I’ll give you the basics:
The 4 essential criteria
for choosing the right board:
1
The type of shape
2
The length
3
The width
4
The thickness
Let’s go
Choose the right type of shape,
depending on the style you wish to adopt
Sporty
Agressive
Performance
shhortboard
Choose the right
performance shortboard
To deliver the best efficiency, high-performance boards must be chosen with measurements based almost solely on the body frame of the surfer!
To make an analogy, this type of board works like a springboard: a shape that is too small is like a springboard that is too soft: your push will only generate sluggish and weak drive; a board that is too big will react like a springboard that is too stiff: even pushing hard on it will not affect the lifeless momentum.
It is therefore essential for a ”high-performance shortboard” to be chosen primarily according to the size and the weight of the surfer, whatever his level, gender, or age: too small or too large boards will not work correctly.
Performance/
Choose the right length
To choose the right length we pay attention to the size of the surfer and, depending on the model, to the size of the waves you want to face:
A length corresponding to the size of the surfer is ideal for small waves.
A length of 1 or 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) longer than the surfer’s height is perfect for a versatile everyday board.
A length between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) longer than the surfer’s height will be ideal as a step-up version for bigger conditions.
Performance/
Choose the right width
To choose the right width, we pay attention to the proportions of the model and, above all, to the type of waves in which you want to use the board:
Small and soft waves = larger width
Bigger and hollower waves = smaller width
Performance/
Choose the right thickness
To choose the thickness, we pay attention to the type of waves in which you want to use the board and, above all, to the surfer weight:
Light surfer/small waves = less thickness
Heavy surfer/bigger waves = more thickness
Theory is good…
Practice is better!
Here are some examples,
for a performance shortboard,
with balanced measurements,
for a 1m75 / 70kg surfer:
Performance/
Everyday conditions
For ‘everyday conditions’ (80 cm to 2m, correct quality), I advise choosing a length 1” or 2” more than the surfer’s size, width in proportion, and thickness appropriate to the surfer’s weight:
Length :
between
5’10″
and
6’0″
Width :
between
18.75″
and
19.25″
Thickness :
between
2.30″
and
2.40″
Performance/
Small waves
For a version for small waves (shoulder size and below) I recommend going down 1” or 2” in length (matching the surfer’s size), adding between 1/4” and 1/2” in width, keeping the same thickness and the same rail profile than the ”everyday conditions” board:
Length :
between
5’9″
and
5’10″
Width :
between
19.00″
and
19.75″
Thickness :
between
2.30″
and
2.40″
Performance/
Consistent waves
For a step-up version, suited for over-head to double over-head waves, I recommend adding between 2” and 4” in length, compared to the board for ”everyday conditions”, keeping the same width and adding between 1/8” and 1/4” in thickness:
Length :
between
6’0″
and
6’4″
Width :
between
18.75″
and
19.25″
Thickness :
between
2.40″
and
2.60″
Easy
Flowing
Hybrid
performer
Choose the right
hybrid performer
While for high-performance shortboards the character is clearly defined (performance, strong turns), for a hybrid shape the chosen measurements will define the personality of the board.
In fact, these shapes, thanks to softer lines and more generous proportions, allow more latitude in the choice of measurements, and should be chosen, first of all, according to the level and the style of the surfer.
Hybrid/
Liveliness or comfort?
The compact versions, between 2 and 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) shorter than the surfer’s size, deliver an extraordinary liveliness, to unleash a dynamic and creative style.
Longer versions will offer plenty of sincerity and forgiveness, as well as a sumptuous flow, ideal to express a flowing and elegant style.
Hybrid/
What width and thickness?
The basic principles for defining the width and thickness of a board also apply to hybrid shapes:
- Wider and thinner boards will be more effective in small and soft waves
- Narrower and thicker boards will be more effective in more powerful and hollow waves
Compared to a performance shortboard, on a hybrid shape, which usually has wider than normal nose and tail, my advice is to add at least 1 inch in width, and between 1/8 and 1/ 4 inches in thickness, to obtain appropriate and balanced proportions.
Hybrid/
Wave size
One of the aspects that deserves to be carefully considered, when choosing a hybrid model, is the size of the waves that you wish to face.
Generally speaking, models with more compact proportions, shorter and with wider ends, offer the best performance in small, soft waves.
Models with more elongated proportions, and reasonably narrow ends, offer the ability to confidently handle consistent waves .
To go a little further:
Some additional details
will make the surfer/surfboard connection
even more effective:
