Shortboards
Shortboards are small surfboards designed for maneuverability and generally higher performance, aggressive style riding. Typically shortboard surfboards are less than 6’6″ long, less than 22″ wide at the widest point, and have a narrow pointed nose and tail.
Longboards
Longboards surfboards are large boards designed to easily catch and ride waves, and to be easy to balance on and ride. Longboards are generally 9′ long or more, and 22″ wide or wider at the widest point, with rounded noses.
Hybrid / Malibu / Funshape / Egg
Hybrids surfboards also known as Malibus, Funshapes, or Egg shapes look like small longboards and incorporate a blend of the shape and performance characteristics of shortboards and longboards. Hybrid shaped surfboards are generally between 7′ and 9′ long and no less than 21″ wide at the widest point, with rounded noses.
Hybrid surfboards are generally the best boards to learn to surf on, are fun to surf in a variety of wave conditions, and work very well here on South Padre Island.
Fish
A fish shaped surfboard is a variation of a shortboard, incorporating more width in the nose, tail, and center of the board than a typical shortboard, as well as a straighter outline shape and flatter rocker. Fish shaped surfboards are typically between 5′ and 6.5′ long and 20″ to 23″ wide.
These specialty shortboards work very well in South Padre Island, and are a local favorite for higher performance surfing especially when the waves are small.
Gun
A gun shaped surfboard is a variation of a hybrid or fun shape, generally 6’9″ – 10’6″ long, and less than 19″ wide at the widest point. Gun shaped boards are medium long and skinny, and always incorporate a very narrow and pointed nose and tail. Gun shaped surfboards are specifically designed for riding the big waves, and are not generally used on South Padre Island except by experienced surfers riding our biggest waves (hurricane generated swell).
