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Midlength Surfboards
Shop midlength surfboards at Rider Shack — the fastest-growing board category in surfing. Midlengths paddle better than a shortboard, catch waves earlier, and still turn well. We carry midlengths from Lost, Firewire, Torq, Thunderbolt, Lewis, Salt Gypsy, and The Critical Slide Society.
Compare with longboards and fish surfboards, or use our Surfboard Volume Guide for sizing help.
Midlength surfboards buying guide
Midlength surfboards sit between a shortboard and a longboard — typically 6'6" to 8'6" — and are the fastest-growing category in surfing right now. They paddle earlier than a shortboard, catch more waves, and generate their own glide, while still fitting into steeper sections better than a full longboard. For many surfers a midlength is the board that makes average sessions feel genuinely fun again.
Fin setups on midlengths — the most variety of any board type
Midlengths have more fin configuration variety than any other board type in our inventory:
Thruster (3 fins) — the most common setup in our midlength inventory. Good control, familiar feel, works well for surfers stepping down from a shortboard. Browse thruster fins.
2+1 single fin (single center with two small side bites) — the classic midlength setup. More glide, flow, and trim than a thruster. Browse single fins and side bite fins.
Twin fin — fast and loose for a surfy, free feel. Great for longer fish-style midlengths. Browse twin fins.
Single with quad rear — a single fin with two quad rear fins for more hold than a standard 2+1. Browse quad rears and side fins.
5-fin box — lets you run thruster or quad. Common on performance midlengths that want versatility. Browse 5-fin sets.
If you're coming from a shortboard and want a familiar feel, start with a thruster midlength. If you want more glide and flow, try a 2+1 setup. Read Surfboard Fins Explained for guidance.
Midlength brands we carry
Lost Surfboards — a wide range of midlength shapes from one of the most progressive brands in surfing.
Firewire — epoxy and soft deck midlengths including the Seaside and Beyond and other versatile shapes.
Torq — our largest midlength brand by volume, with affordable epoxy shapes across funboard and midlength sizes.
Thunderbolt — high-performance epoxy midlengths including the Harley Ingleby HIBT series and CJ Nelson Designs shapes.
Lewis — local Santa Monica shaper with a focus on high-volume fish, mids, and longboards built specifically for Southern California surf.
Salt Gypsy — the Mid Tide midlength in 7'0", 7'4", and 7'8" in PU and epoxy soft deck, including Cynthia Rowley collaboration colorways.
The Critical Slide Society — the Wave Master 5000 SLX in 8'0" with a premium soft deck epoxy construction.
When to choose a midlength
Choose a midlength if you want more paddle power and wave count without going to a full longboard. They are especially strong for progressing surfers, returning surfers, and anyone surfing a lot of average Southern California beach break. Midlengths also work well at Malibu-style point breaks and softer days at County Line and El Porto. Compare with longboards if maximum glide and nose-riding are your priority, or fish surfboards if you want something shorter and skateier in small surf.
Sizing and volume
A performance midlength tends to be narrower and thinner for more responsiveness. A forgiving funboard-style midlength carries more volume for easier paddling. Use our Surfboard Volume Guide to check liters, then contact us for help comparing specific shapes.
What else you need with a midlength
A 7' leash fits most midlengths well. Browse midlength leashes. For bags, a fish and mid bag fits midlengths well. For wax and repair, see wax and repair kits.
Used midlengths
Browse used midlengths or read How to Buy a Used Surfboard before shopping.
Midlength FAQ
What is a midlength surfboard?
Generally a surfboard between 6'6" and 8'6" combining elements of a shortboard and a longboard. They paddle better than a shortboard and still turn well.
What fin setup does a midlength use?
More variety than any other board type — thrusters, 2+1 single fin, twin fin, or 5-fin box depending on the shape.
What leash length do I need for a midlength?
A 7' leash is standard for most midlengths. For boards closer to 8' or longer, consider an 8' leash. Browse midlength leashes.
Is a midlength good for beginners?
Good for progressing surfers, not ideal for complete beginners. A soft top or longboard with more volume is better for learning to paddle and stand up. Once you can catch waves and want to improve, a midlength is a great next step.
