A Guide to Buying a Midlength Surfboard

When it comes to browsing boards online, there’s no shortage of interesting design features and options available, particularly when it comes to “mid length” boards. Finding the right board for your needs, however, can be tricky. Coming in a variety of lengths, widths and volume, the market for mid length surfboards can be confusing. To help you navigate those choppy waters, we’ve got some tips on how to find the perfect midlength.

What’s a Midlength Surfboard?

A midlength surfboard size is debatable (depending on who you’re talking to and also how tall you are). Traditionally, a midlength is any board that is 7-ish feet to -9 feet long. A midlength is a good choice for both beginner and intermediate surfers who aren’t interested in shortboards but want something a bit more maneuverable than a longboard. Midlength boards are often described as being “fast like a longboard”, but “maneuverable like a fish”. This makes them great for newer surfers looking for a board with good control that they can easily stand up on and go down the line. Midlength boards also work well in less than ideal conditions (so you can fly through the mush. Plus they are super “hip” right now…

A few of our favorite midlengths:

Choose Based on Width and Volume

Before you go shopping for a board, make sure you know the volume and width you’re looking for. A good place to start is a 7 footer that is around 20-22 inches wide, which is a fairly standard size that’ll get you speed and maneuverability. Go for volume! You want a midlength to go fast and have fun! (If you want a low-volume board that is easier to turn, stick with a shortboard)

What Length Should I Get?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to choosing a length. Most people, however, opt for boards that are 7′ or 7’6″ long. Surfers in search of a shorter board will generally want to go for a 7 foot board. If you’re new to the sport and are looking for a board that’s easy to use, you may want to lean toward the longer end of the scale and possibly even go for an 8′ board.

Shorter vs. Longer Boards: Which is Better?

As with most things in life, it’s all about personal preference. Longer boards can be more challenging to maneuver. But they also come with bonuses like increased glide across flat waves and more hydrodynamic lift (to be technical).

Tips When Shopping for a Midlength Board

– Try Before You Buy! (If you can) No matter how much research you do, there’s no substitute for actually riding a board. So if you can, try out as many boards as you can to see which one feels best under your feet. – Look at the Shape: The shape of a board is just as important as its size and volume. As a general rule, you want to look for a board with a wide point, ample volume in the center and a tapered tail. – Don’t Go Overboard with Accessories: If you’re a beginner, you don’t need a top-of-the-line surfboard that was custom-built for your individual needs. Instead, look for boards that are well-made but also reasonably priced.

Overall Impession

A midlength surfboard is the perfect choice for intermediate and beginner surfers who aren’t interested in shortboards but want something a bit more maneuverable than a longboard. When shopping for a board, make sure you know the volume and width you’re looking for. Bottom line: A midlength is a fun shape to add to your quiver.