Choosing the Right Surfboard for Your Level

Surfboard Types Explained

The right surfboard can accelerate your progression dramatically. The wrong one can hold you back for months without you even realising it. Here is an honest breakdown of the six most common board types and what they actually do — not what the marketing says, but what you will feel in the water.

Shortboard (5'4"–6'6")

The high-performance surfboard. Narrow, thin, low volume (typically 24–32 litres). Designed for steep, powerful waves where the board fits into the curve of the wave face. Shortboards turn on a dime, generate speed effortlessly when you are on rail, and allow for the most radical manoeuvres. The trade-off: they paddle slowly, catch waves late, and punish poor positioning. If you are not catching 90% of the waves you paddle for in overhead conditions, you are not ready for a dedicated shortboard.

Fish (5'4"–6'0")

Wider, thicker, and flatter than a shortboard, with a split tail (swallowtail). The fish was designed for smaller, mushier waves — exactly the kind of conditions you get on summer days and smaller winter sessions in Morocco. The extra width and volume (28–36 litres) make paddling and wave catching much easier than a shortboard, while the shorter length keeps it manoeuvrable. A fish is an excellent first hard board for an intermediate surfer graduating from a foamie.

Hybrid (5'8"–6'8")

The hybrid combines elements of a shortboard and a fish: the performance rocker and rail of a shortboard with the width and volume of a fish (30–38 litres). It paddles well, catches waves easily, and still turns sharply when you put it on rail. For intermediate surfers, the hybrid is the sweet spot — enough performance to progress your turns without being so demanding that you spend your whole session paddling and missing waves.

Midlength / Funboard (6'8"–7'6")

Midlengths are the unsung heroes of the surf world. They have enough volume (38–50 litres) to paddle into almost anything, enough length to glide through flat sections, and enough rail to carve when you want to. They are ideal for early intermediates who want more performance than a foamie but are not ready for the commitment of a hybrid. On smaller Moroccan days (2–3 ft), a midlength is often the most fun board in the quiver.

Longboard (8'0"–9'6"+)

The classic. High volume (55–80+ litres), easy paddling, early wave entry, and the smoothest glide of any board. Longboards work best in small to medium conditions where their glide allows you to catch waves that shorter boards would never get into. In Morocco, longboards shine at Imsouane, on small days at the beach breaks, and for anyone who prioritises wave count and style over high-performance turns.

Foamie (6'0"–9'0")

The beginner’s best friend. Soft deck, soft rails, enormous volume (50–100+ litres), and virtually indestructible. Foamies are designed for safety and ease — they catch anything, they do not hurt when they hit you, and they forgive every mistake. They are also the slowest, least responsive boards you will ever ride. The foamie is a tool for learning, not a long-term solution. Use it, love it, and move on from it when you are ready.

Board Comparison Table

When to Switch from Foamie to Hard Board

Every surfer eventually outgrows their foamie. The question is when. Switching too early leads to frustration: you will catch fewer waves, your paddling will feel slow, and every mistake will be punished. Switching too late holds you back: foamies simply cannot perform the turns, cutbacks, and speed generation that a hard board enables.

You are ready to switch when:

• You can consistently catch unbroken green waves (not just white water) without assistance.
• You can ride down the line — meaning you can angle your take-off and travel along the face of the wave rather than straight toward the beach.
• You can control your speed and direction. You are not just a passenger on the wave; you are making decisions about where to go.
• You have done at least 10–20 sessions. There is no shortcut around wave count.

Understanding Volume — The Key Metric

If there is one number on a surfboard that matters more than any other, it is volume — measured in litres. Volume determines how much the board floats, which in turn determines how easily you paddle, how early you catch waves, and how the board responds when you are on rail.

Volume by Surfer Weight (Rough Guide)

As a starting point, multiply your body weight in kilograms by a factor based on your level:

• Beginner: Weight (kg) × 1.0–1.2 = target litres. (Example: 70 kg × 1.0 = 70L board)
• Early Intermediate: Weight (kg) × 0.55–0.65 = target litres. (Example: 70 kg × 0.55 = 38L board)
• Confident Intermediate: Weight (kg) × 0.45–0.55 = target litres. (Example: 70 kg × 0.48 = 33L board)
• Advanced: Weight (kg) × 0.35–0.45 = target litres. (Example: 70 kg × 0.4 = 28L board)

This is a starting point, not a rule. Wave type, fitness, and personal preference all play a role. A heavier, stronger surfer can ride less volume. A lighter surfer with less paddle fitness needs more. Use the formula as a rough guide and adjust from there.

Choosing for Moroccan Wave Conditions

The right board for Morocco depends on when you are visiting and what waves you plan to surf. Here is a seasonal guide:

• Winter (Dec–Feb): The swell is big, the waves are powerful, and you will likely surf point breaks like Killer Point and the inside of Anchor Point. A hybrid or midlength in the 32–38L range handles these conditions well. If it is an especially big day, a step-up (6'8"–7'2") with extra volume helps with paddling and early entry.
• Shoulder Season (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr): The most versatile conditions. Head-high waves are common, but not overwhelmingly powerful. A hybrid (6'0"–6'4", ~33–36L) is the ideal one-board quiver for this window.
• Summer (May–Sep): Smaller, less consistent swells. This is when a fish, midlength, or longboard shines. You want volume and glide to make the most of waist-to-chest-high waves. Leave the shortboard at home.

Bring Your Own Board or Rent in Morocco?

For most intermediate surfers, renting from your surf camp is the smarter choice. Here is why:

The exception: if you own a specific board that you love, that fits you perfectly, and that you cannot imagine surfing without — bring it. The comfort of riding your own board in new waves is real. But if you are still figuring out what shape and volume work for you, the camp rental quiver is the better learning tool.

Recommendations by Level

• Beginner (0–1 year): Foamie, 7'0"–8'0". Prioritise safety, wave count, and fun. Do not worry about performance.
• Early Intermediate (1–2 years): Fish (5'8"–6'2") or midlength (7'0"–7'6"). Volume in the 35–45L range. Focus on catching green waves and riding down the line consistently.
• Confident Intermediate (2–3 years): Hybrid (6'0"–6'4", 32–36L). This is the goldilocks board for Moroccan point breaks. Enough performance to work on turns; enough volume to paddle and catch waves comfortably.
• Advanced (3+ years): Shortboard or step-up depending on the day. You know what you need by this point. For Anchor Point on a good day, a 6'0"–6'4" shortboard; for bigger swells, a 6'8"–7'2" step-up.