Surfbrett
Welches Surfbrett passt zu mir?
Which surfboard is right for me? That’s a question not only beginners ask, but also intermediate surfers looking to fine-tune their setup. Whether it’s a softtop, fish, shortboard, or mini-malibu – the options are endless, and each board comes with its own strengths.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about surfboards: the different types, what to look for in shape and volume, which materials suit your surf level – and tons of useful tips if you’re looking to buy a surfboard. We also cover maintenance, gear, and board repair.
Surfing is life!
Find your perfect surfboard – from first wave to pro level
Surfing is life! To enjoy the best sport in the world, the first thing every surfer needs is a surfboard. But not just any board – you need one that truly fits you. For maximum fun in the waves, it’s not just your surf skills and stance that matter, but also the right surfboard.
The variety of surfboard shapes and types is huge, and the possibilities are endless. Different outlines, sizes, lengths, and volumes, varying nose, tail, and rocker profiles, countless fin setups and sizes, and a wide range of construction methods and surfboard designs to choose from.
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Get to know your board
Surfboard Features
You want to surf? Then it’s essential to have the right surfboard under your feet and to choose the board that truly fits you.
To find the perfect board, you should first get familiar with the typical design features of a surfboard, the different shapes, and the various types of boards available.
The Outline
The outline is the outer shape of a surfboard. It defines the length and width of the board, as well as the shape of the nose and tail. The outline largely determines how the board rides. Length, thickness, and shape play a key role: longer boards start planing earlier, but are harder to turn. A wider board offers more stability.
At higher speeds, however, wider boards can become less smooth. A wider nose helps you catch waves more easily, while a broader tail is more forgiving if your foot placement isn’t perfect. Foam boards with more volume provide extra stability, even in powerful waves, and are great beginner boards.
The Nose
The nose is the front tip of the surfboard and can range from rounded to pointed. The "nose rocker" refers to how much the nose curves upward.
- Pointed Nose: Common on high-performance shortboards. Lower volume and buoyancy allow easier duck dives.
- Round Nose: Found on longboards. More volume and surface area = more float and stability. Easier paddling and gliding, ideal for smaller waves.
- Pointed Round Nose: Hybrid shapes between round and pointed noses are also common.
The Tail
The tail is the back end of the surfboard and its shape significantly influences performance.
- Square Tail: Flat-cut tail with plenty of volume and control – ideal for beginners.
- Squash Tail: Rounded corners offer a good balance between speed, control, and maneuverability – an all-rounder.
- Round Tail: Highly maneuverable, suited for drawn-out, powerful turns, but less stable.
- Round Pin Tail: Offers maximum control and smooth turns even at high speed.
- Pin Tail: Narrow and pointed – for advanced surfers in big waves and barrels.
- Swallow Tail / Double Pin: W-shaped cut gives extra lift in weaker waves.
- Diamond Tail: A mix of squash and pin, combining speed and agility.
The Rails
Rails are the edges of the surfboard and determine how the board interacts with the water.
- Hard/Sharp Rails: Cut deep into the wave, offer more control at high speed, but are harder to turn.
- Soft/Rounded Rails: Easier to maneuver and more forgiving.
- Boxy / Full Rails: Thick and floaty.
- Tapered Rails: Thinner towards the edge for better responsiveness.
The Rocker Line
The rocker refers to the curve from the tail to the nose:
- Flat Rocker: Mostly flat shape = fast paddling and early planing, but less agile in turns.
- Full Rocker: More curve = better handling in steep waves, more maneuverable, but harder to paddle and slower on flatter sections.
The Bottom
The bottom is the underside of the board between the rails. It’s shaped to enhance speed and control.
- Flat: For maximum speed.
- Concave: Indented sections lift the board and help the rails grip the wave.
- Convex: Rounded sections sit deeper in the water, offering more stability and smoother rail transitions.
The Stringer
The stringer is the line running from nose to tail down the center of the board. It adds stiffness and structural integrity. Boards with multiple stringers are called "multis."
Fins
Fins are crucial to how a surfboard performs. They vary in material, size (based on body weight), setup (number and placement), and fin system.
Popular Fin Systems:
- FCS I: Screw-in system
- FCS II: Click-in system
- Futures: Click-in system
- US Box: For single fins
Fin Setups:
- Single Fin: One center fin – classic and smooth
- Twin: Two side fins – fast and loose
- Thruster: Three fins – great balance for all-around surfing
- 2+1: One larger center fin and two smaller side fins – common in longboards
- Quad: Four fins – fast and grippy
- Five Fin: Versatile setup – choose between thruster and quad feel
Surfboard
What types of surfboards are there?
Choosing the right surfboard can be crucial for your performance on the wave. The ideal board depends on several factors, such as wave type, your surfing style, and your level of experience.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Longer surfboards offer more buoyancy and better glide, but come with reduced maneuverability and turning agility. They’re ideal for beginners who are learning to surf.
- Shorter boards (like shortboards) are more responsive and agile, but require more experience and physical fitness. Perfect for quick maneuvers and steep waves.
- Quiver: Many professional surfers own a selection of different boards suited to various wave conditions. This collection is known as a “quiver.”
Softboards are especially recommended for beginners – they offer high buoyancy and stability, which makes it easier to learn how to stand on the wave. If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer, you likely already have one or more boards to make the most of every session.
Overview of 16 Surfboard Models
In the following section, we’ll introduce you to 16 different surfboard models you should know. Whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced surfer, you’ll find the perfect board here for your next surf trip.
Surfboard Guide
Which surfboard is best for beginners?
Softtop surfboards are especially suitable for beginners. Thanks to their soft foam surface, they offer not only a high level of safety but also excellent buoyancy, which significantly eases the process of learning how to surf.
The softtop helps beginners find their balance more quickly and safely manage their first attempts at standing up. The soft foam minimizes the risk of injury in case you come into contact with the board during your early tries. Additionally, the high buoyancy makes it easier to paddle into waves and stay stable on the board, which boosts your confidence. Due to their durable construction, softtops are perfect for focusing on the basics of surfing and building trust in the water.
For beginners, a softtop with a length of 7 to 9 feet (approximately 2.1 to 2.7 meters) is ideal. This length provides more stability and buoyancy, making it easier to catch your first waves and maintain balance. Longer boards offer more surface area and help you get into waves more easily. Shorter boards are harder to control, offer less buoyancy, and are less stable. A board between 7 and 9 feet gives you the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability.
Determine your surf level
How to choose the right surfboard
To find the right surfboard for you, it’s important to first assess your surfing skills realistically. With the right board, you’ll have more fun in the waves and progress faster in the water.
Beginner If you’ve never surfed before or only have minimal experience, you’re considered a beginner. Surfboards with lots of volume make paddling, take-offs, and balance easier – helping you progress quickly. Softboards are the perfect choice for this stage, offering excellent stability and support thanks to their high buoyancy.
Intermediate If you’ve already taken a surf course, paddle into unbroken wave faces, can confidently pop up, and are working on top and bottom turns, you’re an intermediate surfer.
A board with medium volume is more agile and perfect for taking your skills to the next level. Softboards still remain a good choice at this stage, depending on the conditions and your goals.
Advanced / Pro With solid wave experience and full control over your board, you choose your setup based on the wave face and swell – always matching your personal surfing style.
Surfboard
How do I choose the right surfboard size?
Surfboard sizes are given in feet and inches. One foot equals approximately 30 centimeters, and one inch is 2.54 centimeters. The ideal surfboard size should be chosen based on your height. Beginner surfboards should be at least 30 to 50 cm longer than your own height. This usually means a board between 7’2” and 8’2”.
The volume, measured in liters, is calculated from the board’s length, width, and thickness. It’s the most important factor when buying a surfboard because it determines how much buoyancy your board provides. A board with more volume is more stable, makes take-offs easier, and is therefore the ideal choice for beginners. As an intermediate or advanced surfer, you can go for more agile boards with less volume.
- The longer the surfboard, the more speed it generates.
- The wider the surfboard, the more stability it provides.
- The thicker the surfboard, the more buoyancy – but the less maneuverability.
Surfboard
Which surfboard shape is right for me?
When we talk about the shape of a surfboard, we mean its form and overall board type. Depending on the conditions, your surf style, and skill level, there are many different shapes that will affect how the board performs in the water.
Beginner surfboards Softboards or foam boards, Malibus or Mini-Malibus have lots of volume, offer stable board control, are easy to paddle, forgiving, and very stable. These boards are commonly used in surf lessons, available at any good surf rental, and are the ideal beginner surfboards. Thanks to their high volume and large surface area, they are perfect for small, slow waves and help you stay balanced during your first attempts at standing up.
Intermediate surfboards Fish boards are great for intermediate surfers and make an ideal transition board between beginner boards like the Mini-Malibu and a shortboard.
A hybrid, funboard, or egg is a true all-rounder for experienced surfers and performs well in waist- to overhead-high waves. These boards offer solid maneuverability, control, and responsiveness for a variety of conditions and turns.
Advanced surfboards Shortboards have less volume, are more agile, and allow for a powerful surfing style and sharp maneuvers. Shortboards turn quickly and are highly responsive, but they are less stable and best suited for highly experienced surfers in medium to large, powerful waves. A longboard has lots of volume and surface area, but due to its size and handling characteristics, it's more appropriate for experienced surfers. Longboards are most fun in smaller, gentle surf. For big, fast waves, experienced surfers ride a gun or a tow-in board.
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Which surfboard is right for you? 5 tips for buying the perfect board
When it comes to buying a surfboard, don’t just look at the design or price – what really matters is that the board suits your skill level, body type, and the conditions you’ll be surfing in. Here are 5 practical tips to help you avoid making the wrong choice:
1. Choose the right surfboard size
A common beginner mistake is buying a board that’s too small. The result? Paddling becomes exhausting, take-offs are shaky, and the fun fades quickly.
A larger surfboard offers more buoyancy, stability, and glide – all essential when learning. The more time you spend riding waves, the faster you’ll develop a good sense of balance, timing, and technique. If you’re already experienced, a smaller board can help you perform sharper turns and more dynamic maneuvers.
2. Consider your height, weight, and skill level
The ideal board length and volume depend heavily on your body size and surfing experience.
Here are some general rules of thumb:
- Taller surfers = longer boards
- Heavier surfers = more volume
- Higher skill level = shorter board possible
When buying a surfboard, always check the volume in liters – it’s key to paddling comfort and stability in the lineup.
3. Off-the-rack board or custom shape?
You can either buy a stock board or have one custom-shaped by a shaper. Custom boards are more expensive, but they’re tailored to your exact needs. A good shaper will consider your skill level, favorite surf spot, and body type when creating the shape.
If you’re buying a used board or a stock board, you should at least understand the key design features: rocker, rails, tail shape, and fin setup all have a major impact on how the board rides. Make sure the board suits your current level – don’t overestimate yourself, but don’t under-challenge yourself either.
4. Think about where and in what conditions you'll surf
Your board choice also depends heavily on where and under what conditions you’ll be surfing. Are you planning to surf mostly in Europe, where the waves are often smaller and softer? Or are you heading for the tropics with more powerful swell?
If you usually surf small, knee-high waves, go for a board with lots of volume and floatation. If you’re planning to tackle bigger and faster waves, a board with more control and performance might be better. Always factor your preferred surf spot into your decision.
5. Test before you buy
Especially if you’re new to surfing, it’s worth testing a few different boards before making a purchase. Try out different lengths, volumes, and shapes – ideally at a surf rental or surf camp with friends.
This will help you understand what kind of board feels right for you. Not only will it reduce the risk of buying the wrong board, but it’ll also give you more confidence when choosing your first (or next) favorite surfboard.
Leash, wax & more
Accessories for your surfboard
Leash
The leash with Velcro at the ankle strap is the safety link between your board and your back foot. A leash can be life-saving, but in certain situations – such as tangling – it can also become dangerous.
Your leash should be at least as long as your surfboard. However, it shouldn’t be so long that it takes forever to pull your board back to you. For bigger waves, you can go slightly longer and thicker.
Make sure the string attaching the leash to your surfboard is the correct length. It’s correct when the rail saver still rests on the edge of the board.
Also check that the Velcro on the ankle strap is clean and fastens securely, the swivel rotates freely, and the leash is intact with no cracks. The ankle strap goes on your back leg. Close the Velcro properly to make sure it doesn’t come undone in the water. To avoid tangling in the water, always make sure the leash is not wrapped around your board or your body.
Surf Wax
Surf wax ensures you have traction and grip on your board. Wax comes in different types depending on the water temperature. Make sure you’re using the right kind of wax – otherwise, it might be hard to apply or become too soft in the sun, causing you to slip.
If your board already has a wax layer, you can roughen it up with a wax comb and apply a fresh layer where your feet usually land. Wax is typically applied in circular motions to create small bumps that provide grip. Every now and then, it’s a good idea to remove old wax completely and apply a new layer. To do this, place your board wax-side up in the sun or warm it with a hairdryer. The wax will soften, and you can scrape it off with a wax comb or an old credit card.
Traction Pad
Is wax too much of a hassle for you? Then you can stick a traction pad onto your surfboard. Pads are especially popular for the back foot, though some also use them for the front. A pad gives you grip at any water temperature and helps protect your board from dents caused by pressure from your feet. For beginners, a pad also helps to position the back foot correctly during take-off. It allows you to apply targeted pressure on the tail and fins – useful for powerful maneuvers. However, traction pads can be pricey, and over time the adhesive may weaken, causing the edges to peel off.
Boardbag / Board Sock
A boardbag or board sock is essential when traveling or transporting your surfboard. Boardbags and socks protect your board from scratches and dents and offer storage space for fins, wetsuits, and towels. A board sock also provides protection from sun and sand at the beach, especially for the waxed side of your board.
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What are surfboards made of?
Surfboard Materials & Construction
The materials used to build a surfboard have a major impact on its weight, durability, and overall performance in the water.
PU / Polyester Many modern surfboards are made with a PU foam core, reinforced with fiberglass cloth and coated in polyester resin. This is a time-tested, affordable construction method that offers great ride characteristics. However, these boards are quite fragile. Since the foam core absorbs water, any dings must be repaired immediately to prevent damage.
Eco Impacto One of the most durable and eco-friendly constructions available today – suitable for surfers of all levels.
This method uses a core made from recycled Nitrogenecell foam, wrapped in a magnesium/basalt fiber layer. The core material is waterproof, so dings won’t absorb water. To enhance durability and sustainability, the layers are bonded with a special Bio-Matrix resin.
EPS / Epoxy Epoxy surfboards are lighter, more environmentally friendly, and generally more durable than polyester boards. Their styrofoam core offers more buoyancy, and the epoxy resin is more impact-resistant. However, epoxy boards are harder to shape and produce, which often makes them more expensive.
PE / Soft TopsPolyethylene (PE) surfboards are affordable and nearly indestructible. PE is a thermoplastic that becomes moldable when heated. These boards are very tough – cracks and breakage are rare. The ride characteristics of PE boards make them ideal for beginners, and soft tops are considered the perfect entry-level boards.
Future Flex Future Flex construction delivers a fast, lively, and responsive ride for advanced and pro surfers. These boards are built with a high-density EPS core (without stringer), fiberglass cloth, epoxy resin, and carbon fiber reinforcements. The result: excellent durability and performance.
TET stands for Torq Epoxy Technology. These boards are shaped using a mold and made from EPS foam, fiberglass, and epoxy resin. Thanks to the advanced materials and high-tech construction, the result is a lightweight, flexible, yet highly durable surfboard.
Surfboard damaged – now what?
How do I repair a surfboard?
A surfboard isn’t indestructible – it can quickly get a crack, dent, or even structural damage. Sometimes, the foam core may start absorbing water without you noticing right away. That’s why carefully assessing the damage is absolutely essential.
Luckily, many small dings can be repaired on your own using a surfboard repair kit. Damage to a surfboard is commonly referred to as a “ding,” and the process of fixing it is called a ding repair. If the board has major damage, it’s best to have the repair done by a professional shaper or a trusted surf shop.
When repairing a surfboard, it’s crucial to use the right materials. Make sure you use polyester or epoxy resin depending on your board’s construction. The correct type of resin is key to a lasting repair. Most repair kits include detailed instructions for proper application and curing.
The surfboard in its early beginnings
The History of the Surfboard
Surfboard
The origins of the surfboard
Around 1700, surfing was mentioned in writing for the first time, and surfboards were documented. At that time, Hawaiians would paddle out into the ocean on heavy planks carved from tropical hardwood. These boards weighed over 50 kg (110 lbs) and were between three and five meters (10–16 feet) long. Surfing was done without any additional equipment – no leash, no foot straps, and no fins.
By 1900, surfing began to gain popularity due to the rise of tourism in Hawaii. In 1912, Hawaiian swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku won the Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle. Surfing started to spread beyond the U.S., and new ideas emerged to optimize board shape and weight in order to improve control while standing on the wooden planks.
Surfboards were initially made from lighter balsa wood, coated with waterproof varnish. Soon after, fiberglass and polyester resin were used as an outer shell, while the core was made from polyurethane foam.
Around 1950, the first surfboards with fins were developed in California. And by 1966, when Nat Young won the world title with his more radical surf style, surfboards became shorter and more maneuverable.
From Paipo to Alaia
The first surfboards for wave riding
Bodyboard
The Polynesians used to ride waves lying on their stomachs on what was called a Paipo. This form of surfing was soon replaced by the more modern style of standing on the board. In the 1970s, Tom Morey from Malibu invented the Morey Boogie – a 1.4-meter-long board made of polyethylene foam, also ridden lying down.
Alaia
The Alaia is a simple, finless wooden plank – a traditional Hawaiian surfboard from the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s a thin board with a rounded nose and square tail, typically 7 to 12 feet long and weighing up to 50 kg (110 lbs). Traditionally, it was made from solid koa wood.
Olo
Olo boards were once reserved exclusively for royalty. They could be up to 24 feet long and, being made from solid wood, weighed as much as 90 kg (nearly 200 lbs). These surfboards offered better paddling power and made it easier to catch more waves.
Surfbrett
Darauf musst du bei deinem Surfboard achten
There are many different surfboard materials and a wide range of additional gear and accessories. We’ve summarized the most important points for you here:
✔ Your surfboard should be free of holes. If it’s damaged, get it repaired or fix it yourself.
✔ A leash with ankle strap is your life insurance in the water. Make sure the length is right and everything functions properly.
✔ There are different fin setups. Without fins, your board will spin out – you should have at least a center fin.
✔ The longer the board, the more speed you generate.
✔ The wider the board, the more stability it provides.
✔ The thicker the board, the more buoyancy – but less maneuverability.
✔ The smaller and narrower the board, the more responsive – but also less stable and harder to catch waves with.
✔ Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a single surfboard for all wave types.
✔ The wider the tail, the more drive you get when catching a wave – but it gets wobbly at high speed.
✔ The narrower the tail, the more maneuverability and better control at speed – but harder to catch waves with.
✔ The wider the nose, the easier it is to catch waves thanks to added lift – but not ideal for steep or fast waves.
✔ The narrower the nose, the better it handles steep and fast waves – but not as effective in small or weak surf.
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