Board Guide
Board Guide · Surfboards · Softboards · Boogie Boards · Leashes, fins & bags
Buying a board should not be a guessing game. I've put together three plain-English guides, one for each type of board we make, with the size charts I use myself when someone asks me what to ride. Start here if you're not sure which type you need, or jump straight to the guide for the board you're after.
Which type of board?
| You | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Never stood up on a wave, or only just | Softboard | Soft, floaty and forgiving. You'll catch more waves, stand up sooner and it won't hurt when you fall on it. |
| Standing and starting to turn, or coming back after years off | Softboard (or a mini mal surfboard if you're committed) | A 7' to 8' foamie keeps the wave count high while you learn to turn. A hard mini mal will reward consistency. |
| Turning confidently, want more speed and response | Surfboard | A fibreglass-finished EPS board is faster and more responsive. Pick the shape by how and where you'll surf. |
| Kids under about 10, or anyone who wants waves without standing up | Boogie Board | Riding waves on day one, low price to start, and the easiest board to carry and share. |
| Kids ready to stand up | Grom / Shorty softboard | The 4' Grom for under 35 kg, then up through the 4'8 and 5'4 Shorty Hard Core softboards as they grow. |
Surfboard guide
Hard boards from the Grom and Fish through the Discus, Mid Twin and Mini Mal to the longboards and the 11' Glider. Volume by ability and weight, shapes, construction and fin setups explained.
Read the surfboard guideSoftboard guide
The best first board and most fun board there is. Size chart by weight and height, which softboard for adults, teens and kids, and when the Hard Core series makes sense.
Read the softboard guideBoogie board guide
Sizes from the 22" Mini to the 42" ProPP, the two-second sizing check, what's in the box and when to move the kids up to a softboard.
Read the boogie board guideThe one rule that covers most people
Match the board's volume to your weight, then adjust for ability. If you've never stood up, aim for a board with about as many litres as you weigh in kilos (70 kg, about 70 L). Once you're standing and nearly turning, 10% less. Confidently turning, 25% less. Ripping, half. Every size on our site lists its volume, so you can check this on any board.
When in doubt, size up. Nobody ever gave up surfing because their first board was too easy to ride, and a bigger board catches more waves, which is where the fun is.
Still not sure?
Tell me the rider's weight, height, age if it's for a kid, how often they surf and where. I'll point you at the right board and size first time. Ask Branchy, or call 0412 695 505.
Want to try before you buy? We hire boards from Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta. Hire options.