How big is my surfboard? Our calculation tool

Dernière mise à jour le 4 August 2024

How does our calculator work?

Our tool will be an invaluable aid for all surfers, from neophytes to pros. With a formula that integrates your levelyour ageyour physical conditionyour weightand the wave typeIt's a tailor-made guide to finding the perfect volume for your board.

Select weight (kg): Choose your age range: Choose your Skill Level: Choose your physical condition: Choose wave size:

Why board volume has become so important over the past 10 years

Choosing your surfboard is an art in itself. An element which, for decadehas taken on a considerable dimension, it's the volume. Why board volume has become important for the past decade? The answer lies in our eternal quest for the perfect wave.

In the old days, I remember, we didn't talk about volume. We used to ride "patties"These boards were thin, nervous and often unsuited to average conditions or our current form. These boards were synonymous with prestige: the finer the board, the closer you felt to the surfing legends. But this prestige came at a cost: frustration and mixed performances in less than ideal wave conditions.

But pioneers like John Whitney Guild saw things differently. He proposed integrating surfer's volume/weight ratio to select the board. In short, it wasn't enough to look cool, you had to be cool! efficient and have fun. And for this, volume has become our best friend.

It's no coincidence that volume concept has been borrowed from the world of windsurfing. It is crucial: it determines the buoyancy and by extension, our ability to slide on the water. A revelation for many surfers who saw their number of waves caught increase drastically.

But volume is not a data item to be isolated. Visit historical specifications like length, width and thickness still play a major role in the board's behavior. And yes, the shape has its say! A fish twin fin à 2 excesses will not have the same volume requirements as a gun designed to cope with walls of water.

So it's a question of balance, and ofexperience. Over time, you'll learn to feel which board suits your style, your body and the waves you face. For most of us, especially those who don't have a pro surfing lifestyle, volume will always be a factor.

How do I choose a surfboard?

The key to choosing the right board lies in its volume. It must be in line with your weightyour fitnessyour skill levelyour age and, of course, the wave type you like.

The volume of the board according to your weight: it's all about balancing the surfer's weight with the right volume to ensure good buoyancy while maintaining optimal maneuverability.
The volume of the board according to your physical condition (and yes, it hurts...): physical condition has a major influence on the volume required. A person in good shape may opt for a board with less volume, while if you've lost some of your superbness, adjusting the volume can help maintain pleasure and performance in the water.
The volume of the board according to your age (it hurts too...) : Age, that unforgiving fact, also affects the ideal volume of your board. As the years go by, it's wise to add a few liters to compensate for waning vigor... except for exceptions like Kelly Slater, who seems to defy time.
Board volume according to wave size: for big, powerful waves, extra volume can be judicious to anticipate the take-off. Conversely, in small waves, extra volume promotes better buoyancy and easier speed generation.
Surfboard volume according to construction : buoyancy may vary according to board material. With epoxy and EPS foam boards, which offer increased natural buoyancy, a slight reduction in volume may be considered to maintain balance.

Understanding the different skill levels in surfing

Identifying your level is essential when choosing a board. Here's how volume adapts to each stage:

Beginner :
- First attempts at rowing and catching waves on small foam boats with longboards.
- Recommended volume: equivalent to 90% of body weight (1 liter of volume for 1 kilogram of weight).
Beginner to intermediate :
- Surf real waves and make simple changes of direction.
- Can go left or right depending on the wave.
- Slightly reduced volume for greater manoeuvrability.
Intermediate :
- Experience of 2 to 5 years.
- Mastering small to medium-sized waves.
- Basic manoeuvres (carves, replacement, float).
- Volume adjusted for a good balance between buoyancy and control.
Intermediate to advanced :
- Experience of approximately 5 to 10 years.
- Execution of radical and technical maneuvers (roller, cutbackfloat).
- Reduced volume for better response to commands and advanced techniques.
Experienced :
- More 10 years of experience.
- Surf all types of waves and perform committed turns.
- Rides tubes and can launch itself into the air.
- Minimum volume required, approx. 35% of body weightfor optimum performance.

Size of volume there's a reason why high-buoyancy boards are recommended for beginners and people with less upper-body strength: they make it possible the oar easier and offer a stability unparalleled. In contrast, the low buoyancy are the prerogative of experienced surfers, who are looking for tight turns and aggressive surfing, despite train more demanding.

Each stage of this journey on the waves therefore requires an adapted board volume, not only to facilitate progress but also to maximize pleasure.

In short, our calculator is there to enlighten you, but keep in mind that surfing is a matter of feeling. Trust him to guide you to the board that's right for you.

How is the volume of the board calculated according to these dimensions?

You see, the volume of your board is a bit like the amount of air in a balloon. Not enough and it doesn't bounce, too much and it pops. With surfing, it's the same: volume determines the buoyancy of your board.

We start with the basic measurements: length, width and thickness. And we come up with a formula which, even if it looks like it came out of a boring maths lesson, is ultra-useful:

Volume = (Length x Width x Thickness) / 1000.

That's in centimetres, which gives us the volume in liters. If you have your dimensions in inches, don't panic, just multiply by 2.54 and you're in centimetres.

But it's not that simple. The overall shape of your board counts too. You multiply your basic volume by a factor between 0.54 and 0.6 to adjust to the reality of the board. This is called "shaping", and it's what makes it possible for two boards with the same dimensions to have totally different volumes.

The future of surfboard volume

There's been a revolution in our approach to the stage. Before, we were all about performance. But now we're realizing that fun isn't all bad either! So-called "groveler"In fact, the ones that are a little more generous in volume are becoming real bestsellers. They let you have fun even on less-than-perfect waves, and let's face it, that's often the case.

The quest for the ideal volume is therefore above all a matter of conditions, feel and evolution. Volume is not an exact science, and is constantly being revised to best suit the needs of each individual surfer. The important thing is to find the right balance between buoyancy and maneuverability, so that your board becomes an extension of you in the water.

Don't lock yourself into a formula. Use the volume as a guide, but let yourself be guided by how you feel. After all, surfing is an art, not a science!