Choosing your board — Summer vibes guide

A guide to choosing your board — by Summer vibes

Starting on a foamie or jumping straight onto a fibreglass surfboard? This guide helps you pick the right board so you progress faster and have more fun doing it.

Why size & volume matter

Surfboards are faster and more responsive than softboards, but less forgiving. Volume and shape are what get you onto waves and standing up.

More volume = better float = easier paddling = more waves.

Pick a board that helps you stand up confidently, not one that punishes every mistake.

Board size chart


Where you're at
Recommended board Suggested volume
Never stood up yet

Softboard 7' and up

 Same as your weight (in litres)
Standing, almost turning

Softboard 7' and up

or

Surfboard 7' and up

 10% less than your weight
Confidently turning

Softboard 6' and up

or

Surfboard 6'6" and up

 25% less than your weight
Ripping

Softboard up to 7'

or

Surfboard up to 6'6"

 50% less than your weight

Which surfboard type is right for you?

Shortboards / Fish

  • Less floaty, very easy to turn

  • Pointy nose prefers hollower waves

  • Great for barrels, fast turns and ripping

  • Our Fish ships with a thruster or quad set — ride it as twin, quad or thruster

Mid-Lengths (6'0–7'6")

  • Quite floaty yet still easy to turn (and duck dive)

  • Great for smaller surfers, and for surfers looking to progress past the shortboard

  • Rounded mid-length shapes — stable underfoot when you need it, loose when you want it

Mini Mals (7'0–8'6)

  • Round nose — stable, easy to paddle

  • Smooth ride, works in most conditions

  • Moderately easy to turn, but happiest trimming along the wave

Longboards (9'+)

  • Best for surfers still finding their feet, or for cruisers who want to paddle past the pack and trim, glide and cross-step

  • Perfect for mellower, slower waves like point breaks


      Which board type is best for kids?

      Grom Shortboard (under 5'6")

      • Lightweight and small enough for kids to carry, but still floaty and easy to turn through their mid-teens

      • Built so kids can actually ride and advance — turn aggressively, take to the air, but stay forgiving

      Smaller Softboard (under 6'6")

      • Safe and fun for younger kids starting out

      • Rounder nose — stable, easier to paddle than a surfboard

      • Smoother ride, works in most conditions

      • Teaches turning and trimming along the wave

      • Perfect for the family — small enough for the boot or the roof, floaty enough that mum and dad can grab a few in the shorey too

      Bodyboard (under 40")

      • Want them in the water without worrying about standing? A bodyboard is the fun option

      • Small enough to fit in the boot

      • Float in the pool, slide on the beach or rip in the shorey — heaps of fun

      Smart progression plan

      1. Start with volume and stability
      2. Surf regularly in smaller, forgiving waves
      3. Gradually size up the waves and down the board once you're catching green waves and turning

      Need help finding your match? Just reach out — we'll match you with the perfect board. Contact us

      Final advice from Summer vibes

      • Size up, not down
      • Volume — and therefore foam — is your friend
      • All our boards are built to perform. As you progress, the board will be ready to respond.
      • Buy 2 boards, get 40% off the 2nd. Low cost fast delivery Australia-wide.

      Ready to grab a board? Shop Surfboards

      Get out there and rip!