Volume should be a guide, not a rule, and this chart can help you figure out a good ballpark volume for you to base your boards off of.

Ability/weight/volume numbers are not exact science, but will give you an idea of where to start. This chart is assuming that we are talking about a basic performance board to be ridden in average/good waves.

✪ Generally speaking you would want to ADD volume for a board designed for smaller, weaker conditions

✪ You would ADD volume for a step-up board for use in bigger, more powerful waves

✪ Wearing a lot of rubber (thick wetsuit, booties, etc.) adds to your weight and diminishes paddle power, so ADDING a little additional foam will help you.

✪ You want to balance the added ease of paddling (more volume) with sensitivity and performance (less volume)