How to Choose Your First Surfboard 🌊
You've taken a few surf lessons, you're starting to fall in love with the ocean, and you're thinking it's finally time to get your own board.
And that's when things can get a little confusing. 😅
You start looking online and suddenly you're surrounded by shortboards, longboards, funboards, softboards, different shapes, different volumes and a whole lot of numbers that don't mean much yet.
And then you see a small, beautiful shortboard and think:
“Maybe I should just get that one?”
Here's my advice:
Don't start with how the board looks. Start with how it will help you surf.
The right first surfboard should help you learn, catch more waves and, most importantly, have fun in the water.
1. Softboard or hardboard?
For most beginners, a softboard is a great place to start.
Softboards have a softer deck and are generally designed to offer more stability and forgiveness. They're also more forgiving when you fall onto your board or when the board comes into contact with another surfer.
That's one of the reasons they're so commonly used by surf schools.
Why start with a softboard?
More stability.
Easier to learn the take-off.
More forgiving when you make mistakes.
Great for smaller, softer waves.
Helps you build confidence in the water.
That doesn't mean you need to stay on a softboard forever.
As your skills and confidence improve, you can move onto a hardboard and start exploring different shapes.
2. Don't just look at length — look at volume
One of the numbers you'll see on almost every surfboard is its volume, usually measured in litres (L).
Volume refers to how much space the board occupies and plays an important role in its flotation and stability.
For beginners, having enough volume can make it easier to paddle, catch waves and maintain balance.
But there isn't one magic volume that works for everyone.
The right amount depends on things like:
your weight and height,
your skill level,
your fitness,
how often you surf,
the type of waves you want to surf,
and the board's overall shape.
So don't buy a surfboard simply because someone told you that “this many litres is good for beginners.”
3. Longboard, funboard or shortboard?
This is where things get interesting.
🏄 Longboard
Longboards are longer, usually more stable boards with plenty of glide.
They can be a great choice for smaller, softer waves.
And no — longboards aren't just for beginners.
There are incredibly skilled surfers who ride longboards exclusively.
Longboarding is a whole surf culture of its own.
🏄 Funboard / Mini Malibu
Somewhere between a longboard and a shortboard you'll find funboards and mini malibus.
They're an interesting option for surfers who are moving beyond the complete beginner stage but aren't quite ready for a small shortboard.
They can offer a combination of stability and maneuverability.
🏄 Shortboard
And then we have the board everyone wants to buy… usually a little too early. 😂
Shortboards are smaller and generally designed for more dynamic, responsive surfing.
But remember:
A smaller board doesn't make you a better surfer.
If you don't yet have the skill to paddle and catch waves comfortably on a small shortboard, it can actually make surfing much harder.
4. Why do beginners need more stability?
During your first sessions, you're trying to learn a lot at the same time.
Paddling.
Positioning.
Timing.
Take-off.
Balance.
Pop-up.
Direction.
Adding a very small or unstable board to the mix can make everything harder.
A bigger, more stable board allows you to focus on what actually matters:
learning how to read the wave and enjoy the process.
And the more waves you catch, the more experience you get.
5. Don't buy the board you want to ride someday — buy the board you need now
This is probably the most important tip.
You might see a surfer doing incredible turns on a 5'10" shortboard and think:
“That's what I want.”
But the board that works for someone who's been surfing for years may be completely wrong for someone who's just starting.
The right board is the one that helps you progress.
And when it's time to move onto something smaller, you'll know.
You'll start feeling that your bigger board isn't challenging you in the same way anymore — and you'll want something more responsive.
That's when it's time to move on.
6. What size surfboard do I need?
There isn't one universal surfboard size that works for everyone.
A beginner adult might start with a larger softboard, often somewhere around 8–9 ft, but the right size depends on your weight, height, experience and the conditions you'll be surfing.
Two boards with the same length can behave very differently depending on their width, thickness and overall shape.
So don't only look at how many feet long the board is.
Look at the whole board.
7. What else should you consider?
Before buying your first surfboard, think about:
Where will you surf?
Small beach breaks?
Or more powerful waves?
How often will you surf?
If you're going once a month, you'll have different needs from someone who's in the water three or four times a week.
What's your goal?
Do you simply want to enjoy small summer waves?
Or do you want to gradually progress towards more performance-oriented surfing?
Your answer will influence what kind of board will work best for you.
8. And most importantly: ask a surfer or instructor
If you're buying your first board, don't be afraid to ask for help.
An experienced surfer or instructor who knows your level, your size and the conditions you surf in can give you much more useful advice than a random size chart online.
And if possible, try different boards before buying one.
Sometimes a board that looks perfect on paper simply doesn't feel right once you're in the water.
So, what's the best first surfboard?
There isn't one perfect first surfboard for everyone.
There is, however, a board that can be right for you and the stage you're at right now.
For most beginners, that means:
more stability → more waves → more practice → more fun.
And eventually, you'll look at that small shortboard you've had your eye on from the beginning and think:
“Okay… I'm ready.” 🌊
Until then, don't worry about looking like a surfer.
Just go surf.
— Sevi Waves 🤙