The time has come.
You know that idea bouncing around in the back of your mind? That dream, fearlessly waging war against your internal fears?
It’s time to let it out. It’s time to buy your first beginner surfboard.
The only problem?
You don’t know which one. And the thought of wading through surf shop after surf shop leaves you with a roaring headache and the overwhelming desire to ditch your dream of owning your first ever surfboard.
Well, no more excuses. This article will teach you everything you need to know about buying a beginner surfboard, and it’ll do it without filler, fluff, and long-winded details that don’t really matter.
So let’s dive in, shall we?
Breakdown: What makes a good beginners board?
A good beginners board is made of two key components - volume and length.
Let’s go into these a little deeper.
Volume
Volume is the single most important factor when considering buying your first beginner surfboard.
Not only will it make the board more stable, the buoyancy will help to increase your chances of catching more waves.
Ignore the board’s volume and you'll continue to stunt your progress for a long time.
And, who wants that?
In surfing terms this volume is conveyed in litres.
If you check out any new board, it will have it's dimentions plus litres listed.
These litres are the board's volume.
Here’s something to think about:
Bonus tip - a good beginner surfboard needs to hold at least 60 litres or more.
Length
Think big. Don’t we all 😉
The lenght of the board is another key factor to choosing the right surfboard.
This extra lenght helps to perfect and develop your technique and balance on a consistent and regular basis.
Naturally your next question is going to be, how long?
Bonus tip - Your height plus extra 36’ or 3” is usually the perfect length of surfboard for you.
Granted, this extra length will make navigating out the back a little more difficult but you’ll learn faster and you’ll witness some rapid transformations early on.
If you can take away one thing from this section it’s this...
YOUR // HEIGHT + WEIGHT + ABILITY = BOARDS // VOLUME & LENGTH
What are the different types of beginner surfboards?
There is a board out there to suit every ability and budget.
From the complete novice to the seasoned beginner, whatever it is you’re looking for, I’ve got it covered.
Check out these 6 types of surfboards and what there all about.
Foamboards
Foamboards or Foamies as they are known are the perfect entry level surfboard.
These boards are the perfect choice if you are a complete novice or have been surfing only a handful of times.
Before you write these boards off, there boards have many benefits to the early stages of learning to surf.
My thoughts// for what's it's worth...
Most beginners try to bypass buying these boards altogether.
Understandably, once you’re capable of popping up and effectively catching waves, these boards lose their purpose.
There’s a fine line between a foamboard (which can really have it’s place in the beginner's journey) to buying a longboard straight up.
With that said, I find it hard to pass up the opportunity to not buy one of these and learn the correct technique and foundations of surfing before you transition onto your next board.
If you're progressing quickly, that’s a good thing. Sell the foamie and move onto the next board for you.
Believe me. This is not a bad investment.
Your surfing will thankyou for it later.
One of my favourites
These Mick Fanning soft-tops are a great, cheap way to get yourself in the water and start having fun.
Longboards
Longboards are the perfect board once you’ve familiar with the fundamentals of surfing and you're comfortable tackling the unbroken waves.
By now, you’ve most likely had a few surf lessons already. If not, it might be worth a visit to a private surf coach.
These boards are perfect for the beginner surfer who’s been surfing for a few months and is ready to have more manoeuvrability with their equipment.
My thoughts// for what's it's worth...
If you buy one of these as your first beginner surfboard, you can’t go wrong.
You’ll be able to learn the correct fundamentals and it will easily keep you entertained for a few seasons - maybe 1 or 2.
My only reservation with longboards are picking up completely different surf habits . For some, this could be massively beneficial and for others, this could be the worst thing for you.
It’s a bit like Tennis and Squash.
There are similar rackets sports but they have completely opposite biomechanics.
For the bigger gal who is surfing with confidence, don’t go any further.
A longboard is for you.
One of my favourites
These Thomas Surfboards don't come cheap. But there very, very good.
Minimals
Minimals get a bad wrap.
But, I’m going to put that to bed, right here, right now.
Every board serves a purpose in your surfing development. Including Minimals.
Minimals are a great choice for the beginner surfer who is a lighter.
Similar to Longboards, these boards are for the surfer who is comfortable taking off unassisted on unbroken waves and/or who have been surfing for a few months.
My thoughts// for what's it worth...
Minimals are epic.
No, they really are.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of shit ones out there on the market.
But, if you get the right one , for the right surfer they can be absolute gold.
What I really love about these surfboards is their maneuverability. They are a great introduction to turning and carving. Yet, they are still buoyant enough to get you into a lot of waves.
If you are fit and can paddle and have been surfing for a season, then this just might be the right board for you.
One of my favourites
These Modern surfboards are perfect for the surfer wanting an affordable board that’ll not only progress their skills, but maximise their stoke time
Funboards
Just as the name suggests, these surfboards can be a lot of fun.
Alternatively, if these boards fall into the wrong hands, they are no fun at all.
Funboards are a fairly new concept in surfing. Providing a different approach to surfing a longboard.
Funboards have a lot of similar characteristics to the longboard but are smaller so your able to surf them more like a shortboard.
They are a real inbetween board.
The best way for to describe them is - Big and stable but with a flare of high performance thrown in the mix.
My thoughts// for what's it's worth...
Unless you can actually surf (don’t lie) and your light (don’t lie again) then I would strongly suggest not buying one of these.
If you have some spare cash and your hopeful of surfing like a pro in the future, by all means go and get one.
But, for the beginner surfer, you're unlikely to be either.
Stay clear of these types of surfboards, unless of course you're absolutely sure they are for you.
One of my favourites
These Degree 33 surfboards are fun for the surfer who wants to dabble and not pay high end prices. The good news - quality ensures.
Shortboards
Everybody wants a shortboard. They look cool and they make you look like you can surf.
Winning.
But, the actual practicality of riding one, is only for the chosen ones.
Shortboards are only ever for high performance surfing. I’m talking cutbacks, snaps, airs, barreling riding and more.
They are suitable for all surf breaks and waves. Unless you're getting up to the 6 + range (that’s a post for another day).
For the majority of surfers, transitioning onto shortboards comes after a decent spell of surfing and when they are really ready.
Any sooner, and you could see zero improvements and eventually give up.
My thoughts// for what's it's worth...
Unless you're a surfing ninja and are showing all the signs off being the next Steph Gilmore, I would stay well away from shortboards.
There is a HUGE gap between a foamie and shortboard.
Let me put this into some perspective for you.
Surfing is a bit like being a baby.
First you can neither walk, crawl or run.
Over time you start to develop the ability to crawl. From here , you gather your balance and confidnece to start walking. Once you can walk , sooner or later you're able to run.
This develpment stage of a baby, is similar to surfing.
You can't run before you can walk.
If your reading this and no matter what I say you're still determined to buy one, then I won't stop you.
Don’t say I didn’t tell you.
One of my favourites
These boards have been under the feet of the worlds best for neons of years. 'nough said.
Fishes
Nowadays everybody is surfing a fish.
From your German backpacks at Canggu to your elite WCT surfers. Fishes are the new cool.
This is because these boards have the best of both worlds.
They have a lot of volume but they are also high performance.
For the beginner surfer showing some real talent these boards can be a good option.
Don’t get your hopes up too much, this talent is usually reserved for groms.
My thoughts// for what's it worth...
Fishes are great.
Most people if they're lucky enough to have a quiver of boards will have a fish thrown in the mix.
On smaller days I prefer to ride a fish, than a longboard. So they really are useful for all levels.
For beginners don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Learning to surf on a fish will have it’s limitations.
Make sure you are honest about your ability and make the right choice for your surfing and not because it looks cool.
Don't be fooled into thinking if it's cool, it's good.
One of my favourites
These boards are fun, fun, fun. No questions ask. If your any good and have some spare $$ everybody would have one of these in their quiver.
Cutomboards
In an ideal world, you'd walk into your favourite local shaper and ask him or her to make you a board that is perfect for your current ability.
A few months later, you’d ask for another one. This time catering for your next level of progression.
And the list goes on…
Most of us don't have this luxury.
We tend to favour boards of the shelf or second hand which are in our price range.
Custommade surfboards are crafted to your exact requirements and surfing ability.
The shaper takes into consideration the smallest of details which can completely change your surfing progression.
These customboards don’t come cheap.
My thoughts// for what's it worth...
A custommade surfboard will do wonders to your surfing.
In fact, it’s the one thing you can control which will definitely 10x your surfing.
With so many variables in surfing, it can be difficult to see any improvements.
All too often we overlooked the imporatnce of being on the right board and the benefits it can have on our progression. Your equipment, can make or break your surfing.
With that said, if you're lucky enough to be able to spend big early on, I would.
And, I would continue to have custom shaped boards until my money dried up.
The results will speak for themselves.
The different types of material for beginner surfboards?
Soft top
Soft-top surfboards are the type of surfboards that you’ll see at surf schools worldwide.
They’re big, they’re ugly, but they’re amazing for beginners.
Why?
Put simply, soft-top surfboards are super buoyant (which means they’ve got heaps of volume - more on that in a minute), and they’re really stable too.
All this amounts to you catching more waves, more often, and progressing much faster as a result
Polyurethane
Polyeurothane is the surfboard material that you’re probably most familiar with.
It’s the preferred choice of the majority of the worlds best and for good reason…
It’s light, fast, and super responsive!
But (and this is a big but), they’re very hard to surf. Especially for beginners.
Here’s why.
The typical beginner surfboard will be around 60 - 80+ litres in volume. This volume is exactly what you’ll need for paddling for waves and actually catching them on a regular basis.
Compare that to the typical polyurethane board you’ll see one of the pro’s riding and their boards will only be around 25 litres!
You see because they’re so nimble and such good paddlers they’re able to trade away the volume in exchange for more manouverability. That’s always the trade off.
But as a beginner, it really is best to start with a bigger board and work your way down slowly.
Epoxy
Epoxy is a newer surfboard manufacturing technique that has only in the past 5 years really taken off.
This board composition type is much stronger than it’s polyurethane counterpart, and it's much lighter too - so it can be great for small wave grovel boards.
And epoxy is also a good choice as a step up board after you’ve progressed away from a soft-top.
The reason?
It’s hard wearing and light. Two of the most important things for you moving forward.
But you might we wondering why all of the top pro’s aren’t all riding epoxy boards right?
But the number one complaint about the epoxy construction is that it doesn’t have a tonne of flex.
If you’re surfing at a very high level this is something that you’ll be able to detect, but for the rest of us, this would be impossible to detect.
My thoughts// for what's it worth...
Ok, so here it is. This is the fastest route to progressing as a beginner.
Start off with a soft top and stick with this board type until you’re catching tonnes of waves, feel super in control, and are beginning to get frustrated at the lack of manouverability.
From there, get yourself an epoxy with a tonne of volume. Something where you’re going to be able to catch a heap of waves, and begin to get the hang of changing direction and doing turns.
Moving forwards it’s a gradual progression of dropping your board size and volume over time.
And before you know it, you’ll be ripping on a little shortboard throwing spray over your friends.
But, DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE!!!
It’s something I see almost all the time, but we all have a tendency to want to surf shorter boards too quickly.
And I get it, it can be frustrating when you’re just starting out.
But if you’re out there bobbing around on a little toothpick of a surfboard not catching any waves, then you’re not actually even getting the wave to improve on.
Don’t be this person.
Take your time and you’ll be just fine.
Good things come to those who wait remember!
How many fins should I have on a beginner surfboard?
To have a killer beginner board set , you’re going to need to know a little about fins.
Learning about the different types of fins and their functionality can get pretty technical but for the purpose of this post, I’m going to keep it pretty simple.
The most common beginner surfboard fin set up is known as the truster - one trailer fin and two either side (all of which are the same size).
The reason for this type of fin set up is, it’s found to be the best for stability, control and direction for a beginner surfer. All of which are helpful in learning to surf.
Some beginner surfboards have plastic fins which are fixed. If you buy one of these boards, you can’t swap and experiment with any other fin sets.
This isn’t such a bad thing.
Swapping and changing fins setups can be very confusing. It's easy to get lost figuring out all the variables.
This is the last thing you need.
For those of you, who have bought a longboard or a minimal and want to experiment, here's a a few to think about:
Single fin
Most common on longboards. A single fin can provide a lot of speed and a nice and stable board to perform smooth and more drawn out turns.
Twin fin
Popular with a certain kind of niche surfers. The two fin set can provide a high performanced based style of surfing, yet, still keeping the flow, smoothness and crusiness of the single fin.
Thruster
The most popular fin set amongst every ability. This type of fin set up is perfect for manoeuvrability and stability. Suitbale for all condtions. This three 'equally sized' fin set up, revoltionized surfing.
Quad fin
Are the perfect fin set up for big and hollow waves. The advantages of this set up is more steep, excels in stepper more hollow waves. Similar to the twin fin but with more control.
Each fin set will change the way the board repsonds through the water. This in turn will have a direct impact on it's performance.
If you’re looking to be more lose through your turns you’d favour a fin set like the thruster. Alternatively, if you're looking for more control and sturdiness for noseriding, then the single fin would be a better option.
Bonus tip: fins are the most important upgrade for your board. Ever.
But for now, focus on the thruster set up, get a handle on the basics of surfing and away you go.
Should I learn to surf on a performance shortboard?
Take a deep breath.
What I’m about to say next could change your surfing. Forever.
Beginner surfers make this mistake all the time.
They see advanced surfers, surfing high performance shortboards really well, and think to themselves "If I had that board, I'll be able to surf the same".
Ummmmm, wrong.
Take the Hypto Krypto model by Hayden Shape as an example.
When these boards were first released, everybody wanted one. But, not everybody could surf one.
What most beginner surfers fail to regonise is that these types of high performance surfboards are ultra sensitive.
It's this sentivity that can accommodate the different maneuvers in the different pockets of the wave.
For beginner surfers trying to master the foundations of surfing on a performance shortboard is a recipe for disaster. This can be unbelievably frustrating and they may give up all together.
Don’t do the same.
There is a series of surfboards as you progress you’ll need to transition onto.
A high performance shortboard isn’t one of those, right now.
Should I buy a new board, or is second hand ok?
I have nothing against buying second hands surfboards.
Most of the time they are suitable and can save you a ton of upfront costs.
Having said that, I don’t recommend buying any old second hand board.
There’s a fine line between saving money and buying a dud - aka (a piece of shit). But, why is it, I always encounter the latter?
Maybe it's got something to do with how much we all love a bargain.
And, when we see a board, way under its value, we have an insatiable need to buy it. Even, if it’s totally irrelevant to our current surfing ability.
It’s more common to see a beginner surfer buying a second hand ‘Sunset Gun’ (think narrow, pointy with zero buoyancy board) than the perfect next transitional board.
If you are serious about surfing, then my suggestion is to invest in a good board early on. It will pay dividends to your surfing.
Learning to Surf should be fun. Not intimidating.
Having said that, if you’re not in a good financial position, then your other option is too hunt down the best second surfboard you can.
Here’s some ways which could help:
Ask your friends
Ask around in your network of friends if anyone has a board they are selling. Sometimes surfers keep their old boards as they dont fetch for much money. This is handy if any of your friends were at somepoint beginner surfers. There bound to have a cheap foamie or longboard lying around.
Online
[Gumtree | Ebay | Trademe | Facebook Marketplace ect ]
Second shops online are a great place to see what’s on offer. Whichever country you’re in it's worth checking out the onlne options. The beauty here is, you get to search in your area and go round to check it out. Have a feel of the board and see if it’s a fit for you.
Surfshops & Surf schools
Sometimes these places have a few defects or they are struggling to get through some old stock. Ask your local surf shop or local surf school and see if they have anything available.
Just remember, not matter whether you buy a brand new or second hand board the same principles apply.
YOUR // HEIGHT + WEIGHT + ABILITY = BOARDS // VOLUME & LENGTH
Ideal beginner surfboard set up - here’s what I recommend.
For the purpose of this article I'm going to stick to the same surfboard shaper so you can get a grasp of what's the right surfboard tragetory for you.
Beginner Board Buyers [Road Map]
Absolute beginner - (zero experience)
Type: Soft top poacher model
Size: Between 9-8 foot+ range
Fin set up: Thruster
Volume: 72.5L
Shaper: Degree 33
Learner Beginner - (surfing for a couple of months)
Type: Longboard Classic Model
Size: Between 9-8 foot+ range
Fin set up: Either a thrust or Single fin set up
Volume: 86.3 L
Shaper: Degree 33
Progressor Beginner - (surfing for more than a couple of months)
Type: The Pocher
Size: Between 6'6" - 7'2" range
Finset up: Thruster
Volume: 43L
Shaper: Degree 33
Note: This is only a guide to show you when and why you'll be needing the different types of boards and volume as you progress on your surfing journey.
What size surfboard do I need?
Here’s the truth.
Most surfers think they are better than they are.
Don’t worry, we all do.
But, when it comes to buying your first beginner surfboard, you need to be brutally honest about your talents (or lack of).
Your surfing ability directly affects the size board you’ll need to get.
Here’s what I mean:
If you’re a 6’0” 185-pound female but can surf, you can afford a slightly smaller board for maneuverability purpose.
However, if you’re a 5’7” 130-pound female and are struggling to get up and catch waves, then a bigger board with more buoyancy is going to be better suited for you.
Your ability is key.
Bonus tip - choosing a surfboard three feet longer than your height is perfect.
For every other surfer (other than those really super talented ones) a longboard or a hybrid fish type board is a perfet starting point.
One thing is for sure.
Your board is not a badge of honour (better skills, not shorter boards show who is the boss)
Choose well.
7 [Super important] tips for buying your first surfboard
Before you go, have a look at my advice on buying your first beginner board.
Reluctantly take advice from anyone
Everybody has their own agenda when it comes to buying a surfboard.
Your friends, the sales assistant, local shapers and so on.
Don’t get me wrong. They all mean well. There also biased (especially your boyfriend).
Most surfers who have any experience will always push you towards choosing a shortboard.
I understand it can be intimidating walking into your local surf shop and having the sales assistant getting technical on all the different dimensions , material ect.
This can feel overwhelming and you may end up pressured into buying something which is not suitable for you.
Do your research before hand, rely on yourself to know this knowledge and bring the confidence with you and check out all boards in your area.
Remember. You never have to buy there and then.
Buy with your current surfer self in mind and not your future surfer self
Be humble.
You're not an expert, right?
And it’s pretty unlikely you’ll be an expert in a few months. Who knows maybe you’ll never be an expert.
Whatever your surfing ability is right now, could be what it is next year (damn it).
Buy with your current surfing ability in mind. This include your current weight and your current fitness level.
Don’t lie.
Take your time, it’s not a race
The worst thing you can do is buy a surfboard because you know the waves are going to be pumping later that day or later that week.
You, frantically hurrying to find something which is suitable (good luck) and without a doubt will make some average to bad choices.
Give yourself a decent amount of time. What's the hurry?
Better to buy well, than to have buyers remorse.
Ah! we’ve all been there.
Don’t go into it with a ‘tight arse’ mindset, just to save a few $$
If you do this, you’ll end up buying a board because of the price and not beause of its suitability.
Big mistake.
Leave your tight arse terry mindset for another transaction.
If you have found the right surfboard, there is no harm in bartering. You can always knock down the price or have some freebies thrown in.
Be aware of the shiny objectect syndrome
Something what looks good, you know, the one you want to put under your arm and make everybody jealous, is probably a hunk of shit.
As tempting as it is to buy something with a beautiful art design or pretty colors, if it’s not the right surfboard for your weight and ability then admire it but don’t buy it.
The make of a board is kind of a big deal
It goes without saying. You pay for what you get.
There are hundreds of boards out there on the market , which look good , probably even feel good but when you put it in the water, the responsiveness just isn't there.
Cheap manufactured boards will be obvious.
Good brands such as Modern, 33 degrees, Js, Al Merrick ect all stand the test of time.
It’s also important to note: You're not only paying for quality but their years of experience too.
World renowned shapers have been shaping boards for all kinds of level of surfers for years. This constant feedback and the introduction of new technology are the reason they are at the forefront of modern surfboard design.
Try out as many boards as humanly possible
The more you can learn what suits you and what feels good under your feet, the better decisions you’ll make buying your first surfboard.
Grab your friends old board or head to you local surf shop and see what boards they’ve got as rentals.
Switch up the length and the volume and you’ll get a really good idea of whats this whole post is about.
It’s one thing to read and digest all this information, it's another to experiment for yourself.
Get to know what you like.
Go forth and choose wisely
Most people who think about buying their first surfboard, choose for all the wrong reasons.
Don’t be one of them.
Get started, and take it one step at a time.
This article can teach you how to buy the right beginners surfboard, but the passion to surf and learn? You already have that.
So what are you waiting for?
I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
Talk soon,
Loz
