(content by Ebba D.)
Surfing is a very popular watersport around the world and if you want to catch those big waves, you are going to need a surfboard that fits your style and that you will be comfortable with. They come in several different configurations that vary in how they were built, like their shape, size, weight, and design. In the world of surfing, the fun is in riding the wave with a surfboard you love. Visit Kahalu’u Surf & Sea to find out which surfboard is right for you.
There is a wide selection of surfboards for every skill level, from the beginner to the seasoned professional, when it comes to buying or renting one, your first thoughts may be on design, or its shape, it can help to discuss with an experienced surfer to help you pick one.
Short Board
As the name implies, this surfboard is very short in length compared to its bigger brothers. Shortboards have high maneuverability given their compact design and can give the surfer more turning control in the wave. Their length is between 5 to 7 feet and they have a pointy nose that is designed for aggressive maneuvers and stunts.
Long Board
The longboard can be thought of as the shortboard’s bigger brother. Their length is between 8 to 11 feet and they are very well suited to paddle boarding due to their wide, flat bottom design that enables a surfer to perfectly balance. Its stability makes the longboard an excellent board for beginners. They have a wide nose and are known for their high buoyancy but unlike the shortboard, it takes more effort to turn.
The Fish
This type of surfboard is called a fish because its frame has two fins on the rear that resemble the tail of a fish. These boards can be considered a variant of the shortboard in the sense that they are also short in length compared to the larger surfboards, but are usually wider and flatter in appearance than the shortboard. A fish surfboard is usually under 6 ft and is built for speed and flow. It’s a fun board to ride waves with but caters to more experienced surfers.
The Malibu/Fun Board
The Malibu or “funboard” is a combination of a longboard and a shortboard. This hybrid variant caters to beginners and individuals looking to start practicing their balance. They have a stable and wide frame and can cater to surfers who tend to more on the heavier side. They range from 7 to 9 ft, have a wide nose, and designed for riding small to medium walls with ease.
The Gun
New and amateur surfers may not be familiar with this type of surfboard and that is because “the gun” is a surfboard built for highly skilled surfers. This board is narrow by design and has less surface area than other boards which can make balancing very tricky. Its frame is designed for big waves, speed, and intensity. Its tail and nose are narrow and can measure up to 7 ft in length. The gun is a more specialized and high-performance board that requires a lot of practice to master. These boards can be seen in surfing competitions and for catching big waves, they are not for the faint of heart.
