TL;DR:
Picking the right surfboard is easy when you ask the right questions. Use this guide to quickly narrow down the best board for your experience, style, budget, and wave conditions—or take our Board Match Quiz to simplify your decision.
Buying a surfboard isn’t just about picking the coolest graphic or lowest price. It’s about choosing the right surfboard to help you have more fun, progress faster, and catch more waves. At Formula Fun, we’ve been making foam surfboards for trusted surf brands like Almond, Album, and Positive Vibe Warriors through our parent company, Marko Foam, for over 50 years—so we know exactly what goes into matching surfers with the perfect boards.
Here are 9 key questions every surfer should ask before making a purchase:
1. Experience Level
Your skill directly influences your ideal board:
|
Level |
Recommended Board Types |
|---|---|
|
Beginner |
Soft tops, longboards (7’6”–9’6”) |
|
Intermediate |
Mid-lengths, fun shapes (6’6”–8’0”) |
|
Advanced |
Shortboards, fish, performance shapes |
2. Purpose of Board
Think about your goal with this board:
• First board: Stability & easy paddling (e.g., 8’0” Doho, 9’6” San O)
• Replacement: Similar style or an upgrade in performance
• Quiver addition: Fill a gap (small wave groveler, step-up, etc.)
3. Size & Fit for You
Your weight and height help determine the ideal volume:
|
Volume |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Higher |
Easier paddling, stability |
Less maneuverability |
|
Lower |
Increased maneuverability |
Harder paddling |
Not sure about sizing? Check out our detailed weight and size guide on our FAQ page.
4. Wave Conditions
Match your board to the waves you surf most:
• Small, mushy waves: Higher volume boards like longboards or fish.
• Steep, powerful waves: Shorter, rockered boards.
• Mixed conditions: Mid-lengths for versatility.
5. Surfboard Material
Construction greatly impacts performance and durability:
|
Material |
Best For |
Durability |
Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Foam |
Beginners, fun waves |
High |
Stable & forgiving |
|
Epoxy |
All skill levels |
Very High |
Lightweight & responsive |
|
PU |
Intermediate-advanced |
Moderate |
High-performance feel |
6. Fin Setup
Fins significantly influence turning, speed, and control:
• Single fin: Smooth, longboard style turns
• Twin fin: Fast, loose, skatey feel
• Thruster (3 fins): Balanced, versatile, popular choice
• Quad (4 fins): Speed, great hold in steeper waves
Choose a versatile fin box system if you’re unsure—you can always experiment later.
7. Budget
Surfboards can range widely—decide your budget early:
• $200-$400: Foam boards (beginner-friendly, durable)
• $500-$800: Epoxy, higher quality construction
• $800-$1,200+: High-performance or custom-made boards
Formula Fun boards offer high-performance quality at accessible prices, making them a great investment.
8. Surf Frequency
How often you surf influences your ideal board choice:
|
Frequency |
Recommended Type |
|---|---|
|
Regular (weekly) |
Performance-oriented boards |
|
Occasional surfing |
Easy paddling, forgiving |
9. Transportation & Storage
Make sure the board fits your car or storage space:
• Longboards & mid-lengths: Roof racks, truck beds
• Shortboards & fish: Typically fit inside most vehicles
Limited space? Mid-lengths around 7’6”–8’0” offer versatility without storage hassle.
Still Not Sure?
No worries—we designed an easy solution. Our quick Board Match Quiz helps you confidently choose the right surfboard based on your answers to simple questions.
🎯 [Take the Board Match Quiz] and get matched with your ideal surfboard in minutes.
Surfing’s about having fun—we’re here to help you get the right board so you spend more time in the water and less time second-guessing your gear. See you out there!
—The Formula Fun Family
