Best Surfboards For Beginners

Hey everyone, so you're a beginner in surfing and looking to buy your first board? Or maybe you're someone who just wants to figure out the best board to ride. So today in this post, we talk about the best surboards for beginners. So are you ready to catch your first wave? Let's go!

The first board I ever rode was a narrow longboard. It was about 9'2, but it was extremely narrow, and had a lot of padding on top so I wouldn't need to put wax on it. The problem though was that there were spots on it where it should have had the padding and there were times I would slip off completely. Not only that, turning on it was so difficult to do. But hey, we live and learn. And lucky for you, I've already made those rookie mistakes, so you don't have to.

Let's dive into the world of beginner surfboards, and I'll show you how to transition from just borrowing or renting boards, to buying your own.

What's the Ideal Beginner Surfboard?

When you're just starting, it's all about mastering the basics: positioning, pop-ups, balance, paddle strength – you get the gist. For this, you need a board that's easy to paddle, keeps you afloat (think high buoyancy), and is super stable. Bigger is definitely better in this case.

A top-notch beginner surfboard should make catching and riding waves a breeze, so you can progress faster. The best pick? A longboard surfboard, hands down. They're wide, stable, and float like a dream.

The Best Surfboard Picks for Newbies

1. The Ultimate 9’0” Epoxy Longboard: Trust me, starting with a board that's too small is just asking for trouble. You want something that offers stability and buoyancy, and this longboard is it.

2. Soft Top Surfboards: Also known as foamies, these are gold for beginners. They're user-friendly, stable, and forgiving when you inevitably take a few tumbles. A great brand to check is FormulaFun.

3. Funboards: Epoxy boards are durable and buoyant, great for beginners. Poly boards, while less buoyant and a bit heavier, offer more flex, which you might appreciate as you advance.

The Surfboard Progression Path

1. Start with a Longboard: Go for something about 3 feet longer than your height. These boards are great for catching more waves and improving your balance and paddling skills.

2. Move to a Funboard: Once you've got the hang of the basics, a funboard (about 6’ to 8’ long) is your next step. They offer a great balance between maneuverability and stability.

3. Graduate to a Shortboard: Ready for more action? Shortboards are the final frontier. Look for a board with a fuller outline and a bit more volume to make the transition easier.

Buying Your First Surfboard: Tips and Tricks

• Ignore the Hype: Your friend might swear by shortboards, but trust me, start with a longboard.
• Match the Board to Your Size: Heavier and taller? Go for a slightly bigger board.
• Stick to Your Level: Don’t rush to a shortboard. Enjoy the longboard phase; it’ll pay off. Trust me.
• Don't Overcomplicate It: A good all-around longboard is your best bet when starting out. Pick a board that's at least 8 feet long.
• Build a Quiver: As you progress, try not to sell your old boards. Different boards suit different conditions. 

The biggest thing you should do is speak with a few surfboard shops or surfboard shapers to get their thoughts. Ideally when you speak with a shaper they really do have the best knowledge when it comes to boards, and what you should ride based on your skill level. 

What Length Should I Buy?

This is something you shouldn't worry about in the beginning. All you need to do is just get in the water and worry about catching some waves. As you build up your strength for surfing, then it'll become easier over time to catch more waves.

It good starting point is to purchase a 8'+ longboard, and as you build strength then you can graduate to a funboard or even shortboard. Not only that, it really depends where you learn to surf and the type of break it is. It wouldn't make sense to ride a longboard when the break is fast you have a short ride. 

FAQs for Surfboard Rookies

• What size should I start with? About 3 feet longer than your height.
• Is a 7ft surfboard good for beginners? Better to start with an 8 to 9-foot board unless you're already a board sport pro or super lightweight and active.
• Are longer boards better for beginners? Absolutely, for stability, buoyancy, and ease of catching waves.
• Are foam surfboards good for beginners? Yes, they're stable, user-friendly, and safer for the inevitable falls.

Now Get Out There And Surf

Whether you aspire to be a shortboard pro or a lifelong longboarder, the right surfboard makes all the difference. Embrace the journey from a longboard to a shortboard, and you'll enjoy every wave along the way.

Surfing is really all about the lifestyle, the appreciate for the ocean and wildlife it has to offer. When you get out there and surf, remember to have fun and be respectful to others.