16.40 l.	17.20 l.	18.80 l.	23.60 l.	29.20 l.
45	99	18.00 l.	18.90 l.	20.70 l.	26.10 l.	32.40 l.
50	110	19.00 l.	20.50 l.	22.50 l.	28.50 l.	35.50 l.
55	121	19.80 l.	21.45 l.	23.65 l.	30.25 l.	37.25 l.
60	132	21.00 l.	22.80 l.	25.20 l.	32.40 l.	40.80 l.
65	143	22.75 l.	24.70 l.	27.30 l.	35.10 l.	44.20 l.
70	154	24.70 l.	26.60 l.	29.40 l.	37.80 l.	47.60 l.
75	165	26.25 l.	28.50 l.	31.50 l.	40.50 l.	51.00 l.
80	176	28.00 l.	30.40 l.	33.60 l.	43.20 l.	54.40 l.
85	187	29.75 l.	32.30 l.	35.70 l.	45.90 l.	57.80 l.
90	198	31.50 l.	34.20 l.	37.80 l.	48.60 l.	61.20 l.
95	209	33.25 l.	36.10 l.	39.90 l.	51.30 l.	64.60 l.
100	220	35.00 l.	38.00 l.	42.00 l.	54.00 l.	68.00 l.
105	231	36.75 l.	39.90 l.	44.10 l.	56.70 l.	71.40 l.
110	242	38.50 l.	41.80 l.	46.20 l.	59.40 l.	74.80 l.

Example: 80kg + Advance = 30.40 ltrs

Step 3: Multiply by your AGE factor

A standard mathematical equation used to calculate your volume. Multiply your above answer by the below factor based on your age.

AGE	FACTOR
0-30	Add 0% (0.00)
31-50	Add 8% (1.08)
51-60	Add 20% (1.20)
61+	Add 30% (1.30)

Example: Age 33. 30.40 x 1.08 (8%) = 32.83 ltrs

Step 4: Multiply by your FITNESS factor

Fitness is an important consideration in surfing. Use the below table to multiply your above result by the factor used below. It’s important to not lie to yourself here, and be honest and reasonable.

FITNESS	FACTOR
Excellent - Surfing 4 times per week or other training 4 times per week	Add 0% (0.00)
Good - Surfing 3 times per week or other training 3 times per week	Add 5% (1.05)
Average - Surfing 2 times per week or other training 2 times per week	Add 10% (1.10)
Poor - Surfing 1 times per week or other training 1 times per week	Add 20% (1.20)

Example: Fitness is Average - 32.83 x 1.10 (10%) = 36.11

Step 5: “do the math” :)