Shortboard Buyer’s Guide 2025

If you’re new to the world of shortboards, here’s the deal. These boards are designed for speed, agility, and high performance, meaning they’re made for those fast, powerful waves where you can really let loose. A shortboard’s perfect for the aggressive surfer who’s all about carving, gouging, and hitting the lip at full throttle.

But before you rush out and grab one, let’s get one thing straight: Shortboards aren’t beginner boards. They’re meant for the intermediate to advanced crew. If you’re still in the “I’m learning how to surf” phase or if you usually ride in mushy, small waves, this probably isn’t the board for you. For those of you just getting into the game, check out our guide on beginner boards before you drop cash on a shorty.

Alright, if you’re still with us and you’re ready to dive into the world of shortboards, let’s break down what to look for. Picking the right shortboard isn’t as simple as grabbing the first one you see. A lot goes into choosing the right board, from the design to the volume to the fins, so we’ve created this Shortboard Buyer’s Guide to give you the lowdown.

 

Shortboard Design

When picking out a shortboard, it’s not just about the graphics or colors (though that’s fun too). It’s about the shape, size, and how it will perform in the waves you’re targeting. Every part of the board plays a role. Here’s the lowdown:

Nose

This is the front of the board, and it plays a big part in paddling, getting into waves, and maneuverability. You’ll find noses that are wide or narrow, flat or curved. A wider, flatter nose is good for easier paddling and catching waves, while a narrower, more rocker-heavy nose is better for late drops and handling steeper, hollower waves.

Rocker

Rocker refers to the curve of the board from nose to tail. The flatter the rocker, the faster your board will go down the line. But, if you’re tackling steeper waves, you want a more pronounced rocker. That extra curve helps you with tight turns and keeps you from digging that nose into the water.

Rails

The rails are the edges of your board, and they can make or break your performance. You’ve got two main types:

• • Hard Rails: More defined and smaller in volume. These give you better hold on big, powerful waves.

• • Soft Rails: More rounded, forgiving, and great for smooth turns. These are better suited for smaller, friendlier waves.
    
    

Tail

The tail is the back end of your board. It’s crucial for speed and maneuverability, and there are different shapes for different riding styles:

• • Pintail: Provides control at high speeds, ideal for big waves but not great for turning.

• • Round Pin: Gives a bit more lift, making turns easier and smoother. Perfect for big carves.

• • Squash Tail: The most common shortboard tail. It’s responsive, lets you turn sharply, and works well in various conditions.

• • Swallow Tail: Great for tight turns, ideal for small, clean waves.
  • Square Tail: Offers stability and lets you make more pivotal turns.

Shortboard Fins

Volume is all about buoyancy – it’s how much water your board displaces. The right volume makes a difference in how easy it is to catch waves and generate speed.

Too little volume and you’ll struggle in softer waves; too much, and your board will feel bulky.

For hollow, steep waves, you’ll want less volume. For flatter waves, go with more. If you’re unsure, volume calculators online can help you find the right amount for your weight and skill level.

 

Shortboard Volume

Volume is the amount of water your board displaces when it’s submerged. It’s measured in liters and determines how much the board floats. If you’ve got too little volume, it’s harder to catch waves and maintain speed. Too much, and your board feels bulky and slow. For steep, hollow waves, less volume is better, but for flatter waves, a little more float will make a big difference.

The general rule? Go lighter on volume for faster, steeper waves, and opt for more volume when you’re dealing with smaller, slower waves. If you’re not sure about what volume works for you, try out an online calculator based on your weight, skill, and fitness level.

 

Shortboard Dimensions

A shortboard’s dimensions—length, width, and thickness—have a huge impact on how it rides. Here’s what to keep in mind when looking at each one:

Length

Typically, shortboards are sized based on your height. Taller surfers need longer boards, but you can ride a board up to 12 inches shorter if you’ve got the right volume.

Width

The wider the board, the more stability and glide you get. Narrow boards, on the other hand, cut through the water more easily, which makes them faster for pumping down the line.

Thickness

Thicker boards have more float, which helps on softer waves. But, go too thick, and you might lose maneuverability.

 

Surfboard Construction

Surfboard materials significantly impact the strength, durability, weight, and buoyancy of the board, which ultimately affects how it performs on the water. Here’s a breakdown of surfboard construction: the core of most boards is typically made from foam, which is shaped into the desired form and covered with a harder outer layer, traditionally fiberglass. The foam is reinforced with a stringer, a strip of wood that runs through the center, adding strength and rigidity.

While traditional surfboard construction used to rely on just a couple of options, today, there are many combinations of materials used to create surfboards. In this overview, we’ll focus on the most common types of shortboard construction.

The three primary types of foam used are polyurethane foam (PU), expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), and polystyrene foam (PS). In addition, surfboards are made using two main types of resins: polyester resin and epoxy resin.

Traditional polyurethane foam (PU) and polyester resin (PU/PE) construction is the oldest and most classic method, still used by many shapers and brands. The boards built this way are heavier and have more flex, making them ideal for carving through hollow waves and barrels. This traditional construction provides better hold in choppy conditions and a smoother feel in the water.

EPS foam and epoxy resin (EPS/epoxy) construction are newer and generally produced using machine-molding techniques. Boards made from this construction are lighter and often preferred by surfers who focus on performing aerial tricks and sharp turns. They sit higher on the water’s surface, allowing for greater speed and glide in flatter sections, making them an excellent choice for small-wave conditions. Epoxy resin also tends to be stronger and more durable than polyester resin, contributing to the overall performance and longevity of the board.

 

Best Shortboards

So, what are some of the best-selling shortboards out there? Whether you’re looking to build a custom board or buy off the rack, here are some of the top options on the market today:

 

Degree 33 – All Terrain Vehicle

Think of the ATV as your dependable daily driver. Medium rails, moderate rocker, and a balanced volume make it a do-it-all machine. Whether the waves are waist-high cruisers or you’re ducking under head-high peaks, this board holds its own. Plus, Degree 33 throws in free U.S. shipping and a 33-day “Ride It and Love It” guarantee. If it’s sh*t, send it back (but it probably won’t be).

 

Channel Islands – Flyer

This one’s a classic for a reason. The Flyer bridges the gap between small-wave flow and high-performance speed. It’s built for the days when the swell isn’t firing, but you still want to rip. It’s a go-to for surfers who want a board that doesn’t feel like a compromise in everyday conditions.

 

Hayden Shapes – Hypto Krypto

The Hypto Krypto isn’t just hype. It’s a freakin’ Aussie icon for good reason—it’s been crowned Surfboard of the Year. This thing carves like butter and flows like a dream. Whether you’re charging or cruising, it’s got the versatility to keep your sessions feeling fresh.

 

Lost – Quiver Killer

You know the deal with the name—ditch the lineup of boards clogging your garage because this baby does it all. From 2-foot dribblers to overhead pits, the Quiver Killer handles everything you throw at it. That round tail and balanced volume? Chef’s f*ing kiss.

 

JS Industries – Blak Box II Round Tail

The Blak Box II is the Swiss Army knife of shortboards. Mushy, punchy, hollow—it doesn’t matter. Low entry rocker and a flat exit mean speed for days, while the medium-full rails keep it playful. If you’re the “just one board” type, this could be your jam.

 

Firewire – Mashup

This board’s all about mixing speed and control. It’s got the tail bite of a performance board without ditching the float. Great for those forgiving days when you’re not trying to push it too hard but still want to throw some spray. Works magic in 2 to 6-foot conditions.

 

Pyzel – Phantom

The Phantom’s all about blending volume with performance. Flat rocker? Check. Thin, full rails? Yep. This is your high-performance daily driver, perfect for waist-high mush or clean overhead waves. You’re gonna feel dialed in on this thing no matter the conditions.

 

Super Brand – Magic Mix

This one’s a wildcard. Wide nose, medium rocker—it’s a balance that works. Steep takeoffs? No problem. Flat, lazy sections? Easy. The Magic Mix isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable as hell