How to choose the right surfboard

How to choose a surfboard as a beginner surfer?

As a beginner surfer, the first thing you need from your surfboard is stability and buoyancy. When it comes to size, bigger is always better. The bigger the board, the faster you'll be able to enjoy the pleasures of wave riding.

A longboard is the ideal surfboard for new surfers. Choose soft top surfboards made of user-friendly foam surfboard material.

These types of boards offer a lot of volume and flotation, and will definitely help you stand up faster. They are long, high volume boards that are easy to paddle and relatively stable in the water.

Keep in mind that your first surfboard should be about three feet longer than your height.

Surfboards for intermediate surfer

As a general rule, the right surfboard for an intermediate surfer is usually one palm higher than their height.

If you ride small-to-medium-sized waves, you can always pick a longboard or a funboard/malibu.

If you've been riding a 7'0 to 7'6 mid-length, try a 6'6 to 7'0 Over Easy or Easy Rider depending on your height and weight. For lighter riders, go for a custom board and thin out the rails a touch. For larger surfers, add some foam throughout.

If you're already riding a 6'4 to 7'0, try a 6'0 to 6'4 Over Easy or Easy Rider based on your height and weight. Lighter riders can go below 6'0 with a custom order, while larger riders can max out at 6'4 with more foam. Be sure to note to the shaper on your custom order.

When it comes to materials, you can start to look into polyester and epoxy surfboards and begin to refine your preferred surfboard shape to suit your abilities and the types of waves you prefer. As time goes on, you will obviously seek more progression and performance out of your board.

Surfboards for advanced surfers

Advanced surfers looking to excel in challenging conditions, such as big tubes or fast, vertical sections of the wave, often gravitate towards the use of high performance short boards. These boards are best suited for those who want to take their skills to the next level, allowing them to perform technical manoeuvres with precision and control, while maximising speed and response on the wave.

High performance boards, also known as ‘shortboards’, are characterised by a length ranging from 5.8 to 6.4 feet, a relatively compact size that favours manoeuvrability in the water. The volume of these boards is low, generally between 24 and 38 litres, which makes them less buoyant but much more agile and responsive to the surfer's movements. Their pointed design, with a sharp nose, allows them to cut through the waves with ease, especially in tight sections or when making sharp turns.

In terms of rail shape, these boards usually feature a softer rail in the middle, which makes them easy to use in longer, flowing sections of the wave, but a harder rail towards the tail. This combination improves traction and grip in the back of the board, allowing for more radical manoeuvres such as tight turns and powerful snaps. In addition, the incorporation of a concave and double concave in the bottom contour of the board plays a crucial role in generating speed. These contours help channel the flow of water under the board, increasing acceleration and facilitating control in complex manoeuvres, such as aerials or fast cutbacks.

What are your height and weight?

Height and weight play a key role in choosing the best surfboard. An approximate guide for beginners considers your weight. This guide works best if you are of average weight for your height.
For those weighing up to 55kg (usually a child), a surfboard between 5'6" to 6'6" should be considered.
For those weighing up to 70kg, a board between 6'8" to 7'2" is recommended. Those weighing up to 80kg should contemplate a board size between 7'2" to 7'6".

If you weigh up to 85kg, it is recommended to select a board between 7'6" and 8'6". For those up to 90kg, a board between 8'6" and 9'2" is a good choice.

How about your fitness level?

Those with weights of 100kg or more should consider a surfboard size over 9". While this isn't a definitive guide, it's a good starting point if you're ready to invest in your first surfboard.

Your fitness level will also play a key role in determining the best surfboard for you. As you gain stamina and strength, your paddling will become stronger. This means that you can opt for a thinner, less buoyant surfboard with more performance. With stronger paddling, you won't tire out as quickly when paddling into the waves, and you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of a more high-performance board.