How to choose the right surf longboard?
A longboard is more than just a board. It's a state of mind. It's about taking your time, seeking pure glide, surfing with style rather than frenzy. And good news: unlike a shortboard, which requires sweat and effort, a longboard is accessible to almost everyone. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking for new sensations, you're sure to find a longboard made for you.
But with the available options—Noserider, Performance Longboard, soft-top, PU, epoxy… it's easy to get lost. This guide is here to help you make the right choice, the first time.
The longboard: for whom, for what?
Before looking at boards, ask yourself the right question: what do you want to do on the water?
A longboard is the ideal board for surfing soft, long waves with maximum pleasure. It also allows you to catch three times more waves than with a shortboard, progress faster, and enjoy sessions even when conditions aren't ideal. On the Atlantic coast, where waves are often smaller in summer, it's clearly the most suitable board for getting in the water and having fun.
There are those who want to learn, those who want to have fun, and those who want to walk to the nose of the board and stay there as long as possible. Each profile has its longboard. That's where it gets interesting.
Your level: the number one criterion
Let's be direct: your surfing level largely determines the board you need. Not your style, not your desires — your actual level.
- Are you a beginner or returning to surfing after a long break? Prioritize volume and stability. A wide, thick board will give you the buoyancy to paddle without tiring, easily catch waves, and work on your balance without fighting your equipment. To summarize: the bigger it is, the easier it is, the faster you progress. It's that simple.
- Do you have a few sessions under your belt? You catch your waves independently, stand up correctly, and are starting to control your lines. You can consider a slightly more technical board with more personality. It's often at this stage that you really start to understand what you like about longboarding.
- Have you been surfing for several years? You know what you're looking for. The choice then becomes a real matter of style and personal preferences. We'll tell you more about that below.
Different types of longboards
This is where many people get lost, and that's normal. There are several main families of longboards, and each is designed for a very specific surfing style.
- The Malibu
The Log is the most accessible longboard out there. Wide, thick, with plenty of volume, it floats effortlessly, paddles easily, and forgives placement errors. It's the ideal board for beginners, for surfing small summer waves without fuss, or for rediscovering the pleasure of simple and effective glide.
👉 Perfect for: beginners, soft conditions, relaxed surfing.
- The Noserider
This is the classic longboard par excellence. Its very wide nose and flat rocker are designed for one thing: allowing you to walk to the nose and stay there as long as possible. Noseriding is the mythical longboard maneuver — and the Noserider is the board cut out for it. Be careful: it's a demanding board, less maneuverable, and requires a minimum skill level to be truly appreciated.
👉 Perfect for: old-school style, long and regular waves, intermediate to advanced surfers.
- The Performance Longboard (HPLB)
Narrower, with more rocker and thinner rails, the Performance Longboard allows for much more dynamic maneuvers—powerful bottom turns, cutbacks, top-to-bottom surfing. It borrows elements from shortboards while retaining the paddling speed and natural glide of larger boards. It's the board for surfers who want dynamism without giving up the comfort of a longboard.
👉 Perfect for: advanced surfers, more powerful waves, active surfing.
- The Glider
The Glider is the large format of the longboard, often 10 feet or more. Its purpose? To generate maximum speed and glide with minimum effort. Thanks to its length and large volume, it catches waves long before everyone else, paddles with disconcerting ease, and offers an absolutely unique sensation of long, fluid glide. It's not a maneuver board—it's a board for pure sensations. The Glider is particularly appreciated in long, gentle waves, where it expresses its full potential.
👉 Perfect for: advanced surfers looking for pure glide, very soft and long waves, spots with little power.
- The Soft-top (foam board)
The foam board is the 100% fun, no-hassle board. It absorbs shocks, doesn't hurt if it hits your legs, and is easy to get used to in minutes. Current models have evolved a lot, and some perform really well in quality waves. Ideal for safely learning or occasional use.
👉 Perfect for: absolute beginners, children, occasional use.
Size and volume: how to find your way?
The length of a longboard is generally between 8'6 and 10 feet (about 2.60 m to 3 m). The longer the board, the easier it is to paddle, and the more stable it is. As a general rule, for a beginner, you should choose a length equivalent to your height + 2 to 3 feet minimum.
Volume, expressed in liters, is the most reliable indicator for evaluating a board's buoyancy. For longboards, it's often between 60 and 85 liters. To easily find your way:
- Beginner: your weight (in kg) × 0.8 to 1 → for 75 kg, aim for 60 to 75 liters
- Intermediate: your weight × 0.55 to 0.70
- Advanced: your weight × 0.35 to 0.55
Too little volume = you'll be paddling in vain and missing waves. Too much volume = the board will be less responsive. Find the balance, and everything else becomes easier.
Materials: PU, epoxy, or foam?
A board's construction influences its feel, durability, and price. Here's what you need to know.
- Polyester (PU/PE) — The traditional construction, used by shapers for decades. A bit heavier, but with a lively and direct feel highly appreciated by classic longboarders.
- Epoxy (EPS) — Lighter and more impact-resistant, epoxy construction is ideal if you want a durable and easy-to-maintain board. It floats better at equal volume, which is a real advantage, especially for lighter riders.
- Soft-top / foam — The most accessible and safest construction for learning. Less performant than a resin board, but perfectly sufficient for beginners and quickly having fun.
Fins: single fin or 2+1?
Fins play an important role in your board's behavior—and it's often the point that's overlooked.
- Single fin: a single, often large and long, center fin. This is the reigning setup for classic longboards. It gives that feeling of fluid glide, line holding, and connection to the wave that defines traditional longboarding. Ideal for noseriding and old-school surfing.
- 2+1 configuration: one center fin + two small side fins. This setup provides more dynamism and maneuverability in turns, while maintaining the stability of the center fin. It's the most versatile choice, particularly suited for performance longboards and modern logs.
Maintenance: take care of your board
A well-maintained longboard is a board that lasts. A few simple habits are enough to ensure its long life.
- Rinse it with fresh water after each session. Salt attacks resin and fins in the long term. Two minutes under the hose, and you're good to go.
- Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight. Heat softens the resin, deforms the board, and makes it yellow. Even at the water's edge, remember to put it in the shade or under a board bag.
- Repair dings quickly. An unrepaired impact allows water to infiltrate the blank and degrades the board from the inside. Basic repair kits work for small damages.
- Store it properly. Flat on a rack or standing against a wall with a protective pad—never placed on the nose or tail without support.
In summary: how to choose?
Don't panic. Before buying, ask yourself these three questions:
1. What is my actual level? → Beginner: focus on volume and stability. Intermediate/advanced: you can refine according to your style.
2. In what conditions do I surf? → Small, soft waves → Log or Noserider. More powerful waves → Performance Longboard.
3. What surfing style do I crave? → Gentle glide → Log. Noseriding and old-school style → Noserider. Active surfing and maneuvers → Performance Longboard.
