Shortboard surfboards
Shortboard surfboards are the smallest type of surfboard, typically between 5' 6" and 7' in length. Shortboards are the quickest type of surfboard. Shortboards are used by experienced and professional surfers. The small size of a shortboard makes them able to turn quickly up and doen the face of a wave.
Most shortboards have a three fin arrangment, known as as thruster. Twin and quad fin arrangments are also common. Shortboards have a smaller surface area than longboards or mini-mals. Whilst this makes the board travel more quicly on waves, it makes the board harder to paddle out to the waves, as the board will sink more into the water when being paddled.
Fishes
Fishes are a type of shortboard with a wider nose. The wider nose gives the board extra buoyancy and is a better board for use in smaller waves.
Shortboards are often referred to as performance boards, as their size and shape allow them to be the quickest type of surfboard. Shortboards are very difficult to learn to surf with. A longboard or mini-mal are a much better choice for learning to surf with.
Gun
In larger surf conditions (double to triple overhead) surfers will often use a gun board. Whilst still a shortboard a gun board is a longer and narrower board. A gun board helps to propel the surfer down the face of a large wave more quickly. The increased surface area also make paddling easier.
Good points
Quick
Easy to turn at speed
Easy to transport
Easy to duck-dive
Bad points
More difficult to paddle
Harder to catch small waves