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Choosing Surfboard Aspects

Learn the different aspects of a surfboard so that you are well informed and can choose the size and shape of your surfboard when you start making a surfboard.

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170 views3 pages

Choosing Surfboard Aspects

Learn the different aspects of a surfboard so that you are well informed and can choose the size and shape of your surfboard when you start making a surfboard.

Uploaded by

jackthompson447636
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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There are many different shapes and sizes which are better suited to different types of

waves and skill levels. This Article will help you in choosing your surfboard aspects when
you decide to start making a surfboard.

Shapes/Lengths
The main types of surfboards are Longboard or Malibu (Mal), Mini Mal, Gun, Shortboard
and Fish.

 The Longboard or Malibu are the largest boards, which are 9'0"+. Longboards tend
to only have a single fin set up but are beginning to have one large middle fin and
two outside Shortboard fins. Longboards are suited to small-medium rolling waves.

 The Mini Mal ranges from 7'2"-9'0". They can be used on small waves and larger
waves, and turn easier than a Longboard.

 The Gun is a bigger version of a Shortboard and is used in the big wave arena. The
increased length of the board makes it possible to paddle into bigger waves. The
Gun can be anywhere from 7'2'' in length to over 12' for the really big waves.

 The Shortboard or Thruster as it is also known is the type of board that is used to


perform quick maneuvers on waves and is the most popular type of surfboard
design. The size of these Shortboards is generally from around 5'8'' to 6'10''.

 The Fish is very similar to a Shortboard but is smaller in length. The lack of length is
made up by an increase in the width of the board, giving it a slightly more rounded
shape. Fish are generally between 4'8'' and 6'0''.

TAILS
There are 5 main different types of tail shapes. Square tail, Round tail, Squashtail, Pin tail
and Swallowtail.

 Square tails are great for short and small wave boards. Preserves volume in the last
inches of the tail adding flotation and planing area. Great for planing and rail carves,
a little restricted in vertical top turns or carving turns due to the abrupt break
(squaring off) of the boards outline.

 Round tails allow for a wide range of turning adjustments, especially comfortable


going vertical and for back side top turns. A shape that fits well into the shape of the
wave due to the continual outline of the board. Can be slow through flat sections and
rail to rail turns.
 Squashtails are the most common tail amongst high performance Shortboards.
Combines a square tails planing and rail drive with the round tails freedom for up in
the face turns.

 Pin tails are suitable for powerful or big waves where speed needs to be controlled,
not generated.

 Swallotails combine aspects of both a square and a pin tail. Adjusts with the pin’s
ease in critical moments while maintaining some the square’s planing abilities.

Another tail style which isn't as common any more but was very popular around the 70s-
80s-90s was the Fish tail.

RAILS
There are a few different rail types which help cater for different waves.

 Rolled rails is for clean sucky waves.

 Mid rails are an all round rail.

 Low rails are for light weight surfers or for Guns.

 Boxy rails are for sloppy small beach breaks.

BOTTOM SHAPE
The bottom shape of a surfboard is key in fine tuning your surfboard for speed or turn.

 Flat: for small waves and for speed.

 Single Concave: Sucky waves, power turns, makes board easy to turn.

 Double Concave: For driving turns and speed.

 Vee: For easy surfing and fuller waves.

If you are creating a surfboard for a beginner who wants to use a fibre-glass board, I
recommend a Mini Mal, Square Tail, Mid Rails and Vee bottom shape.
The best beginner board would be a Mini Mal foam board. G-Boards are great for beginners
because they are made from high density polyethylene foam. This is great because they are
not as hard as a standard fibre-glass board, meaning that they are safer, and they are more
durable. If they get a hole in them they won't fill up with water because of the structure of
the foam.
If you want to check out their range of soft boards visit http://www.gboards.com.au/

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