How many litres does your board need?
Volume is what decides whether you catch waves or spend the session paddling. Answer three things and we will tell you the range to look in, already adjusted for the waves here.
Your range
– litres
The lower number is the minimum: a board with nothing to spare, for the days there are real waves. The higher one is the board you will enjoy on an ordinary Tuesday with half a metre. If in doubt, take the higher one.
Why this gives you more litres than other calculators
Because the brand ones are built around waves with power, and there are none here. Weak waves mean more paddling to get in, and that means litres. Lost says so in its own table — it raises the coefficient for "extremely small surf and thick wetsuits" — and Pyzel and Global Surf Industries recommend the same. We just add it for you: 8% more, plus three litres if you will be surfing through the winter, because a 4/3 weighs on you and costs you paddle power.
Volume is not everything
A board with flat rocker paddles better than one with more litres and a lot of curve. Litres are the best clue you have from a second-hand photo, but if you can see the board in person, pick it up and look down the rail.