How to Choose Your First Surfboard

Buying your first surfboard is one of the most exciting and most confusing things you'll do as a new surfer. Walk into any surf shop and you're faced with racks of boards in every conceivable shape and size, often without much guidance on what any of it means. Buy the wrong board and you'll struggle to improve; buy the right one and progression feels effortless.

This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a clear framework for choosing a board that will actually help you surf better.

The Most Important Rule: Buy More Board Than You Think You Need

Every beginner surfer overestimates their ability and underestimates how hard surfing is. The boards sold to beginners in surf schools — wide, thick, long foam boards — are not embarrassing beginner tools. They are objectively easier to learn on, and they make the sport enjoyable from day one. A smaller, performance-orientated board bought before you're ready will set your progression back by months.

Buy the board that matches your current level, not the level you hope to be at in a year.

Understanding Volume

Volume, measured in litres, is the single most useful number when comparing boards. More volume means more float, which translates directly to easier paddle power, easier pop-ups, and more stability once you're on your feet.

As a starting framework:

• Complete beginner: Volume should be roughly 100% of your body weight in litres. If you weigh 75 kg, start at around 75 litres minimum — ideally more.
• Progressing beginner / improver: 60–80% of body weight in litres. You're catching more waves unassisted and working on turns.
• Intermediate: 40–60%. You can consistently get to your feet and surf across the face of the wave.

These are starting points, not rules. Wave quality, your fitness level, and how often you surf all affect how much volume you need.

Board Types for Beginners

Foam (Soft-Top) Board — 8 to 9+ feet

The undisputed best choice for someone who has never surfed before. Foam boards are soft, which means falling on them doesn't hurt. They have enormous volume, which makes catching waves easy. They are durable and forgiving. Major surf brands now make foam boards that perform well enough for intermediate surfers, so you won't grow out of them as fast as you might think.

If you're a complete beginner, buy a foam board. The end.

Longboard — 9 to 10+ feet

A classic fibreglass longboard offers more performance than a foam board while retaining the volume and paddle power that beginners need. They're slower to turn but easier to ride and ideal for the relaxed, flowing style of surfing that suits smaller European waves. Longboards are also excellent in small, mushy conditions where shorter boards struggle to generate speed.

A good second board for someone who has outgrown their foam board but isn't ready for a shorter shape.

Funboard / Mid-Length — 7 to 8.5 feet

A compromise between a longboard's paddle power and a shortboard's manoeuvrability. Mid-lengths have become one of the most popular categories in surfing over the past decade, popular with beginners looking to progress and experienced surfers looking for a more relaxed alternative to shortboards. Good for all-around use in small to medium waves.

Shortboard — Under 7 feet

The board of choice for performance surfing. Shortboards require a powerful pop-up, good wave-reading ability, and confident paddling to use effectively. They are not beginner boards. Buying one too early is the single most common mistake new surfers make.

Shape Details That Matter

Width

Wider boards are more stable and easier to balance on. Most beginner boards are 21–23 inches wide. Performance shortboards are often 18–19 inches.

Thickness

Thicker boards have more volume and float better. Most beginners should look for boards at least 2.75–3 inches thick.

Tail shape

Round tails are forgiving and hold well in small waves. Square tails are punchier and release more easily for radical turns. For a beginner, the difference is subtle — don't let it be a deciding factor.

Rocker

The curve from nose to tail. More rocker means the board fits tighter in steeper, more powerful waves. Less rocker means more speed and easier paddling in small waves. Most beginner boards have a flatter rocker, which is right.

New vs. Used

A quality used board is often a better first purchase than a cheap new one. You can get significantly more volume and better construction for the same budget. The risk is buying a board with hidden damage — see our guide to buying used surfboards for how to inspect one properly before committing.

Fins and Accessories

Once you have your board sorted, understanding the fin system is the next step. Our guide to surfboard fins — FCS, Futures and US Box compared explains how the different systems work and which fins suit different styles of surfing.

Most boards come with fins included. Before your first session, also make sure you have:

• Leash: Length should roughly match the board length. A 9-foot board needs a 9-foot leash.
• Wax: Applied to the deck to stop your feet slipping. Use a base coat first, then top coat. Match the temperature rating to the water you're surfing in.
• Board bag or sock: Protects against UV damage and dings during transport.
• Fin key: A small screwdriver-style tool to fit and remove fins. Keep one in your bag at all times.

Further Reading

• Surfboard Fins Explained: FCS, Futures and US Box
• How to Wax a Surfboard
• How to Read a Surf Report
• Getting Started with Surfing

Shop at Eisbach Riders

Once you have your board, the fin is the next thing to get right. Our guide to surfboard fins covers FCS, Futures and US Box — and we stock sets for every level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size surfboard should a complete beginner buy?

At least 2–3 times your body weight in litres of volume. A 70 kg beginner needs at least 70–80 litres — typically an 8–9 ft foam board or a wide, thick fibreglass longboard. The extra volume keeps you afloat while you learn to paddle, pop up and balance.

Is a foam (soft-top) board good for learning?

Yes — foam boards are the best option for most beginners. They are buoyant, forgiving when you fall on them, less damaging to other surfers, and durable. Do not let anyone talk you out of a foam board for your first year.

Should my first board be a longboard or a shortboard?

Longboard or funboard. A shortboard is designed for experienced surfers. On a shortboard, a beginner spends most of their time failing to catch waves. Start with volume and length; downsize naturally as your skills grow.

How long does it take to progress to a shortboard?

With consistent weekly surfing, most people reach shortboard-ready level after 1–2 years. Rushing the transition is the single most common mistake intermediate surfers make — it slows progression rather than accelerating it.

Does the fin setup on my first board matter?

Not much at beginner level. Focus on wave selection, paddle technique and pop-up first. A thruster is the most forgiving fin configuration for a surfer still building fundamentals.