Four free surfing tools covering board volume, wetsuit thickness by water temperature, calorie burn, and surf forecast reading. Useful for beginners choosing their first board through to intermediate surfers optimising equipment.
Choosing a surfboard
Surfboard volume (measured in litres) determines buoyancy and paddle speed. Beginners need high volume relative to bodyweight — a common guideline is 100% of bodyweight in litres for beginners (70kg rider → 70L+ board). As skill develops, surfers can ride lower volume. Experienced surfers often ride boards at 30–45% of their bodyweight in litres. The surfboard volume calculator gives a starting recommendation based on weight, height, fitness, and skill level.
All surfing tools
4Surfboard Volume Calculator
Calculate the ideal surfboard volume for your weight and ability level.
Open toolWetsuit Thickness Guide
Find the right wetsuit thickness for the water temperature you'll be surfing in.
Open toolSurfing Calorie Calculator
Estimate calories burned surfing, accounting for paddling and wave-riding.
Open toolSurf Forecast Reading Guide
Understand swell, period, wind and tide so you can read a surf forecast.
Open toolFrequently asked questions
What wetsuit thickness do I need for UK surfing?
UK sea temperatures range from approximately 7–8°C in February to 16–18°C in August. Recommended thickness: 5/4mm or 5/3mm with boots, gloves and hood for October–March; 4/3mm for April–June; 3/2mm for July–September. Always add boots (3–5mm) in water below 12°C — cold feet are the most common reason beginner surfers cut sessions short.
How do I read a surf forecast?
The four key numbers: swell height (metres or feet — the vertical distance from trough to crest), swell period (seconds between waves — longer period = more power and cleaner waves), swell direction (where the swell is coming from), and wind direction (offshore wind = clean waves; onshore = messy surf). Generally: 1–2m swell with 10–14 second period and light offshore wind produces good recreational surfing conditions.
How many calories does surfing burn per hour?
Surfing burns approximately 200–400 calories per hour depending on wave size, frequency of rides, and paddling effort. The majority of surfing time is spent paddling and waiting — active riding is typically 5–10% of a session. Paddling out through large surf is the highest-intensity component. A 2-hour session in moderate conditions might burn 400–600 calories total.