Signs that you have the wrong surfboard

Choosing the right board can be more complicated than it seems. Today we’re going to talk about when it’s a good idea to change boards and when it’s not. Because believe me, all of us who work at a surf school have seen it a thousand times: someone walks in the door saying they’ve surfed two or three times… and already wants to jump on a small board.

And this is something that happens a lot to people who are just starting out: they think that by using a smaller board they’ll surf better. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Once you walk out the door and get in the water, you can see from a mile away when someone is riding a board that isn’t right for them. But of course, for someone just starting out, it’s also difficult to know when it’s time to change boards, how many sessions you need, what level you need to reach… So today I’m going to share some guidelines that we use, that have worked pretty well for us, and that are sure to help you.

Do you have the wrong board? Here are some clear signs

One of the most common things we see is people who want to downgrade their board too quickly. It happens to most surfers when they’re starting out. And often you reach a point where you’re out there, floating… without catching a single wave. And that’s when you realize: you’ve gone too far, the board is too small for you.

It also happens the other way around. More advanced surfers get stuck with their measurements: “27 liters point 5, no more, no less.” But the sea is not a calculator. There are days with bad waves, flatter sections, where a slightly bigger board can save your life. A twin fin, a single, something different that makes you work on your style, your maneuvers, your flow.

So, what am I getting at with all this? That we need to open our minds and put things into perspective, both those who are just starting out and those who have been surfing for a while.

What does it mean for a board to have “more volume”?

When we say that a board has more volume, we mean that it floats better, paddles better, and gives you more stability. Ideal for beginners or for days when you need a little help getting into the waves.

It’s not a bad thing. It’s not for “bad surfers.” In fact, many large boards require a cleaner technique, a more beautiful stance, and force you to connect with the wave from a different place. And that, in the long run, improves your surfing.

The number of waves doesn’t lie

A good reference we use is this:

If you go out in the water and out of every 10 waves, you stand up on 8 and ride the wall well, that means you’re at the right level for that board.

If you’re well below that… you’re probably using the wrong board.

Quick checklist: do you have the wrong board?

Ask yourself these questions the next time you get out of the water:

• Am I catching far fewer waves than before?
• Do I have trouble paddling or catching waves?
• Am I unable to stand up smoothly?
• Have I lost confidence in my surfing?
• Do I come out frustrated rather than happy?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, it may be time to rethink your equipment.

Common mistakes with surfboards

Here are some examples we see a lot on a daily basis:

• Shortboards that are too short for those just starting out.
• Funboards that fall short when you’re progressing, but not enough to switch to something more radical.
• Misunderstood evolutionary boards, which are seen as “intermediate,” but aren’t always so if the sea isn’t cooperating.

The key here is to understand that every board has its moment. There is no “best” board, there is a “right board for you.”

Surfing well doesn’t depend on the size of the board

Just because you ride a bigger board or one with more volume doesn’t mean you’re a worse surfer. In fact, many of the best surfers we see in the water ride these types of boards. They surf with a clean style, with flow, and you can see them enjoying themselves.

These boards often force you to move better, flow more with the wave, and connect with what you’re doing. And in the end, that’s what we all want in the water, right?

Flow is what matters

We want to get into a rhythm. Into what they call the Flow State. That moment when you’re stringing waves together, feeling good on the board, every time you slide. And for that, the right board is essential.

If you’re out of rhythm, frustrated, missing more than you should, take a look at your equipment. Often the problem isn’t you, it’s the board.

Give yourself time, don’t rush

In short: don’t change boards so quickly. Give your surfing time. When you feel comfortable, when you’re catching lots of waves effortlessly, then yes: you can think about changing. But don’t get carried away by trends or what you see on social media.

A good maneuver doesn’t need a small board. It needs control, rhythm, and lots of repetition.

And if you want to improve your surfing, I recommend subscribing to the channel. We have lots of video tutorials and guides that are sure to help you. Here’s one where we talk about how to improve your posture, which is one of the keys when you start doing your first maneuvers.