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Know Your Surfboard Volume, Catch More Waves

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Having the right surfboard sizing for your body type and for the conditions you are surfing can mean the difference between frustration or glory.

Knowing the right surfboard volume for you and the conditions you are surfing is a great starting point in the process of selecting an appropriately sized surfboard.

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“…foam is your friend…don’t be scared of it. A little bit of extra foam here and there is good for the soul… and your surfing.”
– Rob Machado

Do your friends remark about how adept you are at taking late drops?  Do you struggle to catch waves and, once you’re up, do you struggle to generate speed?  You may need to look at the volume of the surfboard you’re riding.

What is surfboard volume?

Volume: the amount of space a surfboard occupies, usually expressed in liters (i.e., 35L’s of volume). Loosely, a surfboards [length x width x thickness] will yield the volume of a surfboard. However, the key to the placement of that volume, the surfboard’s foil, affects the overall volume of a surfboard greatly.

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Why is surfboard volume important?

Volume is fundamentally important in a world where surfboard shapes have become more and more diverse; a 6’6 good wave shortboard surfboard may easily have less volume than a 5’6 groveler surfboard. Knowing the right volume for you – a subjective combination of personal preference, body weight, experience, age, fitness, skill level, riding style, etc. – will ensure that you don’t buy a surfboard with too much or too little volume. Too little means you won’t catch as many waves and will have trouble generating speed. Too much means the board will feel bulky, hard to transition and turn. Here is a guide to help you choose a surfboard with the right volume for your weight and for the type of waves you will ride with the board.  There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to surfboard volume; board size and volume is highly personal and subjective.  This is a guide only:   

Surfboard-Volume-by-Surfer-Weight-and-Surfboard-Type |CompareSurfboards.com

What is your volume sweet spot?

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I’m an intermediate surfer and weigh 105 kg’s (230 lb’s).  After trial & error, I have found that my volume sweet spot is ~36L’s for a good wave board, ~37-41L’s for an average wave board and 45L’s+ for a groveller surfboard in tiny, weak waves. If you think you may be riding boards with too little volume, ask yourself these questions: 1.) Do I have trouble catching waves? 2.) Do I have trouble generating speed once I am up to my feet and riding? If you answered ‘yes’ to either question, try riding a board with more volume, even if it feels strange at first.  Rob Machado would be proud. Need more convincing?  Check out this cool tool from …Lost Surfboards. What is your surfboard volume sweet spot?

 

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Benny

My name is Benny and I have a surfboard problem. Join us on our journey of riding and reporting on the best boards we can find from the best shapers (both big name and underground) on the planet. Subscribe to the newsletter
  • Derelique

    Volume answer Benny. When sitting on your board.:
    Pro- water level at your nipples.
    Beginner water level at your Belly Button.
    Us somewhere in between

  • Rody Rodriguez

    Hi,
    I have a question about volume: I’ve a 6’5 “shortboard” * 20 1/2 * 2 3/4 around 37L. I like it but I have some trouble catching waves (generating speed). I tried my friends fish 6’2*20 3/4*2 3/4 (only a quarter wider) and it felt too big for me. Had too much uplift and harder to turn. However, speed wasn’t an issue. So I was looking for a bullet-egg-board with ~37L… and I found two.

    First: 6’2*20 5/8* 2 11/16 (~37L).

    The other: 6’0*20 3/8*2 9/16 (also ~37L).

    Which one should I go for? and could you explain me why? I have some trouble priorytising beetween volume and length.

    Thanks in advance
    Rody

  • mcnutts

    What does everyone think about thickness vs. Width. Which yields more volume. Example: i have two 6’2″ with similar shapes. One is 1 inch wider than the other but the narrower one is 2.5thick vs. 2″ 3/8 of the wider one. Seems the wider one carrys that width well to the tail compared to the more narrow but thicker one. Which in general will give you better volume- width or thickness?

  • Chris

    Phil,
    I appreciate the volume calculator as I’ve been searching for the right board to match my needed volume. I’m really trying to fine tune my search as I’m going to either find the right board or have it made. I’ve always gone for the longer meatier board as I’m 6’4 230 lbs/104 kilos. I’m always trying to go shorter, so volume is criticalI. I was wondering if height should be a factor when considering board volume as the taller you are the more your weight will be distributed throughout the board? Thoughts?

    • Phil

      Hey Chris,
      Height is definitely a factor in finding the right board but yes, it will be more about volume distribution. Good shapers should scale their board models in such a way that longer boards will suit taller surfers (not just be a straight up-scaled board) but body shape will have an influence too. You should take your ideal volume to a good shaper and let him size you up. He can adapt a good shape to your height and perhaps put more volume in the nose or tail.
      Let me know how you go! Always interested in more data!!

  • estevan23

    Hi Benny,
    Would you say a fish with a larger volume than longboard willbe easier to surf with? Also, if I want to compensate weak paddling with a larger volume than the chart recommends, will that make sens?

  • estevan23

    Does this indicate the minimum volume? Or will exceeding the corresponding volume (i.e. higher volume than what the chart says) also have bad effects on your surfing?

  • Melissa Shernoff

    I’m looking to buy a surfboard for my boyfriend who is a somewhat experienced (intermediate) surfer. We live on the east coast of south florida so the waves aren’t huge. He is about 5’9″. I know nothing about surfing so I need some guidance on what kind of board to get!! Thanks!

    • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

      Hi Melissa, this is very kind of you – good girlfriend! – but I highly recommend engaging him to buy the board. Board choice is highly personal!

      • Melissa Shernoff

        Thank you! I think you’re right.. I just liked the idea of a surprise. I think I’ll just take him on a surfboard shopping trip 😉

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  • Scot Lyf

    I’m 6’4″x190(-)pounds, 29.6L to 31.0L is my sweetspot-range for volume, depending on the shape/volume flow. I’m age 47. My go-to board is the stock DFR at 6’1″x19 1/8″x2 7/16. I only surf when it’s hollow or sizeable(at least belly high, i.e., for me, at least 4′ faces), otherwise I’m not interested in surfing). Also, I live to perform and keep in shape,.. so I take care of myself, all around.

    • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

      Hey Scot, thanks for sharing! Great to know you’ve dialled in your surfboard sizing – it’s so subjective but when you get it right it makes all the difference!

  • Karl Jakobsson

    This is a great question. A volume – wave size chart should have a U shape as you need more volume again for good BIG waves

    • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

      Hey Karl, this is in the works!

  • GeniusUnleashed

    Hey Phil. I found your calculator to be a little off for me unless you think a smaller wave board should be using less volume? I’m 190-195 and above average surfer looking for a fun small wave summer board. Your calculator said 29.5 – 30.5 which is really low for me. 32 is my standard shortboard volume. Just thought I’d pass it along.

    • Phil

      Hey mate. Thanks for the feedback! Can you give me all values you put in so I can compare with my notes and do some tweaking. Every extra data point is a great help in fine tuning. Cheers!

      • GeniusUnleashed

        Sure thing.

        88kg
        4
        4
        Semi-Fish
        2
        Summer

        Spit out = 29.5 – 30.5

        For those specs I’d probably ride a 33-34L board. A bit of extra foam to get me through the weaker summer SoCal surf.

        • Phil

          Thanks for that. I’ve found there are so many variables involved throughout development. The current one is a simplified version tuned into Australian East Coast swells. Working on a few iterations with ‘Wave Strength’ and other values so good to have a data point for SoCal! Will keep you updated. Cheers.

          • GeniusUnleashed

            Yeah, just before I hit send, I added the Socal bit because I realized summer for me may be entirely different than summer for you, haha.

            Outside of those epic southern hurricanes we get, summer pretty much is weak slop.

    • Universal Truths

      for 190-195 vol. range is 35L. average & 40L-groveler

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Very little difference MM! If you were to ride both boards blind during the same session, it’s doubtful you would notice any difference.

    I find it more useful to think in terms of percentages – a 10% jump up or down may start to become noticeable, 20% even more, etc.

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Hey Kreeg, float (buoyancy) is based on volume and density so that wouldn’t change if the boards have the same construction but my understanding is that a longer board, with a longer rail line and slightly larger surface area, will plane better and ‘feel’ like it paddles like a more voluminous board.

    In a 6’4 to 6’6, however, I doubt you would notice a difference.

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Not much Kmac – if you’re used to a lot of volume, transitioning down to a shorter board that has more volume than you are ‘supposed’ to ride is sensible.

    You’ll know when having too much volume is holding you back. A board will feel bulky, hard to turn, etc.

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Cool Phil, thank you for sharing! I gave it a go and it was pretty spot on for me.

    All, take a look at Phil’s volume calculator tool (and Sculpt surfboards) and let him know what you think

    • Joao Marcelo

      Nice tool, Phil, congratulations. Tried several different combinations, and it looked prettty sharp…

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Hey Fat Freddy, I think volume is a more important metric than length – especially these days where there is so much variety in designs. I have a 5’11 groveler with 45L’s and a 7’0 gun with 36L’s…both float me fine but are clearly suited for different wave types!

    That said, I have a mental block for riding boards that are below a certain length (5’11 is my cutoff). For whatever reason, I just don’t consistently ride boards below that size well. Could be my ability but also a bit of personal preference.

    Does this help you?

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    No worries!

  • SND

    Hello Benny – I’m very interested in the Lost RV board but not sure what size to get. I’m 49, 6ft tall and weigh 165lbs. I’m a intermediate surfer and want to progress into something shorter and more aggressive. I’m currently riding a Becker LC3 7’6″ board. Thanks for any feedback.

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Hi Stella, thank you for this good feedback. I haven’t had many surfers your size comment on surfboard sizing so this is valuable.

    So ~27L’s feels right for your size? Do you know other surfers who are roughly your size who also ride similar volume?

    • Federica Nuovo

      Hi Benny, I actually had the same “problem” as Stella had. I am 50 kg and I am surfing a 33 lit Super fish 5.10×20.5×2.45 now and I pretty happy about it 🙂 Since not many girls of my size go surfing, i had to figured that out by myself so I hope my feedback will help somebody out.

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  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    No worries!

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Have you ridden an R.V. in bigger surf? Let Frank know how it went for you.

    Frank, my experience with the R.V. is that it would take to slightly bigger, steeper conditions but I actually felt like it rode like a groveler – or in between my hybrid small wave boards and a groveler.

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Hey there, it’s not intended to be ridden overhead but I have ridden the Lost R.V. at head high on a steep, a-frame beachie and it went surprisingly well.

    Check out the full review here: http://bit.ly/LostRVReview

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Hi J, thanks very much for your question!

    It is a guide only but more geared for the average surfer. Would love any feedback you have on the guide – does it work/not work for you?

    Cheers,
    Benny

  • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

    Hi Dylan,

    This is a tough question.

    Rather than get specific about the board you’re riding, I think it’s important when you’re learning that you stick with a single surfboard for a while. Especially given this is your first shortboard after riding a longboard.

    It’s also important to note that The North Shore of Oahu is not the best place to be a learner (to put it mildly). The waves there (during season) are far too large, powerful and dangerous for anyone but the most experienced and seasoned surfers and watermen.

    Regardless, even though you find the Chronic Bully difficult to duck dive, at this stage, it’s more important to have a board that is stable, will help you to catch waves easily and will make it easy for you to stay on your feet after you pop up. You have already tried a 6’2 and that was too small and unstable as you had difficulty popping up.

    Stick with the Chronic Bully. Even though it is too big for you, it looks like a decent option for a surfer looking to move to a shortboard from a longboard. After you have mastered it, you can move to a board more appropriate for your size.

    And please pay careful attention to forecasts in your area and do not venture out in conditions beyond your skill set and experience. Swell size can double in an hour on the North Shore!

    I hope this helps you.

    All the best,
    Benny

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  • PJ

    A HUGE BENEFIT, considering I am going to be spending apporox $700NZ on getting a new surfboard made.
    ONE QUESTION: Should more volume be added to the tail, the front, or throughout the board?
    I’m 66 years old, 73KGS, ride a 7’2″ board with a rounded square tail. The foam at the tail has collapsed recently and I am finding it hard to catch a wave. I think the end needs to be wider and fatter (thicker). Others say that I’m wrong. It needs to be thicker up where my shoulders lay on the board. Any suggestions??

    Thanks

    PJ

    • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

      Hi PJ, thank you for this great question. The ‘foil’ or distribution of foam/volume throughout the board is really specific to a given design.

      Generally, in my experience, boards with more volume through the chest area work best for me because I’m a big guy at 105kg’s – that foam up front helps me get into waves more easily and to generate speed. However, I don’t like to have too much volume or bulk in the tail because I can’t turn (check out the JS Pier Pony review).

      If you’re speaking to a local shaper about a custom, share what works and doesn’t work for you with your current board(s) and he or she should be able to point you in the right direction. Also, it may be useful to pick up a few ‘off the shelf’ boards at your local shop to see what feels right.

      I hope this helps you!

      Cheers,
      Benny

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  • Oopiknarf

    Thanks for linking me to this. It was a huge help. You are the best surf commentator on YouTube.

    • http://comparesurfboards.com/ thebenny

      It’s a pleasure to help Oopiknarf! Don’t forget to subscribe to get access to the latest reviews and thank you for your support.

      Cheers,
      Benny

  • jaime

    Well written piece, thanks. One correction and a request. First, estimating the volume of a board based upon a single measure of thickness, width, and length is not empirical, its just an estimate which ignores extensive variation among boards with respect to shape. Second, why not just measure the actual displacement/volume of a board directly (i.e. an actual empirical exercise) by dunking the board in water?

    • thebenny

      Thank you for that Jaime, erroneous diction few would catch. I’ll leave the calculation of volume to the manufacturers but I agree with your method.

      Cheers,
      Benny

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  • thebenny

    Hi John, thank you for your question and feedback.

    The chart is a guide only, based in part on a number of shaper volume calculators (Stacey Surfboards, Lost, Channel Islands) and in part on my experience and the experiences of the surfers I know. Again, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to surfboard volume; board size and volume is highly personal and subjective.

    Cheers,
    Benny

  • John

    Hi Ben. Thanks for the great article. I was wondering where you gathered the data to produce the chart listed above. Thanks again!

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