Why are Mid-Length Surfboards So Popular?

It’s a question I’m always asked, “why are mid-length surfboards so damn popular?” Because they’re fun as Hell. 

That single statement aside, I’ll aim to dive a little deeper to make it clearer on why I think Mid-Lengths are so much fun, and because of that, why they are so popular. 

I was actually going back and forth with a mate earlier today (late October, 21) about what mid-length surfboard he should get. He wanted something to fill the gap between a Mid-Length and a Shortboard, which is a gap I didn't know existed. I told him just to focus on mid-length surfboards as that’s what the market is filled with right now, so there’s a lot of choice for his next board.

Choosing a Mid-Length Surfboard

We went through a few options: Christenson Nautilus, Channel Islands Mid, Tollhurst Mid 6 or the Chill Mid-Strength. There’s more out there too, like the Haydenshapes Glider or McTavish Sumo or the Howard Special Mini from Takayama Surfboards. I’m reinforcing the point that there’s a lot of choice when it comes to reliable, and reputable, Mid-Lengths. And this is a large part of why they’re so popular right now. 

One thing to think of if you're chasing down a mid-length surfboard to add to your quiver, don’t go into the relationship thinking this will replace your grovel board as something like a shorter Longboard version. Because they won’t, and shouldn’t be treated as such. Sure they’ll be surfable in small waves, but they really shine when it’s 2-5ft (or bigger, but you better surf like Torryn Martin).

When choosing what size to get a good starting point is around a foot over your height (if you’re 5’10, start looking at 6’10’s). However, like everything there’s no hard and fast rules. Personally, I’m 5’9 but my preferred length at the moment is 6’6, whereas another mate of the same height prefers 6’10’s or 7 footers. It all depends on what feels best, and what works best for you as a surfer. 

One of the big bonuses when getting your mid-length surfboard is the extra foam you’ll have under your feet without feeling like you’re on a longboard. This results in catching more waves from paddling faster, and we all know more waves equals more stoke, and more stoke equals happier days. That fact alone is, in my opinion, why Mid-Lengths have become so popular (twin fins too).

So, Why the Hype Around Mid-Lengths?

People who shred love them because they're something different that adds dimension to their surfing. Others like how forgiving they are and how they allow you to catch more waves without looking like a mini mal rider. In a weird way, they're a board that is epic for a wide level of skills too.

They're something new (even if they're old). That blend of fresh nostalgia is pretty powerful as is seeing surfers like Torryn get shacked off his head riding them.

Now that we’ve explained why they’re popular, and briefly outlined what to look for when getting one, shall we go for a quick shop? 

Based off my riding experience, here’s three that cover the majority of surfers:

1. If you want to RIP like you’re still shortboarding: The Tolhurst Mid- 6

This board has been designed by Harley Ingleby (who has won a longboarding World Title) and Billy Tolhurst, it was released in early 2021. It’s the perfect addition for someone who likes to have variety in the quiver but still wants to have some performance added into their highline trims. 

While most Mid Lengths are best surfed as a single fin with side bites, the Mid-6 surfs best as a Quad set up (and in FCS you’re best off using the AM’s in the front and Reactors in the rear). It works as a thruster, a quad, even a twin, as the model comes with a five fin set up so you can play around with it a lot. 

Being right back on the tail the board feels like a high performance shortboard but being up on the front feels like a single fin trimming machine. It really is a beautiful mix that meets in the middle of tradition and performance.

2. If you want something that’s easy to ride: The Chilli Mid-Strength

This is a mid length that is perfect for people who are starting to surf again after a lengthy break, or are coming back from injury (and had been riding shortboards). Or are just older surfers who want to cruise and aren’t keen on another longboard. 

It’s a mid-length that should be a consideration for anyone who can competently stand and navigate along a wave. The Mid Strength is made to paddle and catch waves easy in the top end, and once up and riding; trim, pivot and turn super easy with a little bit of release when needed. The curvy outline and rocker combo helps the board not feel long and straight like most mid-lengths, so it actually surfs like a much shorter board. 

The Mid Strength is a ball of fun to ride, it’s the one Mid-Length I’ve ridden where I didn’t feel like I needed to surf a certain way (hard to explain), I could just stand there and cruise or go for a solid carve off the top. It’s a board that is wildly easy to ride, brings a smile to your face and a board you’ll gladly share out in the line-up and share the stoke. 

3.  If you want something that has that egg feeling : The Channel Islands Mid

This is a model designed and created by Britt Merrick and Devon Howard (who is arguably the modern day godfather of Mid-Lengths). 

Inspired by the clean, longer-railed lines drawn by traditional eggs and single-fins, the CI Mid infuses that timeless vibe with the crispness, sensitivity, and freedom made possible by modern features synonymous with Merrick design principles. Boasting a sleek, egg-like template with low entry rocker and foam a tad forward for ease of paddle and effortless trim speed, the CI Mid scoots, squirts and swivels thanks to contemporary features like double-barrel concave, gradually accelerated rocker, and hard, slightly tucked rails through and off the tail.

This board doesn’t enjoy sucky waves, but can be ridden in surf that has ‘push’. By that I mean you’ll catch your front rail more often than not in sucky waves as you try to angle through tubes or down the face. It’ll catch more than Steve Smith in the gully. Pushy waves though it loves, The extra speed you get and the extra room on the face to open up carves feels amazing. The best way to sum this board up is, it’s just easy to ride. It does the work for you, it drives around sections with slight adjustments and goes real fast while standing there. 

So all that’s left here is to pick one out of the best bunch, and let’s be honest, you really can’t go wrong here at all. Grab a pair of Phantom boardies and wetsuit jacket, or if it’s still cold at your local, a new Hurley wetsuit and go carve some huge lines through the ocean on a Mid-Length, your stoke will be as high as ever and you’ll be wondering why you ever surfed anything else.