Fresh year. Fresh boards. Smarter choices.
A new year is the perfect excuse to rethink your quiver. Maybe your surfing has progressed, your local conditions have changed, or you’re simply ready to unlock new waves with the right board under your feet.
Choosing your next surfboard isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about finding a board that matches your skill level, wave conditions, body type, and surf goals. This guide was created by the Jacks Surfboards team to help you confidently choose your next board, whether you’re building your first quiver or fine-tuning a well-earned lineup.
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Step 1: Know Where You Are (And Where You’re Going)
The best surfboard for you depends less on what the pros are riding and more on how you surf today.
- Beginner to early intermediate: Look for stability, paddle power, and forgiveness
- Intermediate: Boards that help refine turns and wave selection
- Advanced: Performance-driven designs tailored to specific conditions
Be honest with yourself — the right board accelerates progression faster than the wrong “cool” one ever will.
Step 2: Match Your Board to Your Local Waves
Wave type matters more than most surfers realize.
- Small to average beach breaks: Fish, hybrids, grovelers
- Clean point breaks: Performance shortboards, mid-lengths
- Everyday mixed conditions: Versatile all-around shapes
If you mostly surf average conditions, prioritize boards that perform well in everyday waves — not just perfect ones.
Understanding Board Categories
Shortboards
Designed for performance surfing, shortboards excel in steeper, more powerful waves. Brands like Channel Islands, Lost, Pyzel, JS Industries, and Firewire are known for pushing performance design forward.
Mid-Lengths
Mid-length surfboards bridge the gap between shortboards and longboards. They paddle easily, flow smoothly, and shine in a wide range of conditions.
Longboards
Classic glide, stability, and wave count. Longboards are perfect for beginners, style-focused surfers, and anyone who values smooth lines over aggressive turns.
Soft Tops & Fun Shapes
Modern soft tops and fun shapes aren’t just for beginners anymore. Brands like Catch Surf make boards that are durable, fun, and surprisingly capable.
Surfboard Brands We Trust at Jacks Surfboards
We carry surfboard brands that have earned their reputation through performance, craftsmanship, and consistency.
- Channel Islands Surfboards – High-performance designs trusted worldwide
- Firewire Surfboards – Innovation in materials and sustainable construction
- …Lost Surfboards – Progressive shapes with everyday usability
- Pyzel Surfboards – Precision performance for serious surfers
- JS Industries – Performance-driven boards with global influence
- Haydenshapes – Future-forward design and refined outlines
- Aipa – Legendary Hawaiian shaping heritage
- Donald Takayama – Iconic longboard craftsmanship
- Walden – Accessible designs for progression and fun
- Stewart Surfboards – Timeless California surfboard design
- Gerry Lopez – Smooth, stylish shapes inspired by flow
- Torq – Durable, consistent boards for everyday surfers
- NSP – Reliable designs for learning and progression
- Alton Surfboards – Local craftsmanship with modern performance
- Catch Surf – Fun-first boards that keep surfing playful
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Step 3: Dial in Volume, Length, and Shape
Volume is your best friend — especially as you balance wave count with performance.
- More volume: Easier paddling, more waves, forgiving rides
- Less volume: Tighter turns, faster response, higher skill requirement
Modern shapes allow surfers to ride shorter boards without sacrificing paddle power, but only if the design matches your ability.
Step 4: Build a Quiver That Makes Sense
The smartest surfers don’t look for one “perfect” board — they build a quiver that covers different conditions.
- Daily driver for average conditions
- Groveler for small days
- Step-up or performance board for better waves
Even two well-chosen boards can dramatically improve your wave count and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Surfboard
What surfboard should I buy next?
Your next surfboard should complement what you already own while matching your most common wave conditions and current skill level.
Is volume more important than length?
Yes. Volume plays a larger role in paddle power and stability than length alone.
Should I size down as I improve?
Progression doesn’t always mean smaller boards. The right design matters more than size alone.
Why Buy Your Next Surfboard from Jacks Surfboards?
We’ve helped surfers choose the right boards since 1957 from first rides to finely tuned performance quivers.
Our team understands how boards perform in real conditions, and we’re always here to help you find the right fit for your surfing goals.
Bottom line: A new year is the perfect time to upgrade your quiver, and the right surfboard can completely change how you experience every session.
