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.
