A duck dive is a technique for pushing a board underwater to get through breaking waves. Smaller, lower-volume boards are easier to duck dive than larger or more buoyant boards.

“Epoxy” boards usually have an EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam core and are laminated with epoxy resin instead of polyester resin. Epoxy boards tend to feel: lighter, more buoyant, stiffer, sometimes more lively or “corky.” Epoxy boards are often lighter than fiberglass boards, which can help with paddling speed and overall ease of catching waves, especially in weaker or smaller surf.

Fiberglass boards are often described as having a smoother, more “damped” or classic feel in the water.Most traditional surfboards are made with a polyurethane (PU) foam core and covered in fiberglass cloth layered with resin. Fiberglass boards are usually moderate in weight—heavier than epoxy boards but lighter than many soft-tops. Many surfers like the added weight because it can feel more stable and predictable, especially in choppy conditions. 

Fiberglass boards may dent more easily than epoxy but are the most common “standard” construction.

A fin setup is the number and way fins are attached to the board. Fins change how a surfboard feels in the water, sometimes dramatically. The number of fins, their placement, and their shape can affect speed, control, looseness, and how the board holds through turns. Most boards are set up in one of three common configurations. Fins also come in different sizes and must be compatible with the board’s fin box system. Fin setup is one of the easiest ways to make the same board feel completely different.

A fish is a shorter, wider board often with a swallow tail and usually ridden as a twin fin or quad. Fish boards are fast, fun, and great for small to medium surf.

A groveler is a small-wave shortboard designed to generate speed and fun in weaker, mushier surf. Grovelers are usually wider, thicker, and higher volume than performance shortboards.

A longboard is typically 9 feet or longer and designed for glide, trim, and classic style. Longboards are great for smaller surf and for maximizing wave count.

A midlength sits between a shortboard and a longboard (often around 6’6”–8’0”). Midlengths offer more paddle power and glide while still allowing turns and maneuverability. Many surfers consider them the perfect “everyday” board.

A quad is a four-fin setup known to generates speed and hold, especially in down-the-line waves, but can feel less pivoty than a thruster.

A surfer’s quiver is their collection of boards — different boards for different waves, conditions, and moods.

The rails are the edges of the surfboard. Rail shape affects how a board holds in the face of a wave and how it turns. Softer rails can feel forgiving, while sharper rails can feel more precise.

A rocker refers to the curve of the board from nose to tail. More rocker can help in steep or hollow waves, while flatter rocker often paddles faster and works well in smaller surf.

A shortboard is a performance-oriented surfboard built for sharper turns and steeper waves. Shortboards typically have less volume and require stronger paddling and wave positioning.

A step-up is a longer version of a surfer’s shortboard, meant for bigger, faster, more powerful waves. Step-ups offer more paddle power and control when the surf gets serious.

A three-fin setup known for its balance of speed, control, and maneuverability, typically featuring a center fin that adds stability and hold. It is the most common fin configuration on performance shortboards. A related setup is the 2+1, which uses a larger center fin with two smaller side fins and is common on midlengths and longboards.

A fin setup that is considered fast, loose, and playful, often with a more flowing or skatey feel.

Volume is a measurement of how much foam a surfboard contains, usually listed in liters (L). More volume generally means more float and easier paddling, while lower volume can feel more responsive but less forgiving.