Surfboards

Surfboards buying guide

Rider Shack is a small, surfer-run shop in Los Angeles carrying new, used, and soft-top surfboards for every level. Use this page to compare board types, browse brands, and find the right shape for your local waves before you buy.

Shop surfboards by type

Shortboards are for surfers who want speed, quick turns, and vertical performance in waves with real push. Most shortboards have a 5-fin box letting you ride as a thruster or quad — the most common setup in performance surfing. Fish surfboards are wider and flatter for more speed and glide in small to average surf. They come in thruster, quad, and twin-fin setups depending on the model.

Midlength surfboards are the fastest-growing category in surfing right now. They paddle better than a shortboard, catch waves earlier, and still turn well. Fin setups range from thrusters to 2+1 single-fin configs depending on the shape. Longboards maximize wave count and glide. Most ride a single fin or 2+1 setup with a center single and small side bites.

Soft boards are the best starting point for beginners and a great option for crowded summer lineups. They come with fins included and are nearly indestructible. Used surfboards are hand-inspected by our team and cover every type — shortboards, fish, midlengths, longboards, and soft tops — at lower prices.

Shop surfboards by brand

We carry Lost Surfboards, Firewire, Pyzel, Channel Islands, Torq, Catch Surf, and Modern Surfboards. Each brand page walks through the model lineup so you can compare shapes before choosing.

Fin systems: Futures vs FCS II

The two main removable fin systems in surfing are Futures and FCS II. Most boards in our inventory use one or the other, so your fins need to match your board's boxes. Futures fins use a single tab that slots into the box and locks with a screw. FCS II fins snap in without tools, though screws are recommended for larger fins. Both systems have the same broad selection of thrusters, quads, twin fins, and 5-fin sets. Browse our surfboard fins or read Surfboard Fins Explained for a full breakdown.

What fins, leash, and traction do you need?

Once you have a board, you need fins that match the fin system, a leash sized to the board length, and optionally a traction pad. As a general rule: 6' leashes for shortboards, 7' for fish and midlengths, and 8–9' for longboards. Browse surfboard leashes, traction pads, surfboard bags, and wax and repair kits.

Buying resources

New to surfing? Start with A Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard. Shopping on a budget? Read How to Buy a Used Surfboard. Not sure what volume you need? Use our Surfboard Volume Guide. Surfing around LA? The Surfers Guide to Los Angeles matches board types to local spots like Malibu, Venice, El Porto, County Line, and Marina del Rey.

Shipping, pickup, and local help

We ship new and used surfboards across the US from our Los Angeles store. Local pickup is always free. For board sizing details, shipping costs, and oversized board rates, see our Shipping Policy. For returns, see our Refund Policy. Need a board before you decide? Check Surfboard Rentals. Have a board to sell or trade? Visit Surfboard Consignment.

Surfboards FAQ

What size surfboard should I get?

Beginners do best on a longer, wider board with plenty of volume — typically a longboard, midlength, or soft top in the 7'0"–9'0" range. Use our Surfboard Volume Guide as a starting point, then contact us with your height, weight, and local waves.

What is the difference between a thruster and a quad?

A thruster uses three fins and gives you control, stability, and the ability to pivot off the tail. A quad uses four fins, removes the center fin drag, and creates more speed and drive — especially in smaller or hollow waves. Most modern shortboards and many fish boards have a 5-fin box that lets you run either setup by swapping the center fin.

Do surfboards come with fins?

Most new surfboards at Rider Shack do not include fins. The board comes with fin boxes for FCS II or Futures fins, and you choose your fins separately. Soft tops and some beginner boards are an exception — they typically come with fins already installed. Browse our surfboard fins to find the right set for your board and fin system.

Can Rider Shack help me choose?

Yes. Contact us with your height, weight, skill level, current board, and the waves you usually surf. We can compare board types, brands, sizes, and fin setups and recommend a few specific models that make sense for you. Buying from Rider Shack supports a small, surfer-run shop in Los Angeles.