How much volume do I need in a surfboard?
Volume, measured in liters, tells you how much foam is under you. More volume floats you higher and paddles easier. Less volume is more sensitive and easier to turn. Our surfboard volume chart is a good starting point for a basic performance board in average waves:
| Your weight |
Beginner |
Intermediate |
Advanced |
| 130 lbs |
42.6 L |
26.6 L |
21.3 L |
| 150 lbs |
47.7 L |
29.8 L |
23.9 L |
| 170 lbs |
54.1 L |
33.8 L |
27.1 L |
| 190 lbs |
60.5 L |
37.8 L |
30.2 L |
| 210 lbs |
66.8 L |
41.8 L |
33.4 L |
Add volume for small, weak waves, for a step-up in bigger surf, or when you're wearing a thick winter wetsuit. The full chart is on our surfboard volume page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a really good surfboard cost?
Performance shortboards from top shapers like Pyzel, Lost and Channel Islands sit in the upper range, and JS Industries' premium builds cost the most. Soft tops are the most affordable, and our Jack's epoxy boards come with fins included. Current prices are shown on each product above.
What surfboard is best for beginners?
A big, stable board with lots of volume. A soft top or a longboard is the easiest place to start. If you want a hard board you won't outgrow in a month, an epoxy mid-length or longboard, like our Jack's Ranchero Pin or Nomad, is a great choice.
What is the easiest type of surfboard to learn on?
A soft top. The foam deck is forgiving when you fall, the extra volume makes paddling and catching waves easier, and they're stable enough to stand up on sooner.
What is a good brand of surfboard?
It depends on your surfing. For high-performance shortboards, Pyzel, Lost, JS Industries and Channel Islands. For longboards, Donald Takayama, Gerry Lopez and NSP. For durable epoxy boards, Torq and our own Jack's line. And for learning, soft tops from Catch Surf and others.
What is the best surfboard for daily use?
A versatile everyday shortboard or hybrid with a little extra volume. Lost calls its Quiver Killer one of the original modern hybrid shapes, built for everything from 2' slop to overhead waves, and JS's Xero Fusion is made for the flatter, softer waves most of us surf every day.
What is the best-selling surfboard of all time?
Nobody tracks sales across every shaper, so there isn't one official answer. Some models stand out within their brands, though. Lost says the Quiver Killer is one of its all-time best-selling models, and its RNF '96 fish has been its best-selling board in recent years.
Do you ship surfboards?
Yes. Surfboards ship within the US at a flat rate that starts at $150, and for Hawaii you'll need to contact us. Surfboards aren't included in our free shipping offer. You can also buy online and pick up at any of our six Southern California shops.
Where can I buy surfboards near me?
At any of our six Southern California shops: Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica. Stock varies by store, so give your closest shop a call before you head over.
