Are You Riding the Wrong Surfboard?

Are You Riding the Wrong Surfboard?

If you’re surfing regularly, putting in the work, but still feel stuck – like you're not improving or can’t catch enough waves – there’s a good chance your board is holding you back.

Most surfers underestimate just how much the wrong board can slow down their progression. Whether it’s too small, too advanced, or just not matched to your current goals, poor board choice leads to frustration, fatigue, and missed waves.

Let’s break down the most common surfboard mistakes – and how to choose the right board to actually get better.

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1. You Downsized Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes intermediate surfers make is chasing a performance shortboard too soon. You think: “If I get better equipment, I’ll surf better.” The reality? Most surfers who size down too fast:

• Struggle to paddle
• Miss waves
• Struggle to generate speed
• Get discouraged

Volume is your friend – especially if you're still refining your takeoff, timing, and turns. A board that paddles well and holds speed through soft sections will let you practice more and fall less. That’s how you improve.

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2. Your Takeoff Is Compromised

A telltale sign your board isn’t right? Your takeoff feels slow, awkward, or like you’re constantly nose-diving. That’s often not a technique issue – it’s a volume issue. If you’re paddling hard but getting sucked back up the wave or popping up at the very bottom, your board likely doesn’t have enough float or the right rocker for your level.

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3. You’re Catching Fewer Than 70% of Waves You Paddle For

This is the ultimate red flag. Unless you're stuck in a massive crowd, you should be catching at least 3 out of every 4 waves you paddle for.

If you’re missing more than that, ask yourself:

• Am I positioning poorly?
• Is my paddling weak?
• Or… is my board just making it harder?

If your paddling technique feels solid and you’re still not connecting with waves, it’s probably not you – it’s the board.

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4. You’re Choosing for Ego, Not Environment

Let’s be honest – a lot of us pick boards we think we should be riding, not what actually fits our local wave conditions or our actual skill level.

Your board should match:

• The types of waves you mostly surf (small and soft? quick and steep?)
• The style you want to surf
• How often you paddle out
• How confident you are in the water

A small-wave performance board or mid-length might not look “pro” – but if it gives you more speed, more control, and more fun, who cares?

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5. You're Not Adjusting for Your Body

Your board should reflect your mobility, endurance, and paddle power – not just your weight.

You could be in great physical shape and still struggle on a twitchy, low-volume board if your surfing-specific fitness (shoulders, back, breath control) isn’t up to speed. Or vice versa – you might not be “fit” in a gym sense but surf well with the right board under your feet.

Board selection should be based on how you move in the water – not how you look on land.

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How to Actually Choose the Right Board

• Start big, then trim down gradually
• Don’t chase pro models unless you surf pro waves
• If you surf once or twice a week, optimize for fun and reps, not precision
• Match board volume to your ability to paddle, not your ego
• Track how often you actually catch waves, and adjust if needed

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How TRAX Helps You Spot the Problem

Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether it’s your technique or your equipment that’s holding you back. That’s where TRAX comes in.

TRAX is a smart sensor + app that tracks:

• Your weight distribution
• Turn angles and movement flow
• Where your surfing breaks down

It gives you clear feedback on whether your board is limiting your performance – or whether there’s a technique issue to fix. Plus, it recommends targeted drills to help you build better habits and make the most of the board you’ve got.

Think your surfboard might be the problem? TRAX can help you know for sure.
Sign up below to get early access and learn what’s really holding you back.

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Why You’re Not Catching More Waves – The right board gets you into more waves — here’s how.

Does Surf Skating Help Your Surfing? – Not all progression happens in the water — land drills can bridge the gap.