How to choose the right surfboard for a beginner
Posted: 28 April 2024
Soft and foam surfboards are usually referred to as the best beginner surfboards (often called a ‘foamie’) due to being more padded, providing buoyancy and stability on the water.
These boards will be less responsive, however they are more stable, and allow you to catch waves, stand more easily and not fall off.
This type of board is also great for a beginner as they will be less likely to hurt themselves or others.
The fins are small and generally made of soft, flexible plastic.
What length should you choose?
The longer the better. ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach and surf school operator, Vaya Phrachanh of Pines Surfing Academy in Wollongong Australia, recommends minimum length of 8ft. 9ft is even better.
You also need to consider the width of the board (how wide the middle of the board is). Which should be at least 26 inches.
The thickness should be no more than 3 inches.
How do the dimensions of the board affect my ability to stand up?
When you jump to your feet and stand up, you are on a very unstable, moving platform which may also be on bumpy waters.
A longer wider board is "more forgiving". That means when you jump to your feet, your feet placement does not have to be on the exact position on the board.
If you were on a shorter board/narrower board, wrong foot placement by only a few inches may mean you nose dive the board or fall off the back or if you stand too close to the rail (side) the board will tip over.
The longer, wide board provides more stability, and will carry you along as you correct your feet position or even wobble a bit on the board.
As you hit bumps in the water, a board that is too thick will bounce around, making you unstable and more likely to fall off.
A longer board catches waves more easily. It's to do with mechanics. The surface area underneath the board and how it connects to a surging wave. A longer board is more likely to "stick" to a wave, rather than the wave passing you by.
What is the best size for Children and Adults?
The same size board applies to both Children and Adults. Children are learning as well and can be just as uncoordinated as adults.
For much larger adults, you can choose a board of at least 9ft, x 26" wide x 3" thick. This size board should accommodate a 140 kgs person.
Cost
There are cheaper branded beginner boards on the market. They are usually cheaper because they are not as good to learn on. In other words, it is more difficult to stand up and ride the waves.
The key here is ensure the thickness is no more than 3inches. Usually the cheaper brand boards are thicker as its needed to make the board more strong due to using poor quality manufacturing. They may also be narrower.
Resale
A good quality beginner board will get you up and riding and help build your confidence. It also holds its value. So when you are ready to trade down to a smaller board, you can more easily sell your beginner board.
Which brand is best?
There are many brands on the market, around the world. Vaya Phrachanh uses the following in his surf school and has great success.
Quiksilver Roxy Softboard
One of the best ways to find a beginner surfboard is to book a lesson with an ASI surf school who will be able to talk you through all the features of the board, and get you out in the water on a beginner board so you can experience the board yourself.
Find an ASI Surf School here.
