Some of it is anecdotal. I surf frequently and I am in a relatively large market (Florida). Here is a real data point, the best-selling waveform 8' board is co

Some of it is anecdotal. I surf frequently and I am in a relatively large market (Florida). Here is a real data point, the best-selling waveform 8' board is considered a "long" board. Easy to catch waves and ride them into shore but hard to turn and do tricks on. Most surfing literature and culture focuses on riding "short" boards (5'-7'). This is the type of surfing done on the professional circuit and shown in lots of magazines videos etc.