How to pick a surfboard:
4 things to consider for beginners

Lesson 9

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Introduction

Choosing the right surfboard can significantly impact your surfing progress as a beginner. How to pick a surfboard comes down to 4 considerations; surfboard size, surfboard material, surfboard shape, and tailoring your choice to local conditions.

The size part of it covers both volume and length, where you want to opt for a board volume of at least 75% of your weight in litres, and a board that fits your length according to this chart. When it comes to surfboard material, soft tops (foamies) are recommended for beginners due to their increased buoyancy, durability, and forgiving nature, which provide added stability and safety. Hard-top surfboards also have their advantages if you’re not a complete beginner. As for the shape of the surfboard, beginners should opt for a surfboard with a rounded nose and a stable, wider outline.

Now, let’s dive into the details of why it’s important to choose the right surfboard and what to look for! Or, why not check out my post on the top beginner surfboard picks out there.

Why is it important to choose the right surfboard?

You don’t want to go for a surfboard that is not suitable for your skill level, as it can slow down your progress towards becoming a good surfer. 

When I surfed in Buffelsbai in South Africa not too long ago, there were not too many surfboard options to pick from at the local surf rental place. I made the mistake of choosing a surfboard that was way too small for me, and I ended up catching no waves, feeling frustrated and looking like a kook. After 30 minutes in the water, I decided to switch to a 9ft longboard from Roxy (which I loooved by the way!) and that made all the difference. Suddenly I was catching almost every wave I paddled for, and I could really feel how I was slowly starting to progress. With the right board for my skill level, I had so much fun the remaining part of my surfing session!

If you choose a surfboard as a beginner that is not suited for beginners, chances are you will not catch as many waves. And when you are new to surfing, you’ll want to use a board that allows you to catch as many waves as possible. The more waves you catch, the more practice you will get, and the more used you will become to riding waves. The more waves you catch, the faster you will progress. 

As a beginner, you should start surfing on a large foam board with lots of volume to help you stay stable on the board

How to pick a surfboard: 4 things to consider for beginners

1. How to pick a surfboard with the right size

As a beginner, selecting the right size surfboard is important. Opting for a board with a larger volume provides stability, making it easier to paddle and catch waves. Larger boards, often classified as longboards, are generally recommended for those just starting out. 

As an example, I am 168cm long and weigh around 54kg. The size of this surfboard would be quite ideal for me if it was my first time going for a surf, while the size of this surfboard would be too small for me.

Volume

Choosing the right surfboard volume is important for stability and ease of paddling. A simple method to determine the ideal volume is to calculate 3/4 (75%) of your body weight in kilograms (kg) and select a board with that volume in liters (L) on average.

Example: If you weigh 60kg:

  • 3/4 (75%) of 60Kg = 45kg
  • Therefore, for a weight of 60kg, aim for a surfboard with at least 45L of volume

Length

The length of your surfboard also plays a vital role in your surfing experience. Longer boards generally offer more stability and are easier to paddle on, making them well-suited for those just starting out. Choose the best surfboard length for your weight and height using this size chart:

Surfboard length chart for beginners:

Lengths are in feet (ft) and they are approximate.

Beginner surfboard length chart

2. How to pick a surfboard with the right material

When exploring surfboard options, you’ll encounter different materials, each influencing your surfing experience. Understanding the material of your surfboard will help you in how to pick a surfboard.

Soft-top surfboards (foam boards)

Soft-top boards, often made of foam, offer a forgiving and comfortable learning experience. Consider the advantages of foam boards, especially in terms of safety and ease of use, as you take your initial steps into the waves. If you are a complete beginner or quite new to surfing, I definitely think you should opt for a foam board.

This is an example of a soft-top surfboard suitable for beginners.

Advantages:

  • Safety: Foam boards, often referred to as soft-tops, are known for their forgiving nature. The soft construction minimizes the risk of injury if you get hit by the board, making them ideal for beginners.
  • Buoyancy: Foam boards provide excellent buoyancy, making paddling and catching waves easier.
  • Durability: The soft and buoyant material is often more durable and resistant to dings and damages.
  •  

Considerations:

  • Performance limitations as you progress: While foam boards are excellent for learning, they may have performance limitations  as your skills progress. For example, it’s not as easy to turn and maneuver on a soft-top compared to a hard-top. 
  •  

Hard-top surfboards

As a beginner surfer you might encounter the choice between a foam board and a hard-top board. Hard-top boards, crafted from materials like fiberglass or epoxy, provide a more performance-oriented option for those seeking versatility and maneuverability as they progress in their surfing skills. 

If you are able to catch waves on a foam board, have learned the basics of surfing using a foam board and feel rather stable when surfing a foam board, you might want to consider switching up to a hard-top board eventually- but there’s no stress, foam boards are great to practice on for a while.

This is an example of a hard-top surfboard suitable for beginners that are ready to switch up from a foamie- it’s actually the surfboard that I own myself and I really enjoy it! Although, sometimes when the waves are small I wish I had chosen a slightly longer board as it would have been easier to catch waves with a longer board on smaller days.

Advantages:

  • Performance: Hard-top boards offer superior performance as you advance in your surfing skills. They often provide better maneuverability and responsiveness, making it easier to make turns on the wave.
  •  

Considerations:

  • Learning curve: They may have a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners due to their less forgiving nature. It’s harder to paddle and catch waves on a hard-top board, especially if you’re a beginner. Don’t start with a hard-top if you are completely new to surfing, opt for a foamie instead.
  • Potential for injury: Getting hit by a hard-top board hurts a lot more than getting hit by a soft-top board- unfortunately I know this from experience. If you don’t yet know how to handle your board in the water, you should probably wait with switching up to a hard-top board- both for your own safety but also for the safety of others. 
  •  

In essence, choosing between a foam board and a hard-top depends on your priorities as a beginner. Foam boards prioritize safety, buoyancy, and forgiveness, making them excellent for initial learning. Hard-top boards offer enhanced performance but may require a bit more skill and caution. Many beginners start with foam boards and transition to hard-top boards as they gain confidence and proficiency in the water- that’s what I recommend you to do.

3. How to pick a surfboard with the right shape

The shape of your surfboard affects its performance in the water. For beginners, a rounded nose and a stable, wider outline contribute to ease of paddling and better balance. Understanding how different shapes influence maneuverability helps in choosing a board that aligns with your skill level and progression goals.

This is an example of a surfboard with a well-rounded nose and a wide outline, which is ideal for beginners. This surfboard on the other hand has a nose that is rather pointy and not well suited for complete beginners.

Surfboard shapes for beginners.
If you're a beginner, a surfboard with a rounded nose and a wider outline is recommended

4. Tailor your choice to local conditions

Local wave conditions play a crucial role in determining the type of surfboard that suits your needs. Whether you’re dealing with beach breaks or point breaks, matching your board to the specific conditions of your local spot enhances your overall surfing experience.

The best beginner surfboards in 2024

Now, are you ready to pick a surfboard? Then dive into this guide to the best surfboards out there for beginners!

Additional tips on how to pick a surfboard as a beginner

1. Renting vs. buying

Before I bought my very own board, I used to rent surfboards. This was a good way for me to learn what types of surfboards I like and not.

Deciding whether to rent or buy your first surfboard is a common dilemma for beginners. Renting provides the opportunity to try different boards and discover your preferences before committing to a purchase. This initial exploration ensures you find the best surfboard that aligns with your evolving skills.

2. Seek expert advice

I’ve always found it helpful to seek expert advice from local surf shops and surf schools, both to choose a board that fits my level of surfing but also to find a board that suits the local conditions of where I am planning to surf.

In the vast sea of surfboard options, seeking advice from experienced surfers or local surf shop experts is invaluable. Their insights can guide you toward the best choice based on your individual preferences, skill level, and the unique characteristics of your local waves.

Girl wearing a wetsuit and carrying a surfboard, walking into the water

Lesson quiz: test your knowledge

1. 
Which type of surfboard material is known for its forgiving nature and safety features, making it ideal for beginners?

2. 
What type of surfboard nose shape offers stability for beginners?

3. 
What is a good surfboard length for a beginner surfer?

Comments

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!

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