Board guide · 9 models

Which Joshua Martin longboard should you choose?

The right model is not the most impressive one on a specification sheet. It is the one that works in your everyday waves, with your real positioning and practical constraints.

Discuss your board

§ 01 · Why this guide

The useful doubt to resolve before ordering

Between a reassuring Econoline, a more precise Travelette, a livelier Free Jane and a very long Terry Slide, small details change everything. Length alone is not enough: your break, surf frequency, ability and desired feeling all matter.

§ 02 · The method

Three questions before looking at dimensions.

  1. 01

    Your waves

    Small and slow, punchy beach break, or long open faces.

  2. 02

    Your priority

    Nose time, versatility, trim speed, tail control or finless exploration.

  3. 03

    Your everyday reality

    Transport, storage, surf frequency and the progression you want from the board.

§ 03 · Match

Compare without hiding the limits.

Good guidance also means saying when a model is not the right one.

Comparison of nine Martin Shapes surfboards
ModelChoose it ifAvoid it if
Go AheadMini noseriderYou travel, have limited storage or want a genuine noseriding feel under eight feet.Your priority is the momentum, trim and stability of a classic nine-foot log.
TravelettePerformance logYou want control on the nose without giving up direction changes when the surf grows.You prefer a very forgiving, slow platform designed solely for small surf.
EconolineAll-round noseriderYou want a first custom longboard or one board capable of covering a broad range of conditions.Your brief is highly specialised: only larger surf, pure gliding or competition-style noseriding.
Terry SlideDouble-ender gliderYou like to anticipate, get ahead of the section and let length work across open faces.Your everyday surfing means tight beach breaks, a small car or long walks to the water.
MuñozPerformance noseriderYou want precise nose control and enough authority from the tail to place the board back in the pocket.You want the simplest, most forgiving possible board for your first longboard sessions.
Hot CurlHistoric finlessYou already have solid fundamentals and want to explore a historic, lateral and very different finless glide.You rely on a fin for reassurance, a familiar line and easy corrections.
Free JaneAgile noseriderYou surf clean waves with push and like to accelerate, reposition and engage the rail.Your break is almost always small and soft, and your priority is slow, highly stable noseriding.
MatchlessBeach-break longboardYou mainly surf beach breaks and want a middle ground between classic trim and modern response.Your only goal is extended nose time in tiny, slow waves.
PelicanoPintail noseriderYou enjoy long arcs, open waves and the flow of a pintail without giving up noseriding.You want a very wide tail, maximum lift and short pivots in soft waves.

§ 04 · Final check

Your home break does not fit neatly into a table.

Write with your height, weight, ability, usual waves and the models that appeal to you.