The mental process of choosing a new surfboard, whether it’s your first, second, or fifth, can be rather exhausting and frustrating.

A lot of questions and doubts come to mind, especially when there’s so much money at stake.

And yes, surfboards are getting increasingly expensive, despite the growing automation of the manufacturing operation. But that’s another story.

Whenever we buy a new surfboard, we are filling a specific need. It could be a board for learning, a longboard for chilling, a shortboard for punchy surf, or many other in-between necessities.

However, a new concept of surfboard has been gaining momentum due to its versatility, adaptability, and ability to provide the thing surfers seek most: fun.

It’s the mid-length surfboard.

Not a funboard, and not a mini-Mal

Mid-lengths sit between shortboards and longboards and combine the best of both worlds. Their shapes vary, but most of them fall in the roughly ~6’8”-8’0” range.

You could ask, “But aren’t those the so-called funboards or mini-malibu surfboards?”

Well, not exactly.

A mid-length surfboard is designed to respond well to more active surfers who want to work the face of a wave more, instead of a more cruising and relaxing experience.

It allows surfers to perform maneuvers in the most common ocean conditions, from small, mushy, 2- to 3-foot waves to overhead waves. You can turn and read sections more like a shortboard while keeping extra stability.

In a way, they’re a step-up alternative to high-performance surfboards, but with a better entry in the wave.

Why? Because they’re definitely easier to paddle and better at catching the wave with less effort than shortboards, thanks to the more foam under your chest.

Stable, fast, and versatile

The compromise between glide and responsiveness is amazing.

Mid-length surfboards are the modern surfer’s tool for progression and are seen as the ideal “next board” for someone moving from a longboard/soft top toward shortboard performance.

But there’s more.

A mid-length is more stable for takeoffs, easier to balance when popping up, and more forgiving of positioning errors.

You’ll feel that it has you back for most of the intermediate-level challenges a surfer faces in the lineup.

We at SurferToday.com have been riding mid-lengths since the early 2010s, and to admit it’s hard to go back.

There is an ego slavery with shortboards that is quickly broken after you ride a balanced mid-length surfboard.

The paddling advantage can also bring you extra waves over those who are stuck in the pro syndrome of low-volume equipment.

While they put 20 strokes to try and catch a wave and fail to take off, you apply six strokes, and we’re up and riding.

With the appropriate balance of rocker, outline, and volume, mid-lengths are rarely beaten in a beach break.

Available in many shapes

Another good thing about this hybrid surfboard shape is that they come in a very wide variety of shapes.

You may choose fishy mid-lengths, round-nosed cruisers, or more performance-oriented mids to suit your surfing style.

Heavier surfers will also notice a considerable advantage: extra volume makes paddling and flotation easier without the need to jump all the way to a longboard.

And of course, the mid-length is less bulky than a longboard, thus, easier to carry, store, and travel with than a 9′ log while still offering much of the longboard feel.

Style, flow, and cruisiness, all combined in a smart-shaped surfboard.

Therefore, this all-around surfing equipment is always a good addition to any quiver and is more and more the go-to board for those who experience varying surf throughout the year. 

It adds flexibility to your surf options without having to own a huge number of boards in your garage, storage room, or bedroom.

Which mid-length is right for you?

When choosing the right mid-length surfboard, you should consider your body, your local or most ridden type of waves, and how you like to surf.

Avoid the mistake of chasing trends. It’s very common – only your surf will look cool.

Despite their forgivingness and versatility, small differences in size and shape could make a big difference in how they feel.

The first thing you need to do is to take an honest look at your surfing level.

If you’re a less experienced surfer, you’ll definitely benefit from more volume, fuller rails, and wider outlines. They will make paddling much easier and wave entry earlier.

If you’re a solid intermediate or advanced surfer, you can think about refined shapes with thinner rails and added rocker for maximum control in steeper or faster waves, and closeout sections.

When in doubt, go slightly bigger. Ultimately, all we want is to surf more waves and enjoy better sessions.

Your local conditions should also influence your choice. Here’s a quick reminder of the type of mid-length you’ll want in different surf:

• Small or Mushy Waves: longer board, flatter rocker, wider outline;
• Point or Reef Breaks: balanced length, moderate rocker, pulled-in tail;
• Punchy Beach Breaks: slightly shorter length, more rocker, thinner rails;

As we’ve seen above, most mid-lengths fall between 6’8” and 8’0”. It’s not a strict rule, just an overall idea of their size.

Consequently, shorter mid-lengths feel closer to a shortboard, mid-range lengths offer the best all-around balance, and longer mid-lengths deliver longboard-style glide with a bit of added maneuverability.

Weight, fitness, and paddle strength matter more than height when choosing size. And age is also something to consider, as older folks generally have less paddling power.

We’ve mentioned volume already. Although volume has become overrated, it is also true that more liters mean you’ll get into any wave faster.

If your goal is to surf more and work less, erring on the side of extra volume is rarely a mistake.

Last but not least, let’s leave you with a few rules of thumb regarding nose and tail shapes and fin setups. See which matches your surfing style to make your final purchasing decisions:

• Wide Nose: early entry and glide;
• Pulled-in Nose: better control on steeper drops;
• Round or Pin Tail: smooth, controlled turns;
• Squash or Diamond tail: looser, more playful feel;
• 2+1 Fin Setup: best all-around option for most surfers;

Our last words are to choose function over fashion. You won’t regret it.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com