At Morex, surfing is a passion that drives every aspect of our brand. We know that every surfer has specific needs, whether it’s mastering the basics or pushing the limits of their performance. That’s why we explore and highlight five main types of surfboards, each with their own unique characteristics. Whether you’re a beginner looking for stability or an expert seeking speed and maneuverability, discover how each type of board can enrich your surfing experience and adapt to your style and the waves you’re riding .
Fish
- Material : Often foam with a fiberglass covering
- Length: Typically between 5'0" and 6'2"
- What type of surfer is it for: Suitable for surfers of all levels, especially in soft to medium waves
- Wave Type: Perfect for smaller, less powerful waves
- Figures: Excellent for tight turns and gaining speed
Shortboard
- Material: Usually foam covered with fiberglass or carbon fiber
- Length: Approximately 5'6" to 6'4"
- For what type of surfer: Suitable for experienced surfers looking for performance and maneuverability
- Wave Type: Best for hollow, fast waves
- Figures: Suitable for tight turns, tubes and aerial figures
Funboard
- Material : Usually foam or expanded polyethylene (PE) with a fiberglass outer layer
- Length: Approximately 6'6" to 8'0"
- What type of surfer is it for: Ideal for surfers of all levels looking for a versatile board
- Wave Type: Suitable for a wide range of wave conditions from small to medium
- Figures: Versatile for a variety of maneuvers including turns, cutbacks and noserides
Gun
- Material: Usually fiberglass with reinforced construction.
- Length: Typically between 7'0" and 10'0"
- For what type of surfer: Reserved for experienced surfers looking to tackle big waves
- Wave Type: Designed for very big waves
- Figures: Mainly used to slide safely on massive waves
Longboard
- Material: Traditionally wood, but also foam and fiberglass.
- Length: Typically between 8'0" and 10'0"
- What type of surfer is it for: Perfect for beginners and surfers looking for a classic, fluid surfing style
- Wave Type: Excellent for catching smaller waves and for noseriding in longer, rolling waves
- Figures: Suitable for classic figures such as noseriding and cross-stepping
The different types of tails
There are also different types of tails, or board tails, which play a crucial role in surfing performance and style. Each tail shape offers different characteristics, influencing the board's maneuverability , stability and responsiveness in various wave conditions.
The Fish Tail
The fishtail, recognizable by its shape reminiscent of a fish's tail, is characterized by two deep notches at the end of the board. This unique design offers a series of significant advantages to surfers. By promoting efficient water release, it allows for exceptional maneuverability, ideal for riding on smaller and softer waves. Mainly used on fish-type boards, the fishtail is particularly appreciated for its ability to generate speed and execute tight turns with remarkable ease.
The Swallow Tail
The swallow tail, with its two curved notches at the end of the board, creates a distinctive inverted V shape. This particular design confers several significant advantages to surfers. By providing better grip on the wave, it allows for quick and precise turns, making it ideal for agile riding in faster wave conditions. Commonly used on shortboards and all-around boards , the swallow tail is valued for its ability to improve maneuverability and responsiveness when riding in medium to large waves.
The Round Tail
The round tail has a distinctive feature with its rounded tip, thus providing a wider surface area. This unique design gives several advantages to surfers in bigger and more powerful wave conditions. By promoting stability and smoothness of the ride, it allows for smooth transitions between turns, providing a smoother surfing experience. Commonly used on guns and longboards , the round tail is particularly appreciated for its ability to improve maneuverability in fast and powerful wave conditions.
The Pin Tail
The pin tail board is distinguished by its narrow, tapered shape towards the end of the board, reminiscent of an arrowhead. This unique design provides several advantages to surfers, including excellent grip and control on the wave. Promoting straight-line riding and stabilization in large, hollow waves, it offers superior performance in extreme conditions. Mainly used on guns to tackle very big waves, it is particularly appreciated for its ability to meet the demands of surfers in extreme surf conditions.
The Squash Tail
The squash tail is distinguished by its square or slightly rounded shape at the end of the board, reminiscent of the silhouette of a squash. This unique design offers an advantageous combination of stability and maneuverability, suitable for a variety of wave conditions. By promoting a smooth transition between turns, it allows for smooth and responsive surfing in a wide range of conditions. Commonly used on shortboards , funboards and longboards , it is appreciated for its versatility and ability to meet the needs of surfers in different surfing situations.
