The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Surfboards for Female Surfers
When it comes to surfing, selecting the right board is essential for every surfer, but for women, there are often unique considerations. Finding the perfect surfboard can enhance your wave-riding experience, improve your confidence in the water, and make progression more seamless. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best surfboards for female surfers, covering everything from board types to finding the ideal volume for your skill level and body weight.
Understanding What Makes a Good Surfboard for Female Surfers
A surfboard's performance depends on its design, including length, width, thickness, and volume. However, factors like body weight, strength, and skill level also play crucial roles in determining which board will work best for you. For many female surfers, smaller frames and lighter body weights mean that certain boards designed with narrower dimensions and lower volume might be easier to control.
Considerations for Female Surfers:
- Board Volume: Volume plays a vital role in stability and paddling power. It’s calculated in litres, combining length, width, and thickness. The right volume allows your board to float correctly, helping with balance and wave-catching ability.
- Weight and Strength: A lighter frame often means you won’t need as much volume as someone with a larger frame. However, if you’re a beginner or need extra stability, it’s a good idea to start with more volume.
- Surfing Goals: Think about your surfing ambitions – whether you’re seeking a board for mellow, easy-going waves or aiming for performance-oriented manoeuvres.
Choosing the Right Board Volume with Our Volume Calculator
Volume impacts everything from wave-catching ease to manoeuvrability. Luckily, our Volume Calculator tool can help you find the best fit based on your weight, skill level, and surfing goals. Generally speaking, beginners benefit from a higher volume board to assist with paddling and balance. As you progress, you can reduce volume for added manoeuvrability.
Here’s a breakdown of volume recommendations by skill level:
- BEGINNER: Just started catching small broken waves; occasionally standing up. Recommended volume: 100% of body weight (kg) in litres.
- BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE: Paddling into unbroken waves, riding along with simple direction changes. Recommended volume: 75% of body weight (kg) in litres.
- INTERMEDIATE:Surfing 1-2 times per week; consistently catching waves and performing basic manoeuvres. Recommended volume: 50% of body weight (kg) in litres.
- INTERMEDIATE - EXPERIENCED: Surfing 2-3 times per week; confident in a range of manoeuvres across various wave types. Recommended volume: 45% of body weight (kg) in litres.
- EXPERIENCED: Surfing 3+ times per week; performing advanced turns in critical parts of the wave. Recommended volume: 42% of body weight (kg) in litres.
Top Surfboards for Female Surfers
Let’s explore some of the best surfboard options available for female surfers across different levels of experience.
1. Longboards: Ideal for Beginners and Cruising
Longboards are often the best choice for beginners, thanks to their generous size and volume. They’re stable, easy to paddle, and excellent for small-to-medium waves. Longboards also allow you to work on fundamentals, from basic paddling to standing up and riding down the line.
Recommended Models:
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With a smooth rocker and forgiving volume distribution, the Dusty is a great option for female surfers looking for stability and ease.
It’s perfect for gentle wave days and leisurely rides.
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Featuring a broader shape and substantial volume, this board is designed for stability. It’s an ideal choice if you’re a beginner or want a forgiving, stable ride to practice your basics
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2. Mid-Lengths: Perfect for Intermediate Surfers Seeking Versatility
Mid-lengths offer a middle ground between the control of a shortboard and the stability of a longboard. These boards work well for intermediates who want to progress and try turns while retaining enough volume to make wave-catching easy. Mid-length boards are versatile across various wave conditions, making them a fantastic go-to choice.
Recommended Models:
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Built for versatility, with a balanced outline that offers both speed and responsiveness. This board is perfect for surfers looking to develop their style or refine their skills, as it allows for easy paddling while providing plenty of control once you’re riding the wave.
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With its refined outline and balanced volume distribution, the Mid Tide offers an easy transition for those moving from longboards. It’s ideal for female surfers aiming to enhance their skills and take on more challenging waves.
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2. Shortboards: Compact boards to help improve turning ability
Shortboards provide agility and speed, allowing for sharp turns and performance in bigger waves. These boards generally have lower volume and are best suited for those comfortable in the water who can catch waves with ease.
Recommended Models:
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Designed with precision and responsiveness, the Chi Chi is perfect for intermediate to advanced female surfers. Its high-performance outline allows for smooth turns and quick reactions, making it an ideal choice for those looking to elevate their skills and take on more dynamic wave conditions. |
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The Super Fish is crafted for performance with a touch of extra volume, making it slightly more forgiving. It’s an ideal option for female surfers who want a board with both manoeuvrability and paddle power. |
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High volume shortboard that is designed to help beginner surfers transition from their softboard onto their first smaller board. Wide, stable and a lot of volume packed into a small length make it easy to paddle and stable when you pop up. |
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Tips for Choosing the Right Surfboard
While selecting your board, consider these essential factors:
- Volume Calculator: Use our Volume Calculator to find the optimal volume for your weight and skill level.
- Length and Width: Longboards offer more stability for beginners, while shorter boards are more manoeuvrable for advanced surfers.
- Wave Type: Think about the waves you’ll typically be riding. Beginners should focus on boards that perform well in small, mushy waves, while advanced surfers can look for designs suited to more powerful conditions.
- Skill Level: Choose a board that matches your current skill level. A board with too little volume can make paddling harder, while too much volume can make turns difficult.
How to Progress as a Female Surfer
Progression in surfing is all about consistency and choosing the right equipment. Start with a board that provides stability and paddle power. As you improve, experiment with boards that have slightly less volume and allow for better manoeuvrability.
- Start with Volume: Begin on a higher-volume board to ease paddling and improve your balance. Boards like longboards and funboards offer the ideal starting point.
- Transition Gradually: Once you’re comfortable, transition to a mid-length or funboard to work on turns and responsiveness.
- Consider Your Goals: Whether you’re looking to cruise on mellow waves or aim for high-performance maneuvers, there’s a board that aligns with your goals. Choose wisely, and let the board grow with your skills.
Find Your Perfect Fit with Global Surf Industries
Choosing the best surfboard as a female surfer boils down to understanding your needs, skill level, and goals. A well-chosen board will provide a stable, enjoyable experience, helping you to progress and enjoy each surf session to the fullest.
Don’t forget to try our Volume Calculator to determine the ideal volume for your surfboard. We are available on Live Chat to talk through options with you and have a large dealer network for local in person advice. Reach out so we can ensure you’re choosing a board that complements your body weight and skill level, setting you up for success in the waves.
Life is better when you surf
