How To Choose a Surfboard
When learning how to surf, you can use pretty much any type of board you’d like, but some surfboards are better than others for beginners. To get the most out of your training, you need to get started on the right board. If you have ever had surfing lessons with a surf school you probably already have a good idea as to which surfboard is best for the beginner, it’s a soft or foam surfboard. Sometimes called 'Foamies', these boards are great because the soft foam construction means the boards are incredibly flexible, making it easier for a beginner to catch a good wave. Their dimensions ensure great stability in the water, making it much easier for the novice to stand up.
Here are some of the main things to keep in mind when considering which surfboard to buy as a beginner.
Surfboard Size
- Any surfboard you purchase should be at least 6 inches over your height.
- The wider the surfboard, the more stable you will be on the waves.
- The thicker the surfboard the more buoyant it will be, making it easier to paddle and catch waves.
- An ultra thin, light shortboard will make learning to surf harder, one of the reasons that performance boards are not used by surf schools.
- Look at our What Size Do I Need Guide for the right board for you.
Type of Surfboard
- The best type of beginner's surfboard depends on different factors. How often you will be surfing, your fitness levels, whether you need to look cool, etc. Best go back and read the softboard/beginner page again. Nothing makes you look cooler than being beat up by your own board and having the bumps and bruises to show for it.
- Soft boards, longboards, minimals and pop-outs are all great beginner surfboards.
- Shortboards are not such a great beginner board for the average surfer, because shortboards are for expert level surfers.
How Often You Surf
- If you only surf once a year go for a softboard.
- If you surf 3-4 times a week you can pretty much start on any board you like. Surfing this regularly should see you quickly out of the 'novice surfer' stage.
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