How to use
- 1Enter your weight and height (kg/cm or lb/ft-in).
- 2Choose your skill level, from first lessons to expert.
- 3Set your fitness and the usual wave size.
- 4Read the volume range, board type and suggested length, plus the volume for every level at your weight.
The guild factor formula
Volume in litres = body weight in kg × guild factor. Beginners need roughly their own weight in litres (factor 0.9–1.0), improvers 0.6–0.75, intermediates 0.42–0.50, advanced surfers 0.38–0.42 and experts 0.34–0.38. A 75 kg (165 lb) intermediate needs about 32–38 L, an advanced surfer about 28–32 L. Low fitness adds about 6%, high fitness takes off 4%; small mushy waves add 6% and powerful surf takes 5% off, because you need less float to catch steep waves.
Which board for which surfer
First lessons belong on an 8–9 ft soft-top: stable, buoyant and safe. Improvers move to a 7–8 ft funboard or mid-length that still paddles easily. Intermediates do well on a fish or hybrid around their own height in small surf. Advanced surfers ride performance shortboards roughly their height in good waves, a shorter, wider groveler when it is small and a longer step-up when it gets big.
Wetsuits, water and longboards
A thick winter wetsuit in cold water – the UK, Ireland, Northern California, New England – adds weight and stiffness, so add 1–2 L. In warm water with a rash vest you can sit at the lower end. Volume is a weak guide for longboards: a 9 ft log has 60–80 L whatever you weigh, and length, outline and rocker matter more.
Frequently asked questions
What volume surfboard do I need?
Multiply your weight in kg by your guild factor: about 1.0 for beginners, 0.6–0.75 for improvers, 0.42–0.5 for intermediates and 0.38 or less for advanced surfers. At 80 kg (176 lb) an intermediate needs about 34–40 L.
What size surfboard should a beginner get?
A soft-top of about 8–9 ft with roughly as many litres as you weigh in kilograms; heavier beginners should go to 9 ft or more.
Is it better to have too much or too little volume?
Slightly too much: you catch more waves and progress faster. Too little volume makes paddling and wave-catching hard, which slows learning.
How long should my shortboard be?
A performance shortboard is usually around your height, give or take a few inches – about 5′10″ to 6′2″ for a 5′10″ surfer – with the volume set by the guild factor.
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