Surfboard Volume Explained: Expert Guide to Choosing Your Ideal Size
Understanding surfboard volume is crucial for choosing the right board, but it's often misunderstood or over-complicated. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what volume means, how it affects your surfing, and how to choose the right volume for your needs - without getting lost in complex calculations.
nanazero Editorial Team - A specialized team of surfboard experts. Working with surf influencers worldwide to track the latest trends and technologies. Our diverse team includes surfboard design and manufacturing specialists, dedicated to providing valuable information to surfers of all levels.
@higashisacom - With over 20 years of surfing experience and 15+ years of blogging. Ambassador for the Australian scientific surfing method "Correct Surf," sharing methods for improving surfing skills scientifically. Involved in surfboard design and development for beginners to intermediate surfers. Instagram: 35,000 followers, YouTube: 17,000 subscribers.
What is Surfboard Volume?
The right board volume helps you catch waves more easily and perform better
Think of volume as your board's "floatiness." Measured in liters (L), it represents how much space your surfboard takes up - or more simply, how much foam is in your board. While surfboard length and width are easy to see, volume gives you a more complete picture of how a board will feel in the water. For more on basic surfboard design, check out our complete beginner's guide.
Why Volume Matters
Volume affects three crucial aspects of your surfing:
- Paddle Power: Higher volume means easier paddling and better wave catching ability
- Stability: More volume generally provides more stability when standing up
- Maneuverability: Lower volume allows for easier turns and more responsive performance
Understanding Volume Recommendations
How to Calculate Your Ideal Volume
Finding your ideal volume balance is key to progressing in your surfing
Skill Level Definitions
- First Timer: Learning to paddle, finding balance and stability
- Beginner: Starting to catch waves, working on takeoffs and basic turns
- Intermediate: Consistent takeoffs and cutbacks
- Advanced: Performing reentries, snaps, and carving maneuvers
- Expert/Pro: High-performance surfing, advanced maneuvers
| Skill Level | Volume Multiplier | Example (70kg/154lbs surfer) |
|---|---|---|
| First Timer | 0.70 | 49.2L |
| Beginner | 0.52 | 36.9L |
| Intermediate | 0.44 | 30.8L |
| Advanced | 0.37 | 25.8L |
| Expert/Pro | 0.35 | 24.6L |
Beyond the Numbers: Important Considerations
Volume recommendations should be adjusted based on several key factors:
- Height: Taller surfers might need additional volume for better weight distribution
- Physical Fitness: Better paddling strength might allow for less volume
- Age: Older surfers often benefit from extra volume for easier paddling
- Surfing Goals: Recreational surfers typically enjoy more volume than competitive surfers
- Wave Type: Different conditions might require different volumes
Volume Guidelines by Board Type
Shortboards
While traditional volume calculations work well for shortboards, recreational surfers might want to add 2-4 liters to these numbers.
Mid-lengths
Mid-length boards like our WOOD SKIN MID02 typically carry more volume than shortboards. Focus less on strict volume calculations and more on how the board feels under your arm.
Longboards
For longboards, overall length and design characteristics often matter more than specific volume numbers. Our EPS Longboards LOG02 series demonstrates how volume distribution can enhance traditional longboard characteristics.
Common Volume Myths
Myth #1: Lower Volume = Better Performance
Reality: The best performance comes from riding a volume that matches your skill level and surfing goals. Many recreational surfers actually perform better with slightly more volume than competition standards suggest.
Myth #2: Volume Charts Are Universal Rules
Reality: Volume recommendations are guidelines based primarily on competitive shortboard surfing. Your ideal volume might differ significantly based on your age, fitness, and surfing goals.
Making Your Final Decision
When choosing your board's volume:
- Consider your honest skill level and surfing goals
- Think about your local wave conditions
- Factor in your age and fitness level
- Remember that having fun is more important than following strict volume rules
Browse our complete surfboard collection, where each board's volume and characteristics are clearly listed to help you make an informed choice. Need personalized recommendations? Our team is here to help you find the perfect match for your surfing journey.