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Planches De Surf - HawaiiSurf

Surfboards: Fish, Shortboard, Longboard & Softboard

(234 products)
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How to Choose the Right Surfboard for Your Skill Level, Build, and Conditions

Choosing the right surfboard is one of the most important decisions you can make to progress and enjoy the waves. Every surfer has their own skill level, build, and approach to riding. The right board makes paddling easier, helps you catch waves, and lets you progress with more confidence in all conditions.

Since 1976, HawaiiSurf has selected boards to suit every kind of surfer, from beginners discovering Surfing to experienced riders looking for more performance. Our range brings together shapes suited to every style of riding and every kind of wave.

Which Surfboard Should You Choose to Start Out and Progress?

When you’re starting out, your progress often depends more on choosing the right board than on your physical fitness. A board that’s too short or too technical can quickly become frustrating, while a model with enough volume lets you catch more waves and pick up the right habits much faster.

Softboards are still the go-to choice for learning in the best conditions, thanks to their stability and ease of use. Surfers looking for a board they can progress with over several seasons will also appreciate the qualities of Funboards, which can support a wide range of skill development.

As their experience grows, some riders turn to more dynamic shapes like Fish Surfboards, which are especially fun in small waves thanks to their natural speed and excellent drive.

Choosing the Right Surfboard Size

The ideal size always depends on finding the right balance between the rider’s build, skill level, and the waves they surf most often. A board with more volume makes paddling, staying afloat, and catching waves easier. On the other hand, a more compact board offers greater responsiveness but requires more technique.

Surfers who prioritize ease and comfort in varied conditions often appreciate Longboards for their smooth glide and ability to catch waves with ease. More experienced riders naturally gravitate toward Shortboards, designed to deliver greater precision and performance in hollower sections.

Epoxy or polyester surfboard: what’s the difference?

Choosing between epoxy and polyester construction directly affects how a board performs in the water. Epoxy boards stand out for their light weight, durability and excellent buoyancy. They’re especially well suited to surfers looking for easy paddling and versatility in small to medium conditions.

Polyester boards offer a more traditional feel. Their livelier feel underfoot is often appreciated by experienced surfers looking for greater precision and sensitivity in their turns.

Which surfboard should you choose for small waves? 

When conditions are less powerful, certain shapes help you maintain speed and enjoy the ride. Fish Surfboards are a go-to thanks to their width, natural speed and ability to generate drive through softer sections.

Longboards and some mid-lengths are also a great way to make the most of small waves while keeping your surfing smooth and accessible. Funboards are often an excellent compromise for riders looking for one board that performs well in a wide range of conditions.

Understanding the different board styles

Every shape has its own character. Shortboards prioritize performance, maneuverability, and quick turns. Longboards emphasize flow, paddling, and long, graceful lines.

Fish surfboards excel in small waves, while funboards offer remarkable versatility. Understanding these differences helps you choose a board that truly suits your style of surfing rather than following a trend or simply choosing based on looks.

Essential accessories to complete your setup

A good board deserves the right gear. Surf leashes keep riders safe, while surf fins directly affect a board's speed, control, and maneuverability.

Surf traction pads and surf wax improve grip underfoot, while surfboard bags help protect your gear during transport, travel, and storage.

L's expertise since 1976

For nearly fifty years, HawaiiSurf has helped generations of surfers choose their gear. Our team selects boards suited to the conditions found along the French and European coastlines, with particular attention to quality, progression, and the joy of surfing.

Whether you're looking for your first board, an all-rounder for surfing year-round, or a more technical board to push your limits, our experience helps us point you toward the gear best suited to your level and the way you surf.

Planches de surf pour tous les niveaux

Depuis 1976, HawaiiSurf accompagne les surfeurs dans le choix de leur matériel, du premier take-off aux sessions les plus engagées. Retrouvez ici une sélection de planches de surf adaptées à tous les profils : shortboards pour la performance, fish surf pour les petites vagues, longboards pour une glisse fluide, ou encore softboards et funboards pour débuter et progresser facilement.

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Que vous cherchiez une planche de surf débutant, une board polyvalente pour l’été, un surf epoxy résistant ou un modèle plus technique, notre sélection réunit les meilleures marques surf pour vous aider à trouver la planche adaptée à votre niveau, votre gabarit et vos conditions de pratique.

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FAQ – Which surfboard to choose?

Which surfboard to choose based on your level?
Choose your board based on your actual level, your size, and the waves you usually surf. To learn, prioritize a stable board, sufficiently voluminous, and easy to paddle. Once you master take-offs and the first rides, a funboard or a hybrid model can support your progression. Experienced surfers can then choose a fish, a shortboard, or a longboard based on their riding style: these shapes do not correspond to a mandatory progression.

Which surfboard to choose for beginners?

A foam surfboard suited to your weight is generally a good first choice. Go for a model designed for learning, with enough width and volume to make paddling and your first take-offs easier. Not all softboards are beginner boards: some shorter models are intended for surfers who already feel confident in the water. Check the recommended skill level on each product page. Before your first purchase, find out which surfboard to choose as a beginner, including what to look for in a beginner model suited to your build.

How to choose the size and volume of your surfboard?

The right size depends on your weight, skill level, fitness and how often you surf. Compare length, width, thickness and volume in litres, rather than length alone. Two shapes with the same volume can offer different levels of stability and paddling ease. If you’re a beginner or only surf occasionally, go for a forgiving board rather than one that’s too small or too demanding. To compare dimensions based on your build and how you surf, find out what size surfboard to choose.

What is the difference between a funboard, a fish, a shortboard, and a longboard?
A funboard seeks a balance between paddling ease, stability, and maneuverability. A fish typically has a short and wide shape, favored for maintaining speed in weaker waves. A shortboard focuses on maneuvers and often requires more technique. A longboard promotes gliding and early wave catching. However, the precise behavior depends on the model, its dimensions, and its fins.

Which surfboard to choose for small waves?

In small, weak waves, look for a board that makes takeoffs easier and maintains its speed. A longboard, a high-volume funboard or certain fish boards can work depending on your ability and the type of wave. For beginners, a large softboard is generally easier to ride than a short fish. For experienced surfers, a fish or a shortboard specifically designed for small waves can offer more maneuverability. To choose between shapes based on wave power and how comfortable you are with takeoffs, discover which surfboard to choose for small waves.

Which board to choose to progress after a foam board?
When you regularly catch waves and control your trajectories, a funboard or a hybrid that retains enough volume can make the transition to a hardboard easier. Avoid drastically reducing the length and volume: you risk losing paddling ease and catching fewer waves. You can also continue to progress on a suitable softboard; switching to a hardboard is not mandatory.

What is the difference between a foam surfboard and a hard board?
A softboard has a soft outer coating, while a rigid board has a hard laminated surface. The coating alone does not determine the required level or performance: the internal construction, shape, and dimensions also matter. A large foam board designed for learning prioritizes accessibility; a short softboard can offer a much more technical practice.

Epoxy or polyester surfboard: which one to choose?

These terms mainly refer to the resin used in construction. How a board rides also depends on its core, lamination, reinforcements and shape. An epoxy board is not automatically easier to ride, nor does a polyester board always deliver better performance. Compare each model’s features and focus first on choosing a shape and dimensions that suit your surfing. To understand the role of the core, reinforcements and manufacturing process, find out which construction to choose between an epoxy and a polyester surfboard.

Are fins included with the surfboards?
It depends on the model: some boards come with their fins, while others require a separate purchase. Check the product sheet before ordering. If you choose surf fins, ensure their compatibility with the board's boxes, the intended setup, and the weight range recommended by the manufacturer.

What accessories to buy with a surfboard?
Plan for a suitable surf leash for your board and the conditions, as well as a surf bag for transport. Depending on the surface and the manufacturer's recommendations, add wax or a pad for grip. Also, check if the fins are included and complete your gear with a wetsuit suitable for the water temperature.

Can you buy a board and fins with a discount?

Yes, the HawaiiSurf surf bundle offer gives you 10% off instantly when you add a board and a set of fins to your cart, excluding already discounted products. Choose fins that are compatible with your board and check the discount shown before completing your order.