One of the most common questions I hear from surfers is:
“Is my surfboard too small?”
I asked myself the same thing for years.
The frustrating part?
I didn’t think the board was the problem.
I thought I needed more fitness.
More experience.
More confidence.
Maybe I just wasn’t talented enough.
So I did what a lot of surfers do.
I kept downsizing.
I thought riding a smaller board would make me a better surfer.
Instead, I caught fewer waves, spent more time paddling, and went home frustrated wondering why everyone else seemed to be progressing faster.
Looking back, I realise I spent years riding surfboards that were too small for my skill level and the waves I was surfing.
And I see the same thing happen with women all the time.
Not because women can’t surf.
Not because they aren’t strong enough.
But because many of us get sold an idea of what we should be riding instead of what will actually help us catch more waves and improve.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your surfboard is holding you back, this article is for you.
👉 Looking for actual board recommendations? Read my guide to the Best Surfboard for Older Women.
Best surfboards for older women.
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Is My Surfboard Too Small? 7 Signs to Look For
Why Women Often Ride Boards That Are Too Small
How to Choose a Surfboard for Your Goals
This is the kind of board I ride when I just want more waves and less effort — a 5’6″ keel fin fish. Mine was hand-shaped by Soul Board Store in Perth, and they absolutely nailed it. You don’t need a custom to get better though — volume and shape matter way more. But yeah… picking your own colours is pretty fun.
Is My Surfboard Too Small? 7 Signs to Look For
Most surfers assume their technique is the problem.
Sometimes it is.
But often the board is making things much harder than they need to be.
Here are some signs your surfboard might be too small:
1. You struggle to catch waves consistently
This is usually the biggest clue.
If you’re in the right position but constantly missing waves that others are catching, your board may not have enough volume to help you get into waves early.
2. Every session feels exhausting
A board with too little volume requires more paddling effort and more precision.
You end up burning energy just trying to stay in position.
3. You only catch waves when conditions are perfect
A good board should work in average conditions too.
If your surfing only feels good when the waves are perfect, your board may be demanding more than your current skill level.
4. You spend more time paddling than surfing
I’ve definitely been guilty of this one.
Hours in the water.
A handful of waves.
Lots of frustration.
5. You feel like you’re getting worse instead of better
Progress becomes difficult when you’re not getting enough wave count.
Wave count is one of the biggest drivers of improvement.
6. You’re constantly told to move to a smaller board
This one is controversial.
For years I believed progression meant downsizing.
Now I believe progression means catching more waves.
7. You’re not having fun anymore
Surfing should challenge you.
But it should also be enjoyable.
When your equipment is working against you, it’s hard to enjoy the process.
The Mistake I Made for Years
For years I thought the answer was a smaller surfboard.
I thought that’s what good surfers did.
I watched better surfers riding high-performance shortboards and assumed I should be doing the same.
At one point I was riding boards around 23 litres.
For context, I weigh around 60kg.
On paper it sounds impressive.
In reality?
I wasn’t catching enough waves.
I spent more time paddling than surfing.
I’d sit out the back watching waves go by, waiting for the perfect one because my board didn’t give me much room for error.
What made it worse was that I was already giving waves away.
I’d make eye contact with another surfer and think:
“They’ll do more with it than me.”
“They deserve it more.”
“If I fall off, I’ll waste the wave.”
So not only was I riding a board that made catching waves harder, I was catching even fewer waves because of my mindset.
The result?
Years of slower progression.
The biggest breakthrough wasn’t learning some advanced manoeuvre.
It wasn’t getting fitter.
It wasn’t surfing bigger waves.
It was finally riding boards that matched my goals and the waves I actually surfed.
Suddenly I was catching more waves.
Surfing more often.
Improving faster.
And most importantly…
having a lot more fun.
Looking back, I wish someone had told me earlier that wave count matters far more than surfing a board that looks cool in the car park.
Why Women Often Ride Boards That Are Too Small
I’ve noticed this happens a lot with women.
Not because we’re doing anything wrong.
But because we’re often given advice based on what someone else thinks we should be riding.
A lot of surf culture still celebrates smaller boards, harder boards and faster progression.
The message is often:
“You’re ready to size down.”
But nobody asks:
Are you catching enough waves?
Are you having fun?
Do you actually want to surf like that?
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to decide what kind of surfer you want to become.
Do you want:
- maximum wave count?
- long flowing turns?
- small wave fun?
- high-performance surfing?
- easy paddling?
- versatility?
There’s no wrong answer.
But different goals need different boards.
One of the reasons I struggled for years was because I was trying to surf a board that suited a different surfer.
Once I became honest about the waves I surfed most often and the experience I wanted in the water, choosing a surfboard became much easier.
Are Bigger Surfboards Easier?
In most cases, yes.
But that doesn’t mean everyone should ride a giant longboard forever.
The real question isn’t:
“What is the smallest board I can ride?”
It’s:
“What board helps me catch the most waves and enjoy my surfing?”
A bigger board gives you:
- more paddle power
- earlier wave entry
- better glide
- more forgiveness
- more wave count
And wave count is where most progression happens.
You can spend years trying to force a small board to work.
Or you can catch hundreds of extra waves on a board that suits your current ability and conditions.
The surfers who progress fastest aren’t always the most talented.
They’re often the ones catching the most waves.
That doesn’t mean you should automatically buy the biggest board available.
A longboard, mid length, fish and shortboard all have different strengths.
The key is matching the board to the experience you actually want.
That’s where most surfers get stuck.
How to Choose a Surfboard for Your Goals
One of the best things I ever learnt was that not every surfer is trying to become the same type of surfer.
For years I bounced between different boards trying to find the perfect answer.
Longboards.
Twin fins.
Performance shortboards.
Mid lengths.
Every time I thought the next board would finally unlock my surfing.
What I eventually realised was that every board rewards a different style of surfing.
If your goal is maximum wave count
Look at:
- longboards
- mid lengths
- higher volume hybrids
These boards help you catch more waves and spend less time fighting for position.
If your goal is fun in average conditions
Look at:
- fishes
- grovellers
- hybrids
Perfect for small waves and everyday surfing.
If your goal is performance surfing
Then a shortboard might make sense.
But only if you’re consistently catching waves and surfing often enough to justify the trade-off.
If your goal is confidence
Choose the board that gets you into waves early.
Confidence grows surprisingly fast when you’re actually surfing waves instead of watching them go by.
My Surfboard Recommendations
These aren’t necessarily the “best” surfboards.
They’re simply the boards I think solve the problems most women are dealing with.
More waves.
More confidence.
More fun.
And ultimately…
faster progression.
| Surfing Goal | Board | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Waves & Confidence | Gnaraloo Beach Cruiser | Beginners, returning surfers, women wanting an easier ride | Stable, forgiving, paddles easily, helps you catch more waves with less effort |
| Best Progression Board | Modern Surfboards Falcon – PU | Intermediate surfers wanting smoother turns and progression | Still paddles well but allows more performance and flow as your surfing improves |
| Best Soft Performance Board | Salt Gypsy Mid Tide – Epoxy Soft | Women wanting progression without a heavy beginner foamie feel | Softer, stylish, forgiving, and a great transition board |
| Best Smaller Fun Board | Gnaraloo Flounder Pounder | Surfers wanting a more playful board without sacrificing wave count | Easier than a traditional shortboard, fun in small waves, and still catches waves consistently |
| Best Playful Mid-Length | Critical Slide Society Fun Guy – Epoxy Soft | Intermediate surfers wanting relaxed, fun surfing | Smooth, playful feel that helps progression without making surfing frustrating |
Not Sure Which Board Fits You?
| If This Sounds Like You… | Start Here |
|---|---|
| “I just want to catch more waves and rebuild confidence.” | Gnaraloo Beach Cruiser |
| “I’m getting back into surfing after years away.” | Salt Gypsy Mid Tide |
| “I’m progressing but don’t want surfing to suddenly feel hard.” | Modern Falcon |
| “I used to surf smaller boards and want to work back toward that.” | Salt Gypsy Shorebird |
| “I want something playful for smaller waves.” | Flounder Pounder |
| “I want relaxed surfing without the pressure.” | Fun Guy |
👉 If You’re Getting Back Into Surfing
Try Beach Cruiser + Mid Tide
👉 If You Want to Progress Without Jumping Straight to a Shortboard
Falcon + Fun Guy
👉 If You Want Something Smaller & More Playful
Flounder Pounder
🏆 BEST FOR EASY WAVES & CONFIDENCE
Gnaraloo Beach Cruiser
👉 Choose the Beach Cruiser If…
- you’re nervous in the surf
- you want easy paddling
- you’re rebuilding confidence
- you care more about fun than performance
👉 Best for:
- beginners
- returning surfers
- women wanting easy wave catching
Perfect “less effort, more fun” board.
👉 Why I’d Choose This Over a Cheap Beginner Foamie
Boards like this usually:
- paddle better
- progress with you longer
- feel smoother under your feet
- don’t become frustrating as quickly
Cheap beginner boards can work at first, but a better shape often means:
👉 more waves, faster progression, and way more enjoyable sessions long term.
📏 What Size Gnaraloo Beach Cruiser Should You Choose?
| Board Size | Best For | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 7’0” | Smaller surfers under 75kg with some surfing experience | Best if you already catch waves consistently and want something more responsive |
| 7’6” | Beginners to intermediate surfers under 80kg | Good middle-ground option if you want stability without a huge board |
| 8’0” | Most women learning later or rebuilding confidence | The safest and easiest option for most beginner to intermediate surfers |
| 9’0” | Heavier surfers, nervous beginners, or women wanting maximum stability | Best for easy paddling, confidence, and catching as many waves as possible |
Honestly, most women trying to improve will progress faster on a board with a little more volume than they think they need.
I spent years riding boards that were too small because I thought that’s what progression looked like — but catching more waves consistently is what actually improves your surfing.
If you’re stuck between sizes:
👉 go slightly bigger.
Surfing becomes way more fun when you’re not fighting your board the entire session.
Salt Gypsy Mid Tide – Epoxy Soft
👉 Choose the Mid Tide If…
- giant foamies feel bulky to you
- you want easier progression
- you still want wave count
- you’re getting back into surfing after time away
👉 Great if:
- you hate giant foamies
- want something fun but forgiving
If you want something that feels smoother and more playful than a giant beginner foamie — but still forgiving enough to help you progress — the Mid Tide is probably one of the best options out there.
This board paddles easily, catches waves well, and still feels responsive enough that you won’t outgrow it straight away.
What I really like about boards like this is they help bridge the awkward gap between:
👉 “complete beginner”
and
👉 “trying to improve without making surfing frustrating.”
The Mid Tide feels stable under your feet without feeling bulky or slow, which is why I think it suits a lot of women learning later in life or rebuilding confidence after time away from surfing.
📏 What Size Mid Tide Should You Choose?
| Board Size | Best For | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 6’8” | Smaller surfers under 65kg with some experience | Best if you already catch waves consistently and want a more playful feel |
| 7’0” | Advanced beginners under 70kg | Good balance between stability and progression |
| 7’4” | Most women wanting easier paddling and confidence | Probably the sweet spot for many beginner to intermediate surfers |
| 7’8” | Women wanting maximum stability and wave count | Best for easier wave catching and relaxed surfing |
👉 Why I Like Boards Like This
A lot of women get stuck between oversized beginner boards and tiny shortboards that suddenly make surfing feel hard again.
Boards like the Mid Tide sit right in the middle:
- easier paddling
- easier wave catching
- smoother turns
- still fun as your surfing improves
Honestly, that middle ground is where most surfers progress fastest.
🏄♀️ BEST FOR PROGRESSION
(Intermediate / Wanting Better Turns)
Modern Surfboards Falcon – PU
👉 Choose the Falcon If…
you’re not ready for a tiny shortboard
you’re catching waves already
you want smoother turns
you want progression without losing paddle power
The Falcon is one of the better options for surfers who are moving beyond the beginner stage but still want a board that paddles well and catches waves consistently.
This is the kind of board I’d recommend for women who:
- are already getting to their feet regularly
- want smoother turns and better flow
- don’t want surfing to suddenly become exhausting again
The Falcon give you a much better middle ground — enough volume to keep wave count high, but enough performance that you can keep progressing for years.
It still feels stable and forgiving compared to high-performance shortboards, but it has a more refined shape that makes surfing feel smoother and more responsive as your skills improve.
📏 What Size Falcon Should You Choose?
| Board Size | Best For | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 6’0” | Smaller surfers under 50kg with strong skills | More performance-focused and not ideal for most beginners |
| 6’4” | Smaller advanced beginners under 60kg | Good if you already surf confidently and want a responsive board |
| 6’8” | Intermediate surfers under 70kg | Nice balance between paddle power and manoeuvrability |
| 7’0” | Most women progressing beyond beginner level | Probably the best all-round size for progression and confidence |
| 7’6” | Women wanting easier paddling and more stability | Great if you still want wave count without feeling stuck on a huge board |
| 8’0” | Heavier surfers or women prioritising easy wave catching | Maximum paddle power and stability while still progressing |
👉 Why Boards Like This Work So Well
Honestly, this is the category where I think a lot of women enjoy surfing the most.
You still catch enough waves to improve quickly, but the board also starts teaching you:
- smoother turns
- better positioning
- flow down the line
- confidence in steeper waves
That middle ground is where surfing usually becomes genuinely fun instead of just hard work.
“The board for women who are catching waves already but don’t want surfing to suddenly become hard.”
Critical Slide Society Fun Guy – Epoxy Soft
Perfect middle ground.
👉 Choose the Fun Guy If…
you care more about flow than aggressive surfing
you mostly surf smaller waves
you want relaxed, fun surfing
you want easier paddling without a giant board
It sits somewhere between a soft-top and a more refined funboard, which makes it a really good option for women who want:
- easier paddling
- more wave count
- smoother progression
- without feeling stuck on a giant learner board
Compared to many beginner boards, the Fun Guy has a much cleaner, more stylish shape while still keeping plenty of stability and forgiveness. There’s a sweet spot where a board still feels playful without punishing you for every mistake — and honestly that’s where most people enjoy surfing the most.
This is the kind of board that suits surfers who:
👉 want relaxed, fun surfing
👉 mostly surf smaller waves
👉 care more about flow and enjoyment than aggressive performance surfing
Honestly, boards like this are where a lot of people fall back in love with surfing because sessions stop feeling like survival mode and start feeling smooth and fun again.
📏 What Size Fun Guy Should You Choose?
| Board Size | Best For | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 7’0” | Smaller surfers from 60kg+ with some experience | Good if you already catch waves consistently and want something playful |
| 7’6” | Most beginner to intermediate women | Probably the best all-round option for progression and confidence |
| 8’0” | Women wanting easier paddling and more wave count | Great balance of stability, glide, and progression |
| 9’1” | Nervous beginners or surfers prioritising maximum stability | Best for easy wave catching, confidence, and relaxed surfing |
👉 Why Boards Like This Work
A lot of surfers get stuck choosing between:
- giant beginner foamies
or - tiny performance boards that suddenly make surfing hard again
The Fun Guy sits nicely in the middle.
You still get:
- plenty of paddle power
- stability when standing up
- easier wave catching
But the shape also lets you start improving naturally without feeling limited straight away.
For most women learning later in life or rebuilding confidence, this kind of board makes surfing feel way more enjoyable.
“more waves, less performance pressure”
brand angle.
🌊 BEST SMALLER BOARD WITHOUT THE STRUGGLE
(Fun Fish / Hybrid Style)
Gnaraloo Flounder Pounder
👉 Great for:
- women downsizing boards
- surfers wanting a more playful feel
- smaller clean waves
“This is the kind of board category I personally love — smaller and more playful, but still easy enough to catch waves consistently.”
Salt Gypsy Shorebird – PU
The Shorebird sits in that really nice middle ground between a playful fish and a more performance-focused shortboard.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a first surfboard for most women learning later in life — but if you’ve surfed before and want to transition back toward smaller boards after a long break, this kind of shape makes so much more sense than jumping straight back onto a tiny shortboard.
Honestly, this was something I had to learn myself.
Before becoming a single mum, I spent years riding much smaller boards because I thought that was what progression looked like. But after years out of the water, I realised I couldn’t just jump back onto those tiny boards and expect surfing to feel smooth or enjoyable again.
After years out of the water, I realised my ego still wanted to surf tiny boards… but my actual surfing was way happier with more foam under my chest. I wrote a whole article on that here.
Boards like the Shorebird give you:
- easier speed generation
- more paddle power
- smoother flow
- while still feeling fast and playful
It still has that fun twin-fin feeling, but with enough forgiveness that sessions don’t turn into survival mode.
For surfers rebuilding confidence, fitness, or consistency after time away from surfing, this is a much more realistic pathway back into smaller boards.
📏 What Size Shorebird Should You Choose?
| Board Size | Best For | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 5’5” | Smaller surfers under 50kg with strong experience | Quite performance-focused and not ideal after a long break |
| 5’8” | Intermediate surfers under 60kg | Good if you’ve surfed before and still feel confident paddling and positioning |
| 5’11” | Most women returning to shorter boards | Best balance of forgiveness, paddle power, and progression |
One of the biggest mistakes I see women make is buying boards that are way too small because they think that’s what “real surfers” ride.
I have a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best surfboard for your skill level here.
🏄♀️ The 3 Things That Matter Most
Instead of overthinking shapes and specs, focus on:
1. Volume (This Is the Big One)
Volume = how much the board floats.
👉 More volume means:
- easier paddling
- easier wave catching
- more stability
If you’re learning later in life or rebuilding confidence:
👉 you want more volume, not less
2. Length & Width (Stability + Ease)
Longer and wider boards:
- feel more stable
- give you more time to stand up
- make everything feel slower and easier
Shorter boards:
- are more responsive
- but much less forgiving
👉 If you’re struggling to catch waves, your board is likely too small
3. Materials
You don’t need to overthink this.
Soft-top boards:
- lighter
- more forgiving
- great for beginners
Hard-top boards (PU or epoxy):
- more performance
- less forgiving
- better later on
👉 Start simple — performance comes later
⚖️ The Key Takeaway
You don’t need the “perfect” board.
👉 You need the board that gets you into waves consistently
Because that’s how you actually improve.
Longboarder heading out at Noosa on a clean day — one I captured while watching the morning lineup.
If you’re ready to hang ten and try longboard noseriding, check out these tips first.
Final Thoughts
If I could go back and give my younger surfing self one piece of advice, it would be this:
Stop worrying about riding the smallest board possible.
For years I thought progression meant less volume.
Smaller boards.
Harder boards.
More performance.
What actually helped me improve was catching more waves.
The more waves I caught, the more confident I became.
The more confident I became, the more I progressed.
If you’re wondering whether your surfboard is too small, ask yourself one simple question:
Am I catching enough waves to enjoy my surfing?
Because at the end of the day, the best surfboard isn’t the one that looks impressive.
It’s the one that gets you in the water, catching waves and coming back for more.
If you’re in need of some beginner-friendly surf locations for your next surf trip, consider Australia Begin Your Learn to Surf Australia Adventure – Best Kept Secret Surf Locations 2023
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FAQ
Can a bigger surfboard actually help me improve faster?
In many cases, yes.
More volume usually means more waves, and more waves mean more opportunities to improve.
That’s one of the biggest lessons I wish I’d learnt earlier.
Is my surfboard too small if I can’t catch waves?
Not always.
Positioning, timing and paddling all matter too.
But if you’re regularly struggling to catch waves while surfers around you are getting into them easily, your surfboard may not have enough volume for your current skill level or conditions.
Are bigger surfboards easier to surf?
Generally, yes.
Bigger surfboards paddle faster, catch waves earlier and provide more stability.
That doesn’t mean everyone should ride a giant longboard, but most surfers would benefit from more volume than they currently ride.
What is the biggest surfboard mistake beginners make?
In my experience, it’s choosing a board that’s too small too early.
Many surfers think downsizing means progression.
More often it means fewer waves and slower improvement.
How do I know if I need more surfboard volume?
You may need more volume if:
- you’re missing lots of waves
- paddling feels exhausting
- you only surf well in perfect conditions
- you’re progressing slowly despite surfing regularly
More volume usually means more wave count.
And more wave count usually means faster progression.
Should women ride different surfboards to men?
Not necessarily.
But many women weigh less, have different strength levels and often surf for different reasons.
The best board is the one that suits your weight, ability, goals and local conditions.
Not what someone else says you should ride.