A Shortboard is between 6 feet and 7 feet in length, and has a pointed nose and a rounded or somewhat squared tail. It typically has three fins, but sometimes can have as little as two or as many as five. Because of its size, it is generally easier to maneuver a shortboard than longer boards. At the same time though, the smaller size causes a lack of flotation. A shortboard is harder to catch waves with, so in order to get a good ride a surfer would have to surf much bigger waves. Also, when surfing with a shortboard, the takeoff has to be very late and timed up right with the wave before it breaks.