Surfboards: Everything you need to know!
- Roos Michels
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
When you start to get the hang of surfing a little and maybe can read the surf forecasts in a general sense, another obstacle appears on your surf journey: surfboards. Of course, you can’t surf without a surfboard. But which surfboard do you need? What are the differences?In this blog, I’ll give you answers to these questions.
Longboard: Elegant vibes
Think of those classic images of California surfers gracefully gliding across the waves, that’s the longboard vibe. With a length of 8 to 10 feet (around 2.4 to 3 meters), this board is the queen of stability. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone who loves relaxed cruising on smaller waves (like me). It’s super forgiving and ideal for mellow surf days. Once you start getting the hang of cross-stepping, it really feels like dancing on water. Sounds like a dream, right?
Now, picture that feeling in Imsouane, Morocco’s iconic long right-hand point break. Those endless, rolling waves are made for longboards. You can catch a wave that seems to go on forever, carve a few smooth turns, and then just cruise all the way to the beach. It’s pure flow.
Specs:
Length: 8'0" – 10'0" (243 – 305 cm)
Width: 22" – 25" (56 – 63 cm)
Thickness: 2.5" – 3.5" (6 – 9 cm)
Volume: 60 – 100 liters
Best time for a longboard: Calm spring/summer days with small, slow waves, or those dreamy mellow sessions at Imsouane, when the tide’s right (low tide) and the lines just keep rolling in.
Shortboard: For the Daredevils
Then there’s the shortboard, small, fast, and incredibly agile, but also way more challenging. Shortboards are the choice for surfers who want to carve sharp turns, try tricks, and really push their limits (also me hihi). You’ll also need more powerful waves to get the most out of this board. As a beginner, it’s probably best to admire from the lineup… unless you thrive on challenges (and wipeouts).
In Morocco, shortboards shine on the more powerful breaks along the coast. Think Taghazout, Anchor Point, or even Banana Beach when the swell is pumping, long rights and lefts, plenty of energy, and perfect conditions for aggressive maneuvers.
Board specs:
Length: 5'6" – 6'6" (168 – 198 cm)
Width: 18" – 20" (46 – 51 cm)
Thickness: 2" – 2.5" (5 – 6.5 cm)
Volume: 25 – 40 L
Best conditions: Powerful, hollow waves. In Morocco, that’s the swells that hit Taghazout Bay or other exposed Atlantic breaks, the kind of waves that make your shortboard feel alive.
The Fish: Playful & Fun
Meet the fish, the cheeky, fun-loving sibling of the shortboard. With a wider nose and shorter length, it’s speedy, lively, and perfect for adding some extra joy to your sessions. Ideal for small to medium waves, the fish lets you experience fast, snappy turns while keeping things playful. If you’ve got a bit of surfing experience, it’s a great board to explore and just have fun.
In Morocco, fish boards shine on mellow to moderate days at breaks like Imsouane or Panorama Beach. Those long, rolling waves give you plenty of room to glide, turn, and experiment without the intensity of a full-powered shortboard. It’s all about flow and fun, surfing with a smile.
Board specs:
Length: 5'2" – 6'2" (157 – 188 cm)
Width: 20" – 22" (51 – 56 cm)
Thickness: 2.25" – 2.75" (5.5 – 7 cm)
Volume: 35 – 55 L
Best conditions: Small to medium waves. In Morocco, think sunny mornings at Panorama or Mysteries in Taghazout with gentle rolling lines, the perfect playground for a fish.
Funboard: The Board for Everyone
The name says it all: fun! Sitting between a longboard and a shortboard, the funboard is perfect for beginners who want something more maneuverable to practice turns, or for intermediates who want a more relaxed, easygoing ride. It’s versatile, forgiving, and just plain enjoyable, a true all-rounder.
In Morocco, funboards are ideal for days when the swell is moderate, think Imsouane, Taghazout Panorama, or other mellow point breaks. They let you cruise, carve gentle turns, and really enjoy the rhythm of the wave without the intensity of a shortboard or the slow pace of a longboard. It’s a perfect balance between stability and playfulness.
Board specs:
Length: 6'6" – 8'0" (198 – 243 cm)
Width: 20" – 22" (51 – 56 cm)
Thickness: 2.5" – 3" (6 – 7.5 cm)
Volume: 40 – 70 L
Best conditions: Medium waves, not too small, not too big.
Soft Tops: The Beginner’s Best Friend
If you’re just starting out or want a worry-free session, the soft top is your go-to board. With its foam construction and extra buoyancy, it’s super forgiving, great for learning to paddle, pop up, and ride your first waves. Soft tops are also perfect if you just want to have fun without worrying about dings, bumps, or crowded lineups.
In Morocco, soft tops are ideal for mellow beach breaks like Panorama of Banana Beach of Taghazout, where the waves are friendly and consistent. They let you focus on enjoying the ride, building confidence, and catching as many waves as possible. Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants a relaxed, low-stress session.
Board specs (typical soft top):
Length: 6'0" – 8'0" (183 – 244 cm)
Width: 21" – 24" (53 – 61 cm)
Thickness: 2.75" – 3.5" (7 – 9 cm)
Volume: 60 – 110 L
Best conditions: Small to medium waves. In Morocco, soft tops are great for calm mornings at Imsouane or Taghazout, perfect for beginners to learn and for everyone to have fun without stress.
Time to Experiment
Choosing a surfboard isn’t just about the waves, it’s also about your style, level, body type, and what you want from surfing. Want to ride small waves? Then you need a longboard. Ready to tackle bigger waves and try tricks? Grab a shortboard. Looking for something in between? A fish or a funboard could be the perfect choice.
My advice? Try out different boards, everyone has their own perfect fit. Many surf schools or rental shops in Morocco let you test a variety of boards. Or ask your friends if you can try theirs. Feel the difference, discover what works for you, and before you know it, you’ll fall in love with a board that steals your heart.
Stay stoked,
Comments