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The repeated challenge for the surfboarding community is whether to sacrifice waves for performance or performance for waves. In general, the longer, straighter surfboards have more paddling power so the surfer can catch more waves with less effort. However, the larger surfboards lack speed and turning ability. Conversely, smaller surfboards have the advantage of extreme maneuverability. Tight turns, vertical movement, even aerials are possible on some surfboards. But they are harder to paddle and catch waves.

Each shape has its own unique characteristics:

Longboards – As the name implies, longboards are generally the longest surfboards available with lengths ranging from eight to twelve or even fifteen feet. The newest designs are influenced by the shortboard to allow for more maneuverability. They are lighter and easier to handle. You can catch your share of waves and have a blast on a longboard even if you are not in peak condition. Yet you can also improve your skills and perform radical maneuvers not possible on the older longboards. Moreover, it's easier to ride a longboard in small waves and mushy conditions that just don't provide the power needed to effectively carve with a shortboard.

Most adults should seriously consider learning to surf on a longboard. Have fun, catch waves, and get the basics down. As you become comfortable on a longboard, you can work your way down in surfboard size to suit your ability and style.

Shortboards – These surfboards are generally defined as high performance between 5'6" and 7'0". The top pros ride shortboards because they make the most radical moves possible in the most critical wave sections. Most shortboards incorporate a basic three fin (thruster) design. The main drawback for many surfers is the amount of physical effort required to paddle a shortboard and to accelerate to a speed necessary to catch waves. The other disadvantage for a beginner is the initial feeling of instability.

Hybrid surfboards – There are many intermediately sized surfboards which offer some of the advantages of both longboards and shortboards. These include "hybrids," best described as long shortboards, and "eggs" or "fun boards" which are more like short longboards. These are generally in the seven to eight foot range and may be perfect if you want to catch waves easier than on a true shortboard but still maintain greater maneuverability than a full longboard.

Fish style surfboards – The current fish designs are reinvention of a design that came into prominence in the late 70's. In general, fish surfboards have a full nose, parallel outline, and wide swallow tail and coupled with two large fins and occasionally one small fin. Today's fish is generally ridden in lengths of 5'8"-6'6". Some designs have wings and most bottoms have generally flatter rockers for increased speed. The fish design works best in average surf conditions although it can be ridden in nearly any condition by an experienced surfer.