Surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports, offering a mix of excitement, challenge, and connection to nature. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the right surfboard can make a big difference in your performance, particularly when it comes to paddling. For beginners, in particular, finding the easiest surfboard to paddle is crucial for building confidence and enjoying the sport. However, with so many different types of surfboards available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that make a surfboard easy to paddle and identify the best types for different surfers. We’ll also discuss the most important characteristics to consider when selecting a surfboard for paddling and offer some tips for improving your paddling technique. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your gear, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Makes a Surfboard Easy to Paddle?
When discussing which surfboard is easiest to paddle, there are a few key factors to consider. The goal is to select a board that helps you get out into the waves with minimal effort and lets you catch waves more easily. The following characteristics affect how easy it is to paddle a surfboard:
1. Size of the Surfboard
The size of a surfboard is one of the most important factors influencing how easy it is to paddle. Larger boards tend to float better, making it easier for you to catch waves and maintain speed in the water. Smaller boards, on the other hand, require more skill and effort to paddle, as they have less volume and are harder to balance on.
Longboards are typically the easiest to paddle. They are large, wide, and thick, providing plenty of buoyancy to help you paddle through the water with less effort. Longboards also provide a large surface area, which makes it easier to catch waves early and stay on them for a longer ride.
Funboards or Mini-Mals offer a balance between the ease of paddling a longboard and the maneuverability of a shortboard. They are slightly smaller than longboards but still provide enough buoyancy to make paddling easy for most surfers.
Shortboards, while fast and agile, are the most challenging to paddle, especially for beginners. Their smaller size and reduced volume mean you need to put in more effort to generate speed and catch waves.
2. Board Volume
Volume refers to the amount of space a surfboard takes up in the water. More volume generally means the board will float better and be easier to paddle. Boards with higher volume provide greater stability and are easier to balance on, especially for beginners.
Higher volume boards are easier to paddle because they offer more floatation. This makes it easier to catch waves and maintain speed.
Lower volume boards are less buoyant, which means they require more energy to paddle and catch waves. These boards are typically preferred by advanced surfers who want more maneuverability and speed.
3. Shape of the Surfboard
The shape of a surfboard affects how it moves through the water. Surfboards with wider noses and tails are easier to paddle, while narrower shapes may require more effort to keep balanced and maintain speed.
Wide Noses and Tails: Surfboards with wide noses and tails tend to be more stable and easier to paddle. These boards offer more surface area to float on, which helps you get out to the lineup more efficiently.
Narrower Shapes: While narrower shapes are more responsive and agile, they can be harder to paddle, especially for beginners. They require more precise paddling to maintain speed and position in the water.
4. Rails and Bottom Contours
The design of the rails (the edges of the board) and the contours of the bottom also play a role in paddling efficiency. Boards with softer rails and flatter bottoms tend to paddle more easily.
Soft Rails: Boards with soft rails are easier to paddle because they create less drag in the water. They are forgiving and help you maintain balance when you are paddling out to the waves.
Flat Bottoms: A flat-bottomed surfboard is easier to paddle because it offers more surface area in the water, which helps the board float and glide with minimal effort.
5. Board Weight
A heavier board requires more effort to paddle, while a lighter board is easier to maneuver and catch waves with. However, there’s a trade-off: lighter boards may not provide the same level of stability as heavier boards.
Lightweight Boards are easier to handle, especially for beginners. However, lightweight boards may not be as stable as heavier ones, which can make paddling in rougher waters more challenging.
Heavier Boards offer more stability and make it easier to catch waves, especially in bigger surf. But they require more energy to paddle and can be harder to manage in choppy conditions.
6. Materials Used in the Board
The materials used to construct a surfboard can affect its buoyancy and paddling efficiency.
Modern surfboards are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Epoxy Boards are lighter and more durable than traditional fiberglass boards. They are often the best choice for beginners because they provide good buoyancy while being easy to handle.
Fiberglass Boards are traditional boards that offer excellent performance but are generally heavier and less forgiving. They are favored by experienced surfers but can be difficult for beginners to paddle.
The Best Surfboards for Paddling
Now that we’ve discussed the factors that influence paddling ease, let’s look at some specific types of surfboards that are generally considered easy to paddle. These boards are perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their paddling ability.
1. Longboards
Longboards are the quintessential choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-paddle surfboard. Their large size and high volume make them highly buoyant, which means you don’t have to exert much effort to stay afloat and paddle to the lineup.
They also make it easier to catch waves early, giving you more time to get to your feet and ride.
Best For: Beginners, intermediates, and those who enjoy a more relaxed, stable ride.
Why it’s Easy to Paddle: The longboard’s large surface area provides excellent stability, making it easier to catch waves and maintain momentum.
2. Funboards (Mini-Mals)
Funboards, also known as Mini-Mals, are a great option for those who want a more versatile board. They combine the best features of longboards and shortboards, offering ease of paddling without sacrificing too much maneuverability. Funboards typically range in length from 7 to 8 feet, which provides a good balance of stability and performance.
Best For: Beginners to intermediates who want a balance of stability and maneuverability.
Why it’s Easy to Paddle: Funboards are wide enough to provide stability while being shorter and lighter than longboards, which makes them easier to maneuver.
3. Hybrid Boards
Hybrid surfboards are designed to combine the features of both shortboards and longboards, offering the best of both worlds. They typically have a wider nose, a moderate rocker, and plenty of volume to ensure they paddle efficiently while still offering enough responsiveness for more advanced maneuvers.
Best For: Surfers of all levels who want a versatile board for various conditions.
Why it’s Easy to Paddle: The added volume and wider nose make these boards float easily, while the hybrid design allows for quicker turns and responsive handling.
4. Soft Top Surfboards
Soft-top surfboards are another excellent option for beginners. These boards are designed with a soft foam top layer, which makes them safer to ride and more forgiving for new surfers. The foam construction adds buoyancy, making it easier to paddle, while the stable design helps surfers maintain balance.
Best For: Beginners and surfers who want a safe, stable board.
Why it’s Easy to Paddle: Soft-top surfboards are lightweight, durable, and stable, making them the perfect choice for those just learning how to paddle and catch waves.
5. Egg Shaped Surfboards
Egg-shaped boards are short, wide, and rounded, offering plenty of volume for easy paddling while still being nimble enough for advanced maneuvers. These boards are especially suited for surfers who want to catch small to medium waves with ease.
Best For: Intermediate surfers who want an easy-to-paddle board for small to medium waves.
Why it’s Easy to Paddle: The shape offers great stability and buoyancy, making it easier to catch waves and paddle through the surf.
Tips for Improving Your Paddling Technique
Choosing the right surfboard is only part of the equation. To become a more efficient paddler, you should also focus on your paddling technique. Here are some tips to help you improve:
1. Use Long, Smooth Strokes
When paddling, aim for long and smooth strokes, rather than short, choppy ones. This will help you generate more speed and efficiency, allowing you to paddle longer without tiring quickly.
2. Maintain Proper Posture
Keep your body aligned and avoid slouching. Proper posture helps your paddling technique and reduces fatigue. Engage your core muscles to maintain balance and power in your strokes.
3. Paddle with Both Sides
Alternate paddling on both sides of your board to maintain a straight course and prevent overexertion on one arm. This technique also helps you avoid developing muscle imbalances.
Conclusion
The easiest surfboard to paddle is typically a larger, more stable board with a higher volume. Longboards, funboards, and soft-top surfboards are all excellent choices for beginners and those looking for a relaxed paddling experience. While advanced surfers may prefer smaller, more agile boards, those starting out in the sport will find that boards with more buoyancy and stability make paddling much easier and more enjoyable.