Shortboard Surfboards
Looking for a fast, responsive board that lets you surf more aggressively? Our shortboard surfboards are built for performance — quick turns, vertical surfing, and confident control in steeper waves. At Rider Shack, our crew of real surfers handpicks shortboards from leading brands like Lost, Firewire, Pyzel, and Channel Islands so you can find the right shape for your home break. Every purchase supports a small, family-run, surfer-operated core surf shop in Los Angeles.
What Is a Shortboard Surfboard?
A shortboard surfboard is typically shorter, thinner, and more rockered than other surfboard types. These boards are designed for:
- Speed: Generate drive down the line and accelerate through sections.
- Maneuverability: Tight, sharp turns in the pocket and on the lip.
- Performance in better waves: Handle steeper drops and more powerful surf.
Shortboards excel in conditions where you want to turn hard, hit the lip, and surf more vertically. They are usually best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers or progressing riders stepping down from a midlength or funboard.
Who Should Ride a Shortboard?
A shortboard may be right for you if:
- You’re consistently catching waves and making the drop on a bigger board.
- You’re comfortable trimming and turning frontside and backside.
- You’re surfing waist-high to overhead waves and want more responsiveness.
- You’re ready to sacrifice a little paddle power for performance.
If you’re still struggling to catch waves or stand up consistently, start with a midlength, longboard or soft board first, then transition into a shortboard later.
Popular Shortboard Models at Rider Shack
We carry a wide variety of high-performance and user-friendly shortboards, including:
- Lost: Driver 3.0, Big Rig Driver, Step Driver, Sub Driver 2.0, Party Platter, Puddle Jumper OG, Puddle Jumper HP, Puddle Jumper Sting, The Ripper, Quiver Killer, RNF ’96, RNF Retro, RNF Kingfish and more.
- Firewire: FRK, Dominator 2.0, Dominator Pro, Sci-Fi 2.0, Mashup, Groove, Boss Up (step-up/midlength crossover), Neutrino, MachadoCado and more.
- Pyzel: Ghost, Phantom, Red Tiger, White Tiger, Power Tiger, Tiger Twin, Precious and other performance shapes.
- Channel Islands: Two Happy, Happy Everyday, Rocket Wide, Dumpster Diver 2 and more.
Not sure which model fits your surfing? Our staff surfs these boards in Los Angeles waves all the time and can help narrow it down based on your height, weight, and experience.
How to Choose the Right Shortboard
When you’re picking a shortboard, think about:
- Volume: Enough liters to paddle comfortably and catch waves without feeling bogged down.
- Outline: Fuller outlines (wider nose/tail) are more forgiving; narrower outlines feel more precise.
- Tail Shape: Squash, round, or swallow tails all change how the board releases water and turns.
- Waves You Surf: Small, punchy beach breaks vs. lined-up point breaks need different designs.
For more help dialing in volume and board design, check out our Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard or contact us with your details for a custom recommendation.
New vs. Used Shortboards
Want to step into a shortboard without overspending? You’ve got options:
- New shortboards: Fresh blanks, no hidden repairs, and the latest shapes and constructions.
- Used shortboards: Budget-friendly and perfect if you’re experimenting with different sizes or outlines.
Explore our Used Surfboards section for pre-owned shortboards that are hand-inspected by real surfers for soft spots, delam, and fin box damage.
Shipping, Pickup & Supporting a Core Surf Shop
We ship shortboards across the continental U.S. with live rates quoted right in your cart. Boards under 5'11" typically ship at lower rates than oversized midlengths and longboards. You can also choose free in-store pickup in Los Angeles or free Central Coast pickup on weekly transfers. For full details, see our Shipping & Returns page.
When you buy your shortboard from Rider Shack, you’re not just getting a new board — you’re supporting a small, family-run, surfer-operated shop that’s been helping LA surfers find the right equipment for years.
Shortboard Surfboards FAQ
Is a shortboard good for beginners?
Most true beginners will have a much easier time learning on a longboard, midlength, or soft-top. Shortboards have less volume and are less stable, which makes it harder to catch waves and stand up consistently. Once you’re catching waves regularly and turning with control, a shortboard can be a great next step.
How much volume should my shortboard have?
Volume depends on your weight, fitness, age, and wave conditions, but as a rule of thumb, progressing surfers often choose a shortboard with slightly more volume than a pro would ride. If you’re unsure, contact us with your height, weight, and experience level and we’ll suggest a volume range and specific models.
What waves are best for shortboards?
Shortboards work best in steeper, more powerful waves from about waist-high to well overhead. They excel at punchy beach breaks, fast peaks, and lined-up point-break days when you want quick, responsive turns rather than just cruising.
Should I buy a new or used shortboard?
If you want the latest construction and a clean slate with no repairs, go new. If you’re experimenting with size, outlines, or just on a tighter budget, used shortboards are a smart choice. Our Used Surfboards are hand-inspected so you don’t have to guess about hidden damage.
Do you ship shortboards outside of Los Angeles?
Yes. We ship shortboards nationwide with live UPS and USPS rates shown in your cart. You can also choose free in-store pickup at Rider Shack or free Central Coast pickup on our weekly transfers. For complete details, check our Shipping & Returns page.
