How to Choose the Right Surf SUP in 2025

Ready for a board that matches your style? Browse our full Surf SUP collection to see every option side by side.

Picking a surf-specific stand-up paddleboard matters more than most people think. The wrong shape or size turns good waves into a struggle. The right one makes every session feel effortless.

Here’s what actually counts when you buy.

Decide Between Hard and Inflatable First

Hard boards deliver the truest surf feel. They respond fast and hold speed down the line. Most serious wave riders still prefer epoxy construction.

Inflatable surf SUPs have improved a lot. Drop-stitch materials now stay stiff under pressure. They pack into a backpack and survive dings that would crack a hard shell.

Quick rule:

• Travel often or limited storage? Go inflatable like the Loco Shred Air.
• Surf every decent swell at home? Choose hard boards.

Match Length to Your Weight and Skill

Longer boards float better and paddle straighter. Shorter ones turn quicker.

General guide for adults:

• Under 70 kg / 154 lb → 8’0” to 9’0”
• 70–90 kg / 154–198 lb → 8’6” to 9’6”
• Over 90 kg / 198 lb → 9’0” to 10’0”

Beginners usually stay happier on something with extra length and volume at first.

Examples:

• Lightweight rippers love the Loco Twinny at 8’6”.
• Bigger riders or learners pick the Loco Amigo at 9’6”.

Understand Volume and Thickness

Volume (measured in litres) tells you how much float the board has. More volume equals easier paddling and wave catching.

Rough starting points:

• Beginner → 140–180 L
• Intermediate → 120–150 L
• Advanced → under 130 L

Thickness ties into volume. Most surf SUPs run 4” to 5” thick. Thinner boards (4” or less) sit lower in the water and rail better but demand good balance.

Pick a Shape That Fits Your Waves

Different outlines work best in different conditions.

Classic Longboard Nose Rider

Wide nose, rounded tail. Great for small, mushy waves and nose riding. → Loco Longboard SUP or Loco Logger

Performance Shortboard Style

Pulled-in nose and tail, sharper rails. Fast turns in steep, hollow waves. → Loco El Diablo

Hybrid / All-Round Surf

Balanced outline, forgiving rails. Handles a wide range of conditions. → Loco Hybrid or Loco Surf Pro

Kid or Light Rider Special

Scaled-down volume and width. → Loco Guppy

Fin Setup Changes Everything

• Single fin → smooth, flowing turns, easy for beginners.
• Thruster (three fins) → more drive and tighter arcs.
• Quad (four fins) → fastest down the line, looser feel.
• 2+1 → adjustable depending on conditions.

Many boards like the Loco Switch 4-in-1 let you swap setups.

Construction Points That Actually Matter

• EPS foam with epoxy → light and lively.
• Carbon patches under feet → stronger where you stand most.
• Double bamboo or carbon stringer → keeps the board stiff over years.
• Reinforced rails → survive paddle taps and wipeouts.

Budget Reality Check

Good surf SUPs start around £700–£900 for hard boards and £500–£700 for quality inflatables. Spending a bit more once usually beats replacing a cheap board every season.

Final Checklist Before You Buy

• Matches your weight and ability
• Suits the waves you ride most
• Hard or inflatable fits your lifestyle
• Volume keeps you floating without struggle
• Fin box system you can grow with
• Warranty and local support available

Take your time. A board that fits you today will still feel right two years from now.

Which board are you leaning toward? Drop a comment and we’ll help narrow it down.