For most people asking “what size surfboard should I get?”, the safest answer is: go bigger than you think, especially if you’re a beginner, and choose a board 1–3 ft taller than you are, with plenty of volume and width for easy paddling and stability. As you progress, you can gradually move down in length and volume to something closer to (or shorter than) your height for more maneuverability.

Quick Scoop

Here’s a simple way to think about what size surfboard should I get based on your level and body size.

1. Start with your skill level

  • Beginner
    • Longboard or foam board is ideal.
    • Common range: about 8'0"–9'6", with 60–80L of volume for easy paddling and balance.
* A good rule: choose a board roughly 1–3 ft taller than you are.
  • Intermediate
    • Step down to a mid-length (around 6'6"–8'0") or funboard with 40–60L of volume.
* Still forgiving, but easier to turn and more fun in better waves.
  • Advanced
    • Shortboards and hybrids typically run from about 5'6"–6'6", with 25–40L of volume depending on your weight and wave type.
* Shorter, narrower, and thinner boards bring more performance but punish bad technique.

2. Factor in height, weight, and fitness

  • Height vs board length
    • Beginners: aim for a board 1–3 ft taller than you; for example, a 5'8" surfer might start around 7'8"–8'8".
* Taller surfers often go to the upper end of the longboard range (e.g., 9'0"+), while shorter surfers can still use 8'0"+ for learning.
  • Weight & volume
    • Heavier surfers generally need more volume (liters) for float and paddling power.
* As a rough guide, beginners often ride boards with total volume near or above their body weight in kilograms (e.g., ~70L for a 70 kg beginner).
  • Fitness level
    • If paddle fitness is low or you get tired quickly, choose more volume and length rather than less.
* Extra width (around 20"–22") increases stability and makes it easier to stand up.

3. Think about your local waves and goals

  • Small, mushy beach breaks
    • Longer and wider boards with more volume catch weak waves much earlier.
    • Funboards, mid-lengths, and longboards shine in these conditions.
  • Punchy or steeper waves
    • Slightly shorter boards with less volume and narrower widths fit better into steeper faces and turn more sharply.
* Hybrids or performance shortboards become a better option at intermediate/advanced levels.
  • Your surfing style goals
    • Cruise, cross-step, and nose ride: longer longboards, high volume, wide nose.
* Carving and fast turns: mid-lengths and hybrids.
* Quick snaps and vertical surfing: shorter high-performance boards, sized to your weight and fitness.

4. Simple progression path

Many guides now recommend a clear progression so you do not downsize too fast.

  • Step 1: Start with a longboard or soft-top 8'0"+ for your first months/years, depending on how often you surf.
  • Step 2: Move to a mid-length (about 6'8"–7'6") once you can consistently paddle into waves, angle takeoffs, and trim down the line.
  • Step 3: Try a hybrid or funboard (around 6'2"–6'6") for more maneuverability.
  • Step 4: Only then step into shortboards under 6'2" if you’re surfing regularly and want high-performance turns.

5. Quick self-check: is your board the wrong size?

If any of these feel constantly true, your surfboard might not be the right size for you right now.

  • You struggle to catch waves even when positioned correctly and paddling hard.
  • You pop up but feel extremely wobbly and fall immediately on most waves.
  • The board bogs and stalls in small surf (too small volume) or feels like a boat you cannot turn (too big for your current goals).

6. What to do next (practical tips)

  • Rent or borrow a few boards around the suggested sizes before buying to feel the difference in length and volume.
  • Use online surfboard volume calculators or brand size charts as a sanity check for your height, weight, and level.
  • If in doubt, especially in 2025’s busy lineups, err on the side of more volume — you will catch more waves and progress faster, which is way more fun.

Bottom line: if you tell your height, weight, and experience (total beginner / some experience / advanced), a very specific size range can be suggested for you personally.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.