Hey, Lykkers! Ready to catch your first wave? If you're just getting into surfing, choosing the right board can seem like a daunting task
But fear not! We’ve got you covered with this beginner's guide to selecting the perfect surfboard based on your height, weight, and skill level.
Let's make sure you start your surfing journey off right!
1. Size Is Key
The size of your surfboard is one of the most important things to consider when starting out. Beginners will want to choose a larger board, as it provides more balance and is easier to paddle.
Height: Your height plays a big role in determining the right board size. If you're shorter, say under 5’6”, you'll want a board that's around 7-8 feet long. Taller surfers should consider something longer, like an 8-9 foot board. The extra length will help you stay balanced and give you a better chance to catch waves smoothly.
Weight: Your weight impacts the board’s buoyancy, so it’s important to get a board that can handle your body type. Heavier surfers need more volume (or thickness) in their board to float comfortably. If you go too small, you might struggle to stay balanced or paddle efficiently. For lighter surfers, slimmer boards work fine, but a bit more width adds extra stability.
How To Choose Your First Surfboard
2. Material and Board Shape
The type of material and shape of the surfboard you choose will greatly influence your overall experience.
Foam Boards (Soft Tops): Foam boards are fantastic for absolute beginners. They’re made from a soft material, which is forgiving if you fall and won’t hurt as much if the board hits you. Plus, they're more durable and have a lot of buoyancy, which makes catching your first wave easier.
Longboards vs. Shortboards: Longboards, which are typically over 8 feet, are ideal for beginners. Their larger surface area provides stability and makes paddling easier. Shortboards, on the other hand, are for more experienced surfers as they offer speed and sharper turns but require better balance and control.
3. Matching Your Skill Level
Be realistic about your experience level when choosing a board. Surfing is not something you’ll master overnight; it takes lots of practice to improve.
Beginner: If you’ve never surfed before, it’s smart to start with a longboard or foam board. These boards will help you learn how to paddle, balance, and ride waves without throwing you off. They’re much easier to control and a lot more stable for someone just learning the ropes.
Getting Better: As you progress and get comfortable catching waves and making turns, you can consider moving to a funboard. These are shorter than longboards but still provide decent stability while giving you a taste of more maneuverability.
Ready to Step Up: Once you’ve gained confidence and can paddle and turn with ease, you might want to try out a shortboard. Keep in mind, these boards require a lot more balance and control, so make sure you're up for the challenge!
4. Don’t Ignore Volume
The volume of your board (how much space it takes up) plays a critical role in how well it floats and handles. Boards with more volume are easier to paddle and float better in the water, making them ideal for beginners. Over time, as you develop your skills, you can experiment with lower-volume boards to improve your agility and speed on the waves.
5. Renting or Buying?
For newbies, renting a surfboard is a good way to test the waters—literally. Trying out different boards will help you figure out what size and type feel best without making a big investment upfront. Many surf shops even have rent-to-own programs, where you can put part of your rental cost toward buying the board if you fall in love with it.
But if you’re committed to learning, owning your own board can help you improve faster. Having a consistent board to practice on will let you get familiar with its feel, and you’ll be able to hit the waves whenever you want!
Surfing is supposed to be fun, Lykkers, so don’t stress about picking the perfect board right off the bat. Start with something easy and stable, and let the waves teach you as you go. As your skills develop, you'll get a better sense of what works for you and can switch things up. Most importantly, embrace the excitement of learning to surf and enjoy every moment in the water!
