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Shortboards – Size is very subjective because the amount of flotation you need depends on your physical strength and experience, both of which affect your ability to paddle and catch waves. Even very small differences in length, width, and thickness are detectable to an experienced rider. If you are experienced, you probably already know what size you want. If you are a beginner or intermediate of average build, a good rule of thumb for a shortboard of average proportion is to ride a shortboard about six inches over your height. If you are lanky, knock off a couple of inches from the surfboard. If you are stocky, add length and/or thickness to your surfboards. Best recommendation for first-timers? Borrow your friends' surfboards and see what feels right or at least what feels too big or too small.

Longboards – Exact dimensions are less critical for the longboard rider. The best fit is reflected in the longboard's ability to float the surfer. Laying still on a longboard, you should be able to center yourself so the nose is an inch or two above the surface and the rest of the surfboard slopes slightly toward the tail. At the end, the tail should be a few inches beneath the surface. When paddling with the nose a couple of inches above the surface the "trim" of the surfboard should be about level, and when you stop paddling your surfboard should continue to glide for several feet. Expect some water to run over the rails along your body. If you remain dry your longboard floats you too well decreasing maneuverability unnecessarily.

If your surfboard floats you correctly, you should be able to sprint up to a plane for takeoffs and your longboard should begin to accelerate or glide down the face of a wave without the wave having to be extremely steep. If you find yourself paddling down the face of waves for steep, late takeoffs like a shortboarder, you probably don't have enough speed. That lack of speed is usually the result of inadequate flotation (exaggerated rocker compounds the problem).