All You Need To Know About Surfboard Volume

These days, surfboard volume has become the golden child of surfboard decision-making. “Nah, I only surf 27 litre boards,” or “not enough volume for me.” And it's right! Choosing a board by volume has become the norm – much to the chagrin of your local shaper.

But here at 10 Over Surf Shop, we know volume isn't everything. There is so much to consider when buying your next surfboard that it can feel like a bit of a minefield. Surfboard volume can act as one of many different decisions to make when choosing your next, prized whip – and understanding it is half the battle.

What Is Surfboard Volume?

Volume is the amount of space a board occupies, which is measured in litres. The higher the number, the more float the board has, with shortboards ranging from anything as low as literage in the mid-to-high 20s, through the low 30s, mid-lengths into the 40s and logs well above that.

It’s a mathematical sum of your board’s length, width, thickness, rail shape, bottom contours and overall foil.

But that’s not the whole story here. Two boards with identical dimensions can have different volumes. This is because the rail profiles might be different, the tail could be different, the shape of the deck could be scooped and the bottom contours may be deeper. Volume is where the foam is, not just how much. You’ll also see some shapers dip their boards in barrels of water; the amount of water that spills out is the volume.

Why Is Surfboard Volume Important?

More volume generally means more surfboard. The higher volume, means the board will sit higher in the water, making paddling into waves easier. Having less volume, means lighter boards which can be harder to catch waves on. If you go really high in volume, it can feel as if the board is on the water, rather than surfing on it. A difficult experience to describe, but as with most of surfing, you’ll know when it’s not feeling right.

Volume also impacts your speed. Lower volume boards will be more in the water when up and riding, you can engage the rails and generate speed. Whereas higher volume boards will carry you through a section.

With the right volume distribution, you can push yourself harder through turns, hold a line better and give you confidence in the water.

The right amount of volume for you isn't the number, it's making sure that foam is distributed in all the correct places for your surfing, which can look different for everyone.

Another thing to take into consideration when thinking about volume is the types of waves you will be surfing. You can get away with a few less litres if you're mostly surfing throttling waves with some extra power to them. If you're surfing pointbreaks, you're going to want to prioritise speed and hold over volume – will the board make the next section? That's not really a question about volume, though it's part of it.

How To Choose the Correct Surfboard Volume

Let's say you've been surfing for a while now – note your board's volume as it is and use this as a foundational start point. Next, think about what waves you will be surfing. If the waves are fat or gutless, go up in volume by a few litres. If you're surfing hollow points, take a few litres off. However, if you're getting into the big wave game – you can add about 10 litres onto your step-up. This is because bigger waves need bigger boards and all that water running under you means you need as much paddle power as possible to get into them.

Also, never be afraid to experiment. If you want to ride higher-volume boards in more powerful waves – there's nothing stopping you from cutting against the norm. Remember Kelia Moniz logging Pipeline about a decade ago?

Moving up, or down, in volume is one of the great things about surfing, you are free to express yourself as you see fit. Ultimately, you'll find a number that acts as your guide point. It's then important to understand dimensions – do you want a high volume, shorter board? Some 5'8” fishes can sit comfortably at 39 litres or so.

Some Falsehoods Around Volume

Volume is never a measure of skill. The greatest surfers on the planet will surf higher volume boards, doesn't make them worse surfers. But it is true that beginner surfers should start out on high volume boards, before progressing onto something else.

Twin fins often rely on fuller rails, wider decks than shortboards – and it's why they've made a popular resurgence especially as part of the post COVID world. Like all things in surfing, volume is about feel, you will know what works under foot and what doesn't. And then go and play with it. What line can you take on a fish that's different to a shortboard? Does a mid-length better suit the conditions and if so, how does it work around a section? Do you go up a few litres, down?

These are all important questions and make surfing feel a bit more personal. There is no one-size fits all solution, there is just feel and make do.

If you really do need a starting point, half your body weight in kilograms, et viola, that's your starting volume, give or take.

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