Fish vs Funboard vs Longboard: Which Surfboard Shape Works Best in Florida?

Ever paddle out here in Florida and feel like you were just missing wave after wave? It might not be you. A lot of surfers here end up riding the wrong board for our small, soft waves.

The good news is that picking the right shape makes all the difference. We’re breaking down three of the best options for our conditions: the fish, the funboard, and the longboard. 

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a local looking to up your wave count, this guide will help you find your perfect match.

How Florida’s Waves Shape Your Board Choice

Picking a surfboard for Florida is different from selecting one for California or Hawaii. Our waves have their own personality, and your board needs to match it.

What Florida Waves Are Actually Like

Most days, you’re looking at knee-high to waist-high surf. It’s often a bit choppy from the wind, and the waves can be slow and mushy. This means you need a board that can paddle fast to catch waves early and generate speed easily once you’re up. 

In winter, we get slightly bigger and cleaner swells, but for most of the year, you’re dealing with small, soft waves. That’s exactly why volume and a wide outline are your best friends here.

Fish Surfboards: Speed and Fun for Small Florida Surf

When the summer surf is tiny, a fish surfboard is your go-to. This short, wide shape is built specifically for the kind of weak waves Florida delivers 80% of the year.

Why Fish Surfboards Work in Florida

The magic is in the design. That wide outline gives you extra paddle power to catch mushy waves early. The twin fin setup makes the fish feel fast and playful, letting you race across sections that would make a different board stall.

A model like the WBZ 5'8" Twin Fin Fish is a perfect example. It is loose, playful, and gets you planing fast. This shape is ideal for intermediates who want to progress, but its skatey feel can be tricky for total beginners still learning balance and control.

Funboards: The Most Versatile Surfboard Shape in Florida

If you want one board that can handle almost every day in Florida, opt for a funboard. It sits right between a shortboard and a longboard, offering the best of both worlds.

Why Funboards Are Perfect for Progression in Florida

Funboards, typically in the 7 to 8-foot range, are made for our conditions. They have enough length and volume to paddle easily and catch waves early, which is a huge help in our soft surf. Their rounded outlines are stable and forgiving, making them a top choice for beginners. But they are also nimble enough for intermediates to refine their turns without losing stability. 

A board like the WBZ 7'8" Red Fang Fun Board delivers the smooth, confidence-building ride that most Florida surfers need.

Longboards: The Ultimate Choice for Wave Count in Florida

For most waves in the lineup, nothing beats a longboard. These boards are the undisputed champions of our typical small, weak Florida surf.

Why Longboards Catch the Most Waves in Florida

It’s all about glide and paddle power. A longboard’s length, like the WBZ 9'0" Retro Beach Break Model, lets you catch waves much earlier than anyone else. You can get into knee-high dribblers that shorter boards simply cannot match. This makes them the best tool for beginners who want stability and easy wave entry, and for any surfer who just wants to maximize their time riding waves. While they can feel big in crowded spots, their ability to turn any small ripple into a fun ride is unmatched.

Fish vs Funboard vs Longboard

The right shape comes down to what you want out of your session. Let’s break down the key differences:

Paddling Power, Wave Count & Speed: Which Wins?

For pure paddling power and catching the most waves, the longboard wins every time. The funboard offers a solid middle ground with reliable paddle power. The fish is the speed machine, designed to generate speed once you’re already up and riding.

Maneuverability & Turning Styles

If you like quick, snappy turns, the fish is your board. The funboard offers smooth, drawn-out turns. A longboard delivers the classic, flowing style that is perfect for walking the nose and cruising.

Best Board for Different Skill Levels

Beginners will progress fastest on a funboard or longboard. Intermediates can have a blast on a fish. Advanced surfers often use a fish for performance or a longboard for style on small days.

Should You Choose Foam or Hard Top Versions of These Shapes?

This is a common question, especially for those just starting out. The choice between a soft-top foam board and a traditional fiberglass or epoxy build is important.

When a Foam Surfboard Makes Sense in Florida

A foam surfboard is an excellent choice for a true beginner. They are incredibly safe and forgiving, which builds confidence during those first few wipeouts. Their high buoyancy also makes it easier to catch our weak summer waves. 

We often point new surfers toward a foam funboard or longboard to get them started. For anyone on a budget or trying surfing for the first time, a foam board is a smart way to go.

How to Choose the Best Surfboard Shape for Your Skill Level

Picking the right board depends on your experience. Here’s a simple guide:

Beginners in Florida

Start with a foam longboard or soft-top funboard. They’re stable and easy to paddle, which helps you learn faster and have more fun.

Intermediates

If you’re comfortable popping up, a funboard provides stability while learning to turn. A fish surfboard is your next step for more speed on small days.

Advanced Surfers

For experienced riders, a fish lets you make quick turns in weak surf. A performance longboard is perfect for style and nose rides on mellow days.

Why Waterboyz Is the Best Place to Find the Right Board

When you’re looking for a new surfboard, it helps to get advice from someone who surfs your local breaks. That is exactly what you’ll find at our shop.

Our team surfs the Gulf Coast every day. We know how the waves break at Pensacola Beach and Navarre. This local knowledge helps us match you with the perfect board for your skill level and the conditions you will actually be surfing. We carry a full range of shapes, from beginner foam surfboards and versatile funboards to high-performance fish and classic longboards. 

When you visit our Pensacola shop, we make sure you get a board that works for Florida waves.

FAQs: Fish vs Funboard vs Longboard in Florida

What is the best surfboard for small Florida waves?

For most people, in small waves, a longboard or funboard will catch you the most waves. A fish is great if you want more speed once you are up.

Is a longboard the easiest for beginners?

Yes. A longboard's stability and paddle power make learning to pop up and ride much easier than on a smaller board.

Can I ride a fish as a beginner?

We do not usually recommend it. A fish can feel unstable when you are first learning to pop up and balance.

What is the most versatile surfboard for Florida?

A funboard is the most versatile shape. It works well for beginners but still lets you progress.

The Right Surfboard Shape Makes Florida Surf More Fun

Here’s the simple takeaway: For speed and playfulness in weak surf, you want a fish. For the most versatile all-around performance, a funboard is your pick. And for maximum wave count and classic style, nothing beats a longboard.

The best board for you is the one that matches your skill level and what you want to get out of your session. Do not just follow trends. Pick the shape that will help you have the most fun in our local waves.

Ready to find a surfboard that actually works for Florida? Explore our online selection of longboards, fish, funboards, and foam surfboards. We have everything you need to get the right board for your next session.