Never Ride a Beach Cruiser Down a Mountain Bike Trail
Imagine bringing a beach cruiser up the chairlift at a ski mountain and attempting to ride the singletrack down. No suspension. No brakes worth trusting. Just a clunky, steel-framed cruiser with a basket on the front. It’d be a disaster—and probably dangerous to you and everyone else on the trail.
You wouldn’t ride the wrong bike for the task at hand. So why would surfing be any different?
Matching your equipment to the conditions of the day is eight-tenths of the battle. And yet, it’s one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of a good surf session.
When the Waves Are Steep and Powerful
You want something that can handle takeoffs with confidence—something responsive and narrow enough to fit in the pocket of the wave. A pulled-in tail. Sharper rails. Maybe a touch more rocker to keep you from pearling on late drops. This is when your performance shortboard or refined twin comes alive. The kind of days where paddling out feels like a challenge, but you’re rewarded for showing up prepared.
When the Surf Is Small and Mushy
That same board that held its own on overhead days is going to feel underwhelming here. You need foam. Glide. A wide planing surface. Something that can catch waves early and carry speed across flat sections. This is when your mid-length or longboard becomes your best friend. The board that turns knee-high peelers into an absolute blast.
When the Conditions Are In-Between
This is where having a versatile board in your quiver matters. Something that bridges the gap. A fish, a stubby twin, or a fuller-outlined mid-length can give you the best of both worlds—early entry and maneuverability. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be the right tool for the job.
Too often we get down on ourselves after a bad surf—and don't get me wrong, there are days when my body just does not want to cooperate. However, there are also plenty of days when I just brought the wrong board for the day. Bring a board that you are confident on and that is going to help you squeeze more enjoyment out of your time in the water.
Don't drive to the beach, only to turn around and drive home because you were being stubborn about which equipment you wanted to bring to the beach.
Choosing the right board won’t just help you surf better. It’ll help you surf more.
What's Next?
