What Are the Different Kinds of Surfing?
Surfing isn’t just one thing.
It’s a world of styles, boards and surf breaks that each bring something unique to the lineup.
Whether you’re a beginner learning to catch waves for the first time or an experienced surfer chasing big waves at famous reef breaks, there’s a type of surfing that fits how you move, think and ride these particular breaks.
Before planning your next surf trip with Rise Up, it helps to understand the main types of surfing.
You don’t need to practice all these different types, mind you. But it’s interesting to know how the different waves, boards and surf zones shape your overall experience.
Let’s go!
The art of riding waves: How do we define surfing?
At its core, surfing is simple.
A surfer stands, kneels or lies on a board and rides ocean waves toward the shore. But behind that simplicity lies a whole science of wave formation, wave dynamics and board styles.
Waves form as wind moves across the open ocean, creating swell crests that travel until they reach shallower water. When the wave hits a sand bar, coral reef or rocky point, the energy rises up and the wave “trips” over itself, creating the moment every surfer lives for… a rideable lump of ocean.
Take a deep dive on how waves form.
How and where a wave breaks determines (more or less) what kind of surfing happens there. That’s why surf breaks are often described as beach breaks, point breaks or reef breaks.
Each one has its own rhythm and shape, attracting different types of surfers and surfcraft. Below are the most common types of surfcraft and kinds of surfing you’ll come across in the water.
1. Shortboarding
Shortboarding is all about speed, precision and quick directional changes.
It’s the performance end of the surfing world, built for advanced surfers who love quick takeoffs and sharp turns on steep faces.
Key characteristics:
- Works best on beach breaks, reef breaks or point breaks with hollow, critical waves
- Short, narrow boards designed for agility and control
- Beginners might struggle with a shortboard at first, but there are many user-friendly shortboard models when you progress beyond first-timer
- Ideal for experienced surfers chasing tube rides and aerial maneuvers
Shortboarding is technical and demanding. Every section of the wave counts. Surfers lean forward, drive through turns and read wave dynamics like a map.
Check out our favorite shortboarders.
2. Longboarding
Longboarding is timeless. It’s about glide, flow and feeling the rhythm of the ocean.
The bigger board offers stability and style, making it perfect for both beginner and more experienced surfers seeking a crusier alternative to shortboards.
Key characteristics:
- Long, buoyant boards ideal for small waves and beach breaks
- Perfect for smooth turns, cross-stepping and hanging five (or ten)
- Works best on more mellow waves, especially point breaks or long reef breaks
- Great for learning about wave formation and improving balance
Longboarding slows things down. It’s less about performance and more about connection: how the wave wraps, how your board moves and how your body finds harmony with the water.
Check out our favorite longboarders.
3. Bodyboarding (or boogie boarding)
Bodyboarding keeps you close to the wave… literally. Instead of standing, the surfer lies flat on a soft foam board and kicks into position with swim fins.
It’s fast, accessible and fun.
The barrier to entry is also super low, given that you don’t need to pop up onto the board. That said, some of the craziest, hard-charging surfers in the world ride a bodyboard instead of a surfboard.
Key characteristics:
- Great entry point for beginner surfers just wanting to get wet
- Ridden lying down, using fins for speed and control
- Excellent for whitewash, hollow waves, shallow reefs… anything really
- Cheaper to buy than a shortboard or longboard.
Many surfers start here to learn how waves break and how to position themselves in the surf zone. Others never leave it behind. Bodyboarding offers a direct line to the raw energy of the ocean.
4. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding mixes surfing with balance and endurance.
The rider stands upright on a large board and uses a paddle to move around and catch waves or simply explore calmer waters, like lakes and rivers.
Key characteristics:
- Stable boards suited for small waves or open ocean paddling
- Uses a paddle to catch waves early and move through deeper water
- Perfect for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers
- Great cross-training tool that builds core strength and awareness
SUPs glide across a wide range of conditions. From gentle surf waves to long point breaks to glassy lakes, having a paddle means you can generate speed without needing waves. It’s about freedom and exploration as much as catching an epic ride.
5. Big wave surfing
Big wave surfing is to surfing what climbing Everest is to mountaineering.
These surfers chase massive offshore waves that can reach 30, 40, 90 feet or more. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but for those who feel most alive when confronted with high-risk scenarios and sketchy situations.
Key characteristics:
- Targets huge waves at deepwater reef breaks or outer surf zones
- Requires inflatable vests, jet skis and tow-in surfing for safety
- Demands precise reading of wave conditions, height and formation
- Performed by elite, dedicated surfers with years of experience
Big wave surfing happens at legendary spots where wave crests rise like mountains. Places like Jaws in Hawaii or Nazaré in Portugal are famous for their XXL waves. It’s a blend of science, skill and total respect for the ocean’s force. Oh… and no short amount of courage either!
6. Other ways to ride waves
Surfing keeps evolving, and new ways to ride waves keep appearing. Beyond the classics, there are styles that mix surfing with other water sports and technologies.
Key styles:
- Surf skis: Long, kayak-style crafts paddled through breaking waves or the open ocean
- Kite surfing: Uses a large kite to harness wind power for jumps and speed across the surf zone
- Tow-in surfing: Jet skis pull surfers into waves too fast or heavy to paddle into
The role of surf breaks
You can’t talk about the different types of surfing without touching on the different surf breaks.
We’ve done a deep dive on beach breaks, point breaks and reef breaks before. But here’s a quick summary of the primary types of waves you’ll encounter with Rise Up.
- Beach breaks: Form over sandy seabeds, constantly shifting as waves and tides move the sand
- Point breaks: Peel along rocky points, offering long, consistent rides ideal for all level of surfers
- Reef breaks: Form over coral reefs or rock ledges, creating hollow, powerful waves that challenge even the most advanced surfers
Understanding how and where waves break is part of becoming a better surfer. It helps you read the water, choose the right board and stay safe in different wave conditions.
Surf culture and community
From local surf retreats to international competitions, surfing is more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle built around connection to the ocean, to other surfers and (especially) to yourself.
Many surfers start at beach breaks with small waves and work their way up to larger waves at more challenging surf spots. At Rise Up, we have access to a bunch of beginner-friendly waves in both Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Ultimately, the more time you spend in the surf zone, the more you understand the rhythm of wave crests, wave heights and how different waves behave across the world.
FAQs about the different types of surfing
Q. What are the main types of surf breaks?
Beach breaks, point breaks and reef breaks. Each type creates different wave shapes and surfing experiences depending on what lies beneath.
Q. What’s the best surf style for beginners?
Longboarding for sure. They’re ideal for smaller waves, sandy bottoms and learning how waves break.
Q. Where do big wave surfers train?
At famous reef breaks and offshore waves in deeper water, often using jet skis or tow-in surfing for safety.
Q. Do wave pools count as surfing?
Absolutely. Wave pools are part of the modern surfing world. They mimic ocean waves and help many surfers practice wave riding in controlled conditions. That said… we’ll always choose surfing in Mother Nature over an artificial pool
Final thoughts
Surfing is endless learning. The ocean changes every day, every tide, every wave.
Whether you’re drawn to the smooth flow of longboarding, the thrill of shortboarding or maybe even the challenge of big wave surfing, the goal is the same… to enjoy surfing and grow through it!
So grab your board, find your wave type and get out there. The surf community is wide open and our coaches at Rise Up are waiting. Hope to see you soon!
