Melo’s How To: Find the Right Surfboard

Finding the right surfboard can feel like a puzzle at first—but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re a total beginner catching your very first wave or a more experienced surfer looking to upgrade, the right surfboard can make all the difference.

Here’s a simple guide with five steps to help you pick the board that fits you and your waves.

1. Know Your Skill Level

The first thing to consider is your experience in the water:

• Beginner: Stability is key. Look for boards with more volume and a wider shape—longboards and funboards are perfect. They’ll make standing up and catching waves easier.

• Intermediate: If you’ve mastered the basics, you might experiment with shorter boards or hybrids for more maneuverability and speed.

• Advanced: Performance shortboards or specialized boards let you push your limits, try sharper turns, and ride more challenging waves.

2. Consider Your Body and Strength

Your weight, height, and overall strength affect which board will work best:

• Bigger and heavier surfers need more volume for buoyancy.

• Lighter surfers can manage smaller boards more easily.

3. Think About the Waves

Not all boards are made for all waves. Consider where you’ll be surfing most often:

• Small, gentle waves: A board with more volume and length helps you catch waves early and glide smoothly.

• Big, powerful waves: Shorter, more responsive boards give you control and speed.

4. The Shape Matters

• Nose: Wider noses offer stability; narrow noses help with sharper turns.

• Tail: Tail shapes affect how the board responds. A round tail gives smooth turns, a squash tail adds versatility, and a pintail is great for control in bigger waves.

• Rocker (the curve of the board): More curve helps in steep waves; flatter boards glide faster on smaller waves.

5. Don’t Forget the Fun Factor

Ultimately, surfing is about joy and flow. Pick a board that feels fun and inspires you to get in the water—even if it’s not “perfect” by the book.

Bonus Tip from Melo:

If possible, try before you buy. Many surf camps or rental shops let you test different boards. Feeling the board under your feet is the fastest way to know what works for you.