Choosing your surfboard when you weigh over 90 kg
You weigh over 90 kg and think surfing isn't for you? Wrong.
The problem isn't your weight. It's that no one has ever offered you the right board. For years, the surf industry focused on boards designed for average builds of 70-80 kg. The result: when you look for advice online, you find recommendations that don't match your body type at all. Magic formulas that don't work. Lightweight surfers telling you to take less volume to progress. And in the end, you struggle on an unsuitable board.
At Zeus, we created the Burger and Big Burger ranges exactly for this: to allow larger surfers to surf without overthinking. Boards that float, glide, and give you confidence from the very first session. Over 200 surf schools in France use our Burger boards as the flagship model of their fleet. Why? Because they really work, for all body types.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to choose your board when you weigh over 90 kg. Volume, length, width, thickness... the real criteria that matter, without the fluff. We also provide a clear table with our recommendations by weight range. From 85 kg to 130 kg and more, you'll know exactly which board to choose to progress quickly.
Surfing is for everyone. Including you.
The real challenges when you weigh over 90 kg
Let's be honest: when you exceed 90-100 kg, surfing on a standard board is complicated. Not impossible, but complicated. And these difficulties don't come from you. They come from the fact that most boards on the market are simply not designed for your build.
The balance and stability problem
With a larger build, your center of gravity is different. Your weight distribution on the board completely changes the dynamic. On an undersized board, you'll struggle to stay stable. The take-off becomes a permanent battle against your own balance. You spend more time in the water than standing on the board.
Concretely, how does that translate? You paddle for 40 minutes to catch 3 waves. Out of those 3 waves, you miss 2 because you can't get up in time. The third, you stand for 2 seconds before falling. The result: frustration, fatigue, and a desire to give up. You start to think that surfing isn't for you. While the only problem is your board.
The problem of strength and durability
If your board is not designed for your body type, it will quickly show its limitations. It won't break all at once, but little by little, it will wear out. The rocker (the curve of the board) will flatten. The board will become soft underfoot and lose its responsiveness. You'll feel that it no longer offers any feedback, that it has no pop. And eventually, it can crack or bend.
It is to avoid this that our Burger boards are built differently: high-density foam, fiberglass reinforcements, and a structure designed to withstand impact. These boards are used in more than 200 surf schools in France, where they support 20 to 30 students per week, of all levels and body types. If they can withstand these conditions, they will certainly last for you.
The problem of paddling and speed
A board that is too small for your weight is also a board that paddles poorly. You sink too deep into the water. Each stroke requires more energy. You arrive at the wave tired. You no longer have the strength for an explosive take-off. You miss the wave. And it starts all over again.
Conversely, a board with the right volume for your build will glide on the water. You paddle efficiently. You catch waves earlier. You still have energy to get up and surf. You catch 8 to 10 waves per session instead of 3. You progress 3 times faster. It's mathematical.
But here's the good news
With the right board, all these problems disappear. Completely.
A board adapted to your weight will support you correctly. It will offer you the stability you need to stand up easily. It will absorb impacts without flinching, session after session. You will catch waves, stand up, and progress rapidly. And most importantly, you will have fun. Because that's what matters in the end: the pleasure of surfing.
At Zeus, we have spent more than 10 years observing our customers of all sizes. We have seen surfers weighing 60 kg and surfers weighing 130 kg progress at the same rate. The difference? They all chose the right board for their body type. Our Burger and Big Burger ranges are the result of this experience: solid, stable equipment, designed so that you can surf without asking yourself questions.
No limits. Just fun.
How to choose your board when you weigh over 90 kg
To surf with pleasure when you have a large build, there are a few non-negotiable criteria. Criteria based on physics, the experience of thousands of surfers, and 10 years of Zeus expertise. Here's what you really need to look at.
Volume: your best ally (not your enemy)
Volume is what keeps you afloat. It's the amount of space the board occupies, measured in liters. Too low, you sink. Too high, you lose maneuverability. But be careful: for large body types, the standard formulas found all over the internet don't work.
You're often told "take your weight plus 20 liters if you're a beginner". This formula is designed for a 70 kg surfer. A 70 kg surfer with a 55 liter board (70 + 20) works. A 100 kg surfer with a 75 liter board (100 + 20) struggles. Why? Because buoyancy doesn't work linearly. The heavier you are, the more you need a high volume/weight ratio.
The real formula for large body types? Weight + 25 to 40 liters minimum, depending on your level. And even with that, you need to consider your technical level, your physical condition, and the type of waves you surf.
The simple rule: aim for between 80 and 100% of your weight in liters if you are a beginner. Between 70 and 85% if you are intermediate. Between 60 and 75% if you are experienced. But be careful: these percentages only work if you maintain length. We'll come back to that later.
Concrete examples:
- You weigh 90 kg and are a beginner? Go for 80-90 liters (Burger 7'0 or 7'6)
- You weigh 100 kg and are a beginner? Go for 90-100 liters (Burger 7'6 or 8'0)
- You weigh 110 kg and are a beginner? Go for 100-110 liters (Burger 8'6 or Big Burger 8'0)
- You weigh 120 kg and up? Go for 125-140 liters (Big Burger 8'0 or 9'0)
And most importantly, don't be ashamed of the volume. Burger boards are the flagship model of surf schools in France. Over 200 schools trust us. You are in excellent company.
Length: the secret no one tells you
Below 7'6 feet (2.30 m) when you're starting out at over 90 kg, you're going to struggle. Below 8 feet (2.40 m) if you weigh over 100 kg, it's even worse. Period.
A long board offers you several decisive advantages:
Glide. The longer a board is, the easier it glides on the water. It's pure physics. A long board has a better distribution of surface area on the water. The result: you move faster with less effort.
Paddling speed. Directly linked to glide. You catch waves earlier, more easily. You're already standing while others are still paddling. It changes everything.
Stability. A long board is more forgiving. You have more surface area under your feet. Your positioning can be slightly imperfect, the board forgives. On a short board, every placement error is costly.
Ability to catch waves early. You position yourself further in the line-up. You catch the wave before it breaks. You have more time to stand up, more time to surf.
And here's the secret no one tells you: length compensates for volume. A 100 kg surfer can surf a 50-liter board. But not a 6'0. A 7'0 or more? That works. Why? Because length provides glide, easy paddling, and speed. Even with less volume.
Do you want to reduce volume to gain maneuverability? Don't take a shorter board. Take a longer board with less volume. It seems counter-intuitive, but it's the key to progress for larger individuals.
Shape: wide and thick without compromise
Forget the thin, twitchy boards you see on Instagram. These boards are made for 65 kg surfers with 10 years of practice. That's not your profile. Not yet, anyway.
What you need:
- A wide outline. The width of the board, viewed from above. The wider it is, the more stability you have. Our Burger boards have generous outlines that give you confidence from the very first session.
- Thickness. This is partly what creates volume. A thick board floats better, paddles better, and supports you better. It is also structurally stronger. It will absorb your weight without deforming.
- Rounded rails. Rails are the edges of the board. Rounded rails (also called "soft rails") are more forgiving. They allow for fluid turns without perfect technique. Sharp (angular) rails require precise technique. Not ideal for beginners.
- A wide nose. The front of the board. A wide nose helps with paddling and wave catching. It also provides stability when standing.
- A generous tail. The back of the board. A wide, thick tail provides lift, especially for larger individuals. It helps maintain speed in weak sections.
The more stable the board, the more confident you'll be. And confidence is what leads to progress. Not technical boards that you don't know how to use.
Materials: solid and durable
Your board must endure. No way it should deform or break after three sessions. At Zeus, all our boards use high-density foam. Not cheap foam that crushes under your weight. Real dense foam that keeps its shape.
We then add fiberglass reinforcements depending on the model. The IXPE version Burger boards have fiberglass reinforcements that make them even stronger and more reactive. The EVA version Burger boards have an integrated non-slip deck that doesn't wear out.
The result: boards that last 5 years or more with proper maintenance. Boards that withstand impact, maintain their performance, and accompany you in your progress without letting you down along the way.
Our Burger boards are used by over 200 surf schools. They support 20 to 30 students per week, every day in summer. If they hold up under these conditions, they will certainly hold up for your 2-3 sessions per week.
Our recommendations: the Burger and Big Burger ranges
The Burger: the flagship model of surf schools
The Burger is THE flagship model of surf schools in Europe and Morocco. More than 200 schools trust us and mainly use Burger boards in their fleet. Why? Because it works for all body types, from 60 kg teenagers to strong adults of 100 kg and more. Because it is strong. Because it helps you progress quickly. Because it is safe. And because it lasts over time.
Available in 4 sizes to suit all large body types:
Burger 7'0 (80L) - For surfers weighing 85-95 kg who want a maneuverable and compact board. This is the ideal size if you've already surfed a few times and are looking for a good balance between ease and performance. Enough volume to support you, compact enough to be maneuverable. The sweet spot for many surfers in this weight range.
Burger 7'6 (90L) - The real sweet spot. Easy shape AND compact size. This is the best-selling board in the Burger range for large beginner surfers. It works for surfers from 85 to 100 kg. Enough length for glide and stability. Enough volume to support you comfortably. Not too long to be transportable and maneuverable. If you're hesitant, this is probably the one for you.
Burger 8'0 (97L) - For surfers weighing 95-110 kg who are beginners or who want maximum ease. Almost 100 liters of volume. 8 feet long. Absolute stability. If you weigh more than 100 kg and are a beginner, this is your board. You'll get up easily, catch waves quickly, and progress fast. It guarantees good sessions from the start.
Burger 8'6 (104L) - Maximum stability and ease. For surfers weighing 105-115 kg, or for those who truly want the easiest board possible. 104 liters is a lot of volume. But with your build, it's exactly what you need. You'll have a blast. Easy take-off, maximum stability, immediate confidence.
Choice of construction:
EVA version: Integrated non-slip deck. No wax needed. Optimal grip in all weather. Perfect for beginners who don't want to bother with maintenance. Ultra-resistant. Easy to clean. This is the version chosen by most surf schools.
IXPE version: Fiberglass reinforcements. More performance. More reactive board underfoot. Requires wax. For those who want a bit more sensation and are willing to maintain their board regularly.
Both constructions are perfectly suited for larger body types. Both are ultra-solid. It's really a matter of personal preference and skill level.
Fun fact: Johanne Defay, Olympic surfing champion, surfed with a Zeus Burger at the end of her pregnancy. She didn't weigh 100 kg, but she wanted a super stable and super safe board. When an Olympic champion chooses a Burger for stability and safety, that means something. You're in good hands.
The Big Burger: for very large body types (120 kg and more)
If you weigh 120 kg and more, the Big Burger is your starting board. Period. We created it specifically for very large body types who want to learn to surf serenely. Without struggle. Without frustration. Just pleasure.
Available in 2 sizes:
Big Burger 8'0 (125L) - 125 liters of volume. 8 feet long. For surfers weighing 115-130 kg. This is the board that will allow you to learn without limits. Maximum stability. Ultra-easy take-off. You'll be up in 3 paddle strokes. Hybrid construction: foam top for safety, rigid bottom for performance. It's designed to support your weight without faltering, session after session. Price: €629
Big Burger 9'0 (138L) - The maximum of what we do at Zeus for foam boards. 138 liters. 9 feet. For surfers weighing 125 kg and more, or for those who truly want absolute ease. If you weigh 130-140 kg, this is your board. You will surf. Really. From the very first sessions. Price: €659
Hybrid construction: Hybrid version only for Big Burger boards. High-density foam top for safety (falls don't hurt, zero risk of injuring yourself or others). Rigid bottom to maintain performance and responsiveness. The best of both worlds.
Specific shape for large body types: Very wide outline. Generous thickness. Ultra-forgiving rounded rails. Wide nose for paddling. Wide tail for lift. Everything is designed so you can surf comfortably with your body type.
We have customers weighing 135 kg who regularly surf on Big Burger boards. They catch 8-10 waves per session. They progress. They have fun. Surfing is truly for everyone. Including you.
Special mention: the Dolce 9'4 Longboard (90L)
For intermediate to advanced surfers weighing 85-105 kg who want to switch to longboarding. Johnny Cabianca shape (Gabriel Medina's shaper, no less). Rounded rails. Performance and style combined.
Longboarding is an excellent solution for larger individuals who want performance. 9'4 feet of length provides maximum glide, speed, and incomparable ease of paddling. With 90 liters, you have everything you need thanks to the length.
If you love long curves, style, noseriding, and already have a good skill level, the Dolce is for you. This is the board that will take your surfing to the next level.
Recommended Board Chart by Weight
Here are the Zeus dimensions and models adapted to your build. This chart is based on 10 years of experience and thousands of customers of all sizes.
| Weight | Recommended Volume | Length | Recommended Zeus Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85-95 kg (187-209 lbs) | 80-90 L | 7'0 - 7'6 (2.10 - 2.30 m) | Burger 7'0 or Burger 7'6 |
| 90-100 kg (198-220 lbs) | 90-97 L | 7'6 - 8'0 (2.30 - 2.40 m) | Burger 7'6 or Burger 8'0 |
| 100-110 kg (220-242 lbs) | 97-104 L | 8'0 - 8'6 (2.40 - 2.60 m) | Burger 8'0 or Burger 8'6 |
| 110-120 kg (242-264 lbs) | 104-125 L | 8'6 - 9'0 (2.60 - 2.75 m) | Burger 8'6 or Big Burger 8'0 |
| 120-130 kg (264-286 lbs) | 125-138 L | 9'0 - 9'6 (2.75 - 3.00 m) | Big Burger 9'0 |
| 130 kg (286 lbs) and up | 138 L and up | 9'0+ (2.75 m and up) | Big Burger 9'0 |
How to Use This Chart
If you are a complete beginner: Take the model with the most volume in your weight range. For example, if you weigh 95 kg, take the Burger 7'6 (90L) rather than the 7'0 (80L). You will progress faster with more ease.
If you have already surfed a few times: You can take the model with a little less volume. For example, if you weigh 95 kg and have already caught 10-15 waves standing up, the Burger 7'0 (80L) will be sufficient and more maneuverable.
If you are torn between two sizes: Always take the larger one. You won't regret it. It's better to have too much volume than not enough. With too much volume, you surf. With not enough, you struggle.
The golden rule: The heavier you are, the more volume, length, and width you need. It's mathematical. It's non-negotiable. That's how it works.
What You Absolutely Must Remember
Volume Is Not Your Enemy
First thing to understand: volume is your friend. Not your enemy. We too often hear "don't take too much volume or you won't progress." This is false. Completely false for larger builds.
The truth: a board adapted to your size allows you to catch more waves. More waves equals more practice. More practice equals faster progression. It's simple. An unsuitable board (too little volume) makes you paddle for 40 minutes to catch 3 waves. This guarantees frustration. And ensures stagnation.
Don't be ashamed to have a 97-liter board when your friend has a 40-liter board. Your friend weighs 70 kg. You weigh 100 kg. You don't need the same volume. Period. No one cares about the liter count in the water. What matters is that you catch waves and progress.
Length Compensates for Volume
Second crucial point: when you want to decrease volume to gain maneuverability, don't take a shorter board. Take a longer board with less volume.
Concrete example: you surf well on your Burger 8'0 (97L). You want to decrease volume. Mistake: taking a 6'6 board with 75L. You will struggle. Correct solution: taking an 8'6 or 9'0 board with 70-75L. The length compensates for the lower volume.
Length gives you glide, paddling speed, and ease in catching waves. A 100 kg surfer can surf a 50-liter board. But not a 6'0. A 7'0 or more? That works.
Progress in Stages
Third important point: don't decrease volume too quickly. Progression takes time. Especially for larger builds.
You are progressing well on your 97L Burger. You want to switch to a 65L board. Bad idea. First switch to 80-85L. Surf on that volume for 12-18 months. Then switch to 70-75L. Another 12-18 months. Then to 65L if you really need it.
Each step requires a minimum of 12 to 18 months for larger builds. Do not decrease by more than 15-20 liters at a time. And most importantly: always maintain length.
Construction Really Matters
Fourth point: construction quality is non-negotiable for larger builds. A low-end board will deform, lose performance, or even break. It's a bad investment.
Our Burger and Big Burger use high-density foam and fiberglass reinforcements (depending on the model). They are the flagship model of over 100 surf schools in France. They support 20-30 students per week. If they hold up under these conditions, they will hold up for you for 5 years or more.
Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid
Mistake 1: Listening to advice for 70 kg surfers
Forums, YouTube, Instagram... Most advice is given by average-sized surfers. Their recommendations work for them, not for you. They tell you "don't take too much volume" because for them, 60 liters is already a lot. For you, 60 liters is not enough.
Solution: look for advice specific to larger builds. Or contact us directly at hello@zeus-surf.com or on chat. We advise you based on your actual weight, your actual skill level, and your actual surfing conditions.
Mistake 2: Wanting a short board too soon
You see pros surfing 5'10 boards. You want the same. Except pros weigh 75 kg, have 20 years of practice, and surf 2-meter waves. You weigh 105 kg, have 6 months of practice, and surf 1-meter waves.
A short board for you, now, is guaranteed frustration. You will struggle to paddle, struggle to catch waves, struggle to stand up. You will stagnate. Keep the length. You'll have plenty of time to switch to shorter boards in 2-3 years when you have the technical skill.
Mistake 3: Neglecting board durability
You find a cheap board online. It has the right volume, the right length. You buy it. After 10 sessions, it starts to deform. After 20 sessions, it's dead. You have to buy another one. In the end, you paid more.
Invest in a quality board from the start. A Burger or a Big Burger will last you at least 5 years. It's a smart investment. Not an expense.
Mistake 4: Decreasing volume too quickly
You progress quickly on your first board. After 6 months, you feel comfortable. You want to drop 30 liters all at once. Classic mistake.
Surfing progression takes time. Especially for larger builds. 12 to 18 months per stage is the norm. Never decrease by more than 15-20 liters at a time. And again: maintain length.
Why Trust Zeus
More than 200 surf schools trust us
More than 200 surf schools in France use our boards. The Burger is their flagship model. Not just one model among others. THE main model.
Why do surf professionals choose us?
- Versatility: Burgers work for all sizes, from 60 kg teenagers to 110 kg adults. A single range for all students.
- Durability: High-density foam construction with fiberglass reinforcements. Withstands 20-30 students per week, every day of summer.
- Safety: Foam = soft falls. Zero risk of serious injury. Parents are reassured, as are insurance companies.
- Performance: Even larger students progress quickly. Instructors see the difference.
- Longevity: Boards last 3-5 years with intensive use. It's a profitable investment.
If professional surf schools choose Zeus as their main partner, it's because we do good work. It's as simple as that.
10 years of experience with all body types
At Zeus, in 10 years, we've seen surfers of all sizes progress. Surfers weighing 60 kg. Surfers weighing 130 kg and more. And you know what? The best surfers in the water, regardless of their weight, are those who chose the right board for their body type.
We have accumulated unique expertise on larger body types. We know exactly what volume, length, and shape are needed for each weight range. This is not theory. It is field experience.
Ready to Surf Without Limits?
Surfing is for all body types. You just need the right equipment. The right information. And the right mindset.
Don't copy 70 kg surfers. Don't decrease volume too quickly. Always keep length. And most importantly, don't believe that surfing isn't for you. It is for you. Absolutely.
The Burgers are the flagship model for surf schools in France. Olympic champions choose them for stability. Thousands of surfers of all sizes progress with our boards every year.
You are in excellent company.
Question about your specific body type? Contact us via chat. We will personally advise you based on your actual profile.
Ready to order your Burger or Big Burger? Discover our entire range and find the perfect board for your weight.
