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Planches De Surf - HawaiiSurf

Surfboards: Fish, Shortboard, Longboard & Softboard

(240 products)

Choosing the Right Surfboard Based on Your Level, Build, and Conditions

Choosing a Surfboard that fits is one of the most important decisions for progressing and enjoying the waves. Every surfer has their own level, build, and approach to riding. A well-chosen board makes paddling easier, improves wave catching, and allows for a smoother evolution in all conditions.

Since 1976, HawaiiSurf has been selecting boards suitable for all profiles, from beginners discovering Surf to advanced riders seeking more performance. Our selection includes shapes that can cater to all riding styles and wave types.

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Which Board to Choose for Starting and Progressing?

When starting out, progression often depends more on the choice of board than on the physical level of the rider. A board that is too short or too technical can quickly become frustrating, while a model offering enough volume allows for catching more waves and developing the right reflexes much faster.

Softboards remain the go-to choice for learning in good conditions thanks to their stability and ease of handling. Surfers looking to keep an evolving board over several seasons will also appreciate the qualities of Funboards, which can support a wide range of technical progression.

As experience grows, some riders turn to more dynamic shapes like Fish Surf, particularly enjoyable in small waves due to their natural speed and excellent drive.

Choosing the Right Size Surfboard

The ideal size always depends on a balance between the rider's build, their level, and the waves they most often surf. A board offering more volume will facilitate paddling, buoyancy, and take-off on the wave. Conversely, a more compact board will provide more responsiveness but will require more technique.

Surfers who prioritize ease and comfort in varied conditions often appreciate Longboards for their smooth ride and excellent wave-catching ability. More experienced riders naturally gravitate towards Shortboards, designed to offer more precision and performance in hollower sections.

Epoxy or Polyester: Two Different Sensations

The choice between epoxy and polyester construction directly influences the board's behavior in the water. Epoxy boards are appealing for their lightness, durability, and excellent buoyancy. They are particularly suitable for surfers looking for easy paddling and good versatility in small to medium conditions.

Polyester boards, on the other hand, offer more traditional sensations. Their livelier behavior underfoot is often appreciated by experienced surfers who seek more precision and sensitivity in their trajectories.

The Best Boards for Small Waves

When conditions become less powerful, certain shapes allow for maintaining speed and enjoyment. Fish Surf boards remain references due to their width, natural speed, and ability to generate drive in soft sections.

Longboards and some mid-lengths also offer an excellent solution for fully enjoying small waves while maintaining a smooth and accessible surf. Funboards often represent a great compromise for riders looking for a single board that can perform in a wide range of conditions.

Understanding Different Board Styles

Each shape has its character. Shortboards prioritize performance, maneuverability, and quick direction changes. Longboards emphasize fluidity, paddling, and long, elegant lines.

Fish Surf excels in small waves while Funboards offer remarkable versatility. Understanding these differences allows for choosing a board that truly fits one's practice rather than following a trend or a simple aesthetic criterion.

Essential Accessories to Complete Your Gear

A good board deserves a coherent setup. Surf Leashes ensure the rider's safety while Surf Fins directly influence speed, control, and maneuverability of the board.

Surf Pads and Surf Wax improve grip underfoot, while Surf Covers effectively protect your gear during transport, travel, and storage.

The Expertise of HawaiiSurf Since 1976

For nearly fifty years, HawaiiSurf has been guiding several generations of surfers in choosing their gear. Our team selects boards suited to the conditions actually encountered on French and European coasts, with a particular focus on quality, progression, and the joy of riding.

Whether you're looking for your first board, a versatile model to surf year-round, or a more technical board to push your limits, our experience allows us to guide you towards the gear that best fits your level and your surfing style.

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 pack offer allows you to enjoy a 5% immediate discount by adding a board and a set of fins to your cart, excluding already discounted products. Select fins compatible with your board and check the displayed discount before finalizing your order.