What Makes a Great Beginner's Surfboard?

Surfing is one of those amazing experiences that lets you spend time in nature and ride a natural energy source- WAVES! If you’re just starting out, picking the right surfboard can really improve and expedite your surfing journey. So, what makes a great beginner’s surfboard? Let’s dive into the essentials that I think will help you catch those first waves with confidence and ease.

1. Size Matters

Length and Width

I always tell folks, when you’re starting out, it’s best to use a longer, thicker and wider board—think around 8 to 9 feet depending on your height and weight. These “bigger” boards offer more stability, making it easier to paddle and catch waves. A wider board gives you a more stable surface area to balance on, which is super helpful when you’re still finding your sea legs.

Volume

Volume is all about buoyancy. The thicker or “fuller” a board is (based on its length and width) the more volume it will carry. A board with higher volume floats better, which is a big plus when you’re learning to paddle. I suggest looking for boards that strike a good balance between volume and length, so you can catch waves without feeling like you’re sinking.

2. Shape and Design

Soft Tops

Soft-top boards are fantastic for the very beginners. With their soft foam construction, they’re much safer if you take a tumble—less chance of injury! Plus, they’re gentle on other surfers if there is a collision! What are soft top drawbacks? Well they are very full volume and much flatter than a regular fiberglass board. (which is why they catch waves easily). They usually have soft plastic or rubber fins that don’t hold well and very round bulky rails that don’t allow the surfer to turn the board well. All of this can make a soft top harder to maneuver and control at times.

Malibu or “Mini” longboards

In my opinion, a Malibu or mini longboard is the best beginner board for new surfers. A rounded full nose is your friend. These fuller designs helps with paddling and makes catching waves smoother. These designs are usually single fins. A single fin provides stability in the back end of the surfboard giving the rider more time when working on getting to their feet. This shape also reduces the chances of nosediving, which is vital when you’re trying to progress getting to your feet.

3. Material

Epoxy vs. Polyurethane

For my new surfers I usually guide them toward epoxy resin and EPS (expanded poly styrene or better known as styrofoam) instead of classic polyester resin. Epoxy resin and EPS blanks are usually more durable than traditional polyurethane boards, making them easier to manage and care for. Durability is critical in a new beginners board. It is vital to take care of your surfboard no matter what it is made out of! New surfers might not have mastered board care just yet and run the risk of damaging the board by mishandling it or leaving it out in the sun for extended periods of time which damages any surfboard.

4. Fin Setup

Single Fin Setup

A single fin or two plus one setup is popular for beginner boards. Single fins as mentioned before provide a ton of stability. A two plus one setup is simply a single fin with two front side fins. This setup strikes a nice balance between stability and maneuverability, allowing you to experiment with turns while feeling secure on the wave.

5. Weight Considerations

Choosing a board that matches your weight is key. This is why talking with your surfboard shaper is CRITICAL! I spend a lot of time helping folks size their boards correctly. A custom surfboard is like a tailored garment. Tuned exactly for the user to have the best possible experience. Heavier surfers will want a board with more volume, while lighter surfers can go for something a bit smaller. Getting the right size helps you paddle more easily maneuver and catch waves much easier.

6. Versatility

Look for a board that can handle different wave sizes. I highly suggest my Malibu model or Daily Driver longboard to get started! A great beginner board should perform well in small to medium surf, which is typically what you’ll find as you’re learning the ropes. A versatile board lets you enjoy a range of conditions and grow your skills over time.

Conclusion

I will always encourage new surfers to that are getting serious about their surfing experience to talk with a knowledgable surfboard shaper! They will help you to pick the perfect board for where you are and where you want to go in your surfing journey! Getting on the right surfboard can make a world of difference for beginners. By keeping an eye on board size, shape, material, and fin setup, you’ll find a board that feels just right for you. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the ride—so pick a board that helps you do just that! If you have any questions or would like to get sized correctly for your next surfboard give me a call and we can get you dialed in to your next board. Here’s to catching waves and enjoying every moment in the water!

Happy surfing!