Your First Surfboard
52 commentsYou can learn to surf on whatever board you like, but some surfboards are more appropriate than others. To maximize the rate at which your surfing progresses, you need to get started on the right board. You didn't start your driving lessons in a Ferrari, and you don't want to learn to surf in a Ferrari. (You know what we mean!) So what is the anti-Ferrari of surfboards?
The Soft Surfboard
If you've ever had surfing lessons with a surf school, you already have a good idea as to which surfboard is best for the beginner. It's a soft surfboard. Sometimes called foamies, these soft boards are ideal because the soft foam construction means the boards are incredibly buoyant, enabling the beginner to catch waves easily. Their dimensions ensure that they are very stable in the water, making it much easier for the novice to stand up.
The fact that they are soft makes them an ideal board for a surf school where any injuries are minimized. (Even the fins on this design are soft to a certain degree.) An ideal soft surfboard length for an adult is around 8 feet in length. A softboard around the 6 feet is best suited for a child.
However, while ideal for a single surfing lesson, softboards aren't perhaps the best surfboard to buy for an adult who will be surfing regularly. Most people quickly outgrow these boards, not making them the best buy. For small children who won't progress in surfing so quickly, or for adults who only go surfing on vacation once a year, they are a great buy.
The Pop-Out
A pop-out is a surfboard that is made on a production line and is a cheap alternative to a custom-made fibreglass surfboard. The pop-out is made of foam covered with thick fibreglass and is practically indestructible. As a result of their construction, the pop-out is much heavier than a softboard or a custom. The weight reduces the performance of the board, which is good from a learner's point of view; the board is much steadier in the water.
The downside of these boards is their weight, meaning that they can pack a hefty wallop. When using these boards you need to pay attention to where the board is going if you come off it, and be aware of other people in the water.
The pop-out is a popular choice as a beginner board, and they offer more to the average surfer than softboards because they have a longer time span where they are still of use as a board to learn on. Another great thing about the pop-out is that they are in demand and always have a good resale value after you've learned to surf on them, as others commonly try to find a second-hand board.
Summary So Far
So we've taken a look at what can be classed as the "traditional" beginner surfboards. Let's sum up what we've found.
Soft surfboards are suitable for everyone as a first board, and because of their construction, the size of the board doesn't really matter. An eight-foot board is ideal for an adult, while a six-foot board is best for a child. The downside is that they are quickly outgrown, and a new board will be needed by someone who gets into the surf regularly.
Pop-out surfboards have a longer life than the softs, and they can take a surfer from complete novice to intermediate surfer without the need for a new board. They also have an excellent resale value when looking to trade up. The downside is primarily their weight and that they are incredibly hard to duck dive.
There is one problem with both these boards: they have a zero cool factor. This is why many surfers can be put off from buying them even though they make great beginners surfboards.
Let's take a look at custom surfboards for beginners - are they a better option or just a solution to the cool factor?
Comments
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Guest
on Apr 18, 2011 |
nice |
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Guest
on May 2, 2011 |
cool, thanks |
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Guest
on May 21, 2011 |
Thanks! This was very helpful! |
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Guest
on May 24, 2011 |
Thanks! I'm just a ten year old girl! This helps a lot!!! I can't wait to start!! Well, I know how to paddle! PEACE!! |
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Guest
on Jun 1, 2011 |
While this states an 8' soft is good for an adult learning it goes on to state the "Pop-Out" could be a better choice for the first buy. This does not say if the 8' is still the best size. Is the 8' "Pop-Out" the right size for an adult? |
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Guest
on Jun 15, 2011 |
i have never done surfing but i want to try |
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Guest
on Jul 5, 2011 |
If i m 5foot 9"..how long should my surf board be |
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Mickey
on Jul 5, 2011 |
8 foot is a good size for a first board. For Mr (or Mrs) 5 foot 9, the choice of board depends more on your weight, your surfing ability, and the time that you will spend in the water. The guys over on the forum helped me with my first board choice a while ago. You should register on the site and post your questions there. Hope this helps you. |
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Guest
on Jul 15, 2011 |
I guess I would be classed as an improver... I have a 7'10" Take-Off but read recently that this brand is not ideal... any input on this? |
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Avavouddy
on Jul 26, 2011 |
thanks for the interesting information |
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Genunendmor
on Jul 27, 2011 |
This is a really interesting and informative content. |
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Justice Jeanette
on Jul 30, 2011 |
im 5'6". nd im 13. how should ma board be?? |
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Linda
on Aug 4, 2011 |
How much does a pop out surfboard cost and how much would it be for shipping? |
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SW Media
on Aug 5, 2011 |
@Guest on Jul 15, 2011: Take off boards had a bad repuration a few years ago, but have since improved. You've bought it now, so how are you getting on with it? @Linda: Popouts cost from around £200 upwards. Shipping depends, at some online stores you may be able to get free shipping. Have a look around. |
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Guest
on Aug 15, 2011 |
very helpful. thanks |
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Eva
on Aug 21, 2011 |
Hey. I was wondering if someone with experience can give me advice on buying a starter surfboard. I want to learn, and found a Maui and Sons 8' cheap surfboard, I know I would eventually buy a 'real' surfboard, but what do you think about getting this as a learning board? thanks in advance! |
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surf patrol
on Aug 22, 2011 |
Hi Eva, I'm not familiar with Maui and Sons surfboards, and without knowing the full specs of the board, and your weight, it's not possible to give a definitive answer. That said, 8' is a good length for a beginner. A cheaper board is also a good choice for a first board - you might not like surfing (unlikely). |
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Eva
on Aug 22, 2011 |
Hey Surf patrol. Thanks for responding. The board is PE (or soft) topdeck, X-band core, square tail. I weigh about 120, and i m 5'7.5. thank you! |
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surf patrol
on Aug 23, 2011 |
Eva, it sounds like it's a board that is suitable for a beginner, the sort of board you would find at a surf school. If you surf regularly, you might find that you outgrow the board quite quickly and would need to change for something that will offer you better performance. If it's cheap, you can't really go wrong as a starter board |
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Eva
on Aug 23, 2011 |
Hey Surf patrol! Thank you for your feedback - I've been wanting to surf for a while now, and unsure about the board/equip requirements. I stumbled upon one really cheap and was hopeful. All I need is something that you would use to learn on. I am super excited about it! Have a good day! |
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Guest
on Aug 26, 2011 |
I'm 5"3. I'm guessing that a 6" is the right size soft board? I live in South Eastern NC, and the waves are barely huge here unless you head to the Outer Banks. But I want to surf so I'm preparing myself. Everyone goes surfing during hurricane season. Any tips? |
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Guest
on Aug 30, 2011 |
i had an el nino 6''4 board, it was sort of foam but not quite...but i have progressed a bit now and am leaning towards getting a new board, possibly fiberglass or pop-out. i'm about 5''3 and i'm looking for a board of similar length or a bit shorter? any ideas thanks in advance (: |
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Guest
on Sep 25, 2011 |
Hi. My 14yo daughter wants a surfboard for Xmas and we are not sure which type of board to go for. I have been told by people that surf that if we bought her a soft board that she would have to relearn if she ever got a fibre glass board. |
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Dan
on Sep 27, 2011 |
If your daughter has never surfed (and this goes for any newbies) I would say don't buy a surfboard until she's had some fun learning in surf school. She may change her mind if she doesn't enjoy it, it's not for everyone and is certainly harder and more physical than the pros make it look! I don't agree that a soft board would mean she would need to 'relearn'. It's great to learn the basics on. Epoxy or custom boards are going to take some ajusting to of course. |
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Guest
on Oct 8, 2011 |
hi i am moving to brisbane and im only young and still dont no witch surfboard to buy |
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Guest
on Oct 23, 2011 |
sos what surf board should i get |
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Guest
on Oct 26, 2011 |
The best thing i would do is try your mates boards or hire from a school and see what works for you before you buy one. Myself learning from experience i bought 5 boards before i found one with the exact dimensions that suit me. Its always best to try it out first, get a feel of it before spending and getting the wrong thing. Alot of shops will tell you what you need, but they dont know your paddling capabilities or how quick you can get up and ride etc. |
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Paulo Enriquo
on Nov 5, 2011 |
What surfboard should i get for a beginner |
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Guest
on Nov 21, 2011 |
Hi my 10 yr old daughter has been learning to surf on foamies at school and prefers them to the fiberglass short board a friend gave her. I have put a 7" foamie on layby for her. Do you think this is to big? Should I swap it for a 6 " board or will she grow into it? |
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Guest
on Nov 23, 2011 |
hi im 11 and i need a board i weigh around 100 pounds and am 62 inches any advice I HAVE NEVER SURFED BEFORE!!!!!! |
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Guest
on Dec 1, 2011 |
Please help and respond! Im turning 16 about 5/10 165 and i have been surfing since the summer and i excelled very quickly at least i think. And i ride a Costco foam board its pretty anoying because everone has no respect for me because of my board. I get up and ride the face of nearly every wave and i need a new board ive asked people and i get mixed oppions on what to buy from friends. i want a longboard because i like catching a lot of waves. but i dont know what to look for i need help! |
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Guest
on Dec 3, 2011 |
Thanks for setting me up dude |
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Guest
on Dec 14, 2011 |
Interesting that you recommend 8 feet for an adult...my instructor had me learn on a big, hurkin' 12 foot soft paddle board, since I'm 6'2 and about 225 lbs. I needed the wideness (a paddle board is wider than a longboard). |
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Guest
on Dec 31, 2011 |
Thanks, it really helped me make a decision. |
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Guest
on Jan 4, 2012 |
thats cool |
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Guest
on Jan 12, 2012 |
I've been surfing for 30+ yrs ... you do not need to waste $ on a new board when you are learning. Buy second hand, heaps better value, and then upgrade as you get better. For younger kids <8 go for softboards ... adults and kids 10+ go for fibreglass minimal or mal. 8-10 yo depends on size, strength, athletic ability etc ... |
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Guest
on Jan 22, 2012 |
what sizes for 9 year old girls |
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Guest
on Jan 23, 2012 |
It depends on your height and weight. |
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Dakotaa
on Feb 15, 2012 |
Hiii.(: I'm 4'9, and im 13. what board should i geT? |
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Guest
on Feb 18, 2012 |
Thankyou this really does help a surfer in progress like me! |
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Guest
on Mar 8, 2012 |
his this is gonna help so much thanks now i can choose what kind of surf board to make for myself. i am 14 |
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Surfing <3
on Mar 12, 2012 |
im 11 and have been surfing my whole life although my friend wants to learn how to surf, she is 11 and is wondering what she should learn on she is about 172 cm and can't wait so please respond ! <3 thank you !! |
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Boo <3
on Mar 13, 2012 |
thanks for the info! ;) |
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larry
on Mar 22, 2012 |
fricken sponge boards are way too heavey |
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brandon
on Mar 29, 2012 |
ok im a beginner i know how to surf a little but i want to buy the right type of board for me i am 6 ft 4 and im 15 and im confused on what to buy should i get a long board or short board or mid plz help ???? thxs BRAHS |
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Rachel
on Mar 29, 2012 |
Hey im a 15 year old girl, 5’2 and 115 pounds. This past summer I went to surf camp and learned the basics on a gnaraloo soft long board. I really want a board for my birthday but im not sure what type or size I should get. I will be surfing in the outer banks of north Carolina and Wilmington, nc. I am a cross country/track runner so I would consider myself athletic. What would you recommend? Thank you for any advice! |
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Guest
on Apr 12, 2012 |
Hey, I haven't started surfing yet, but my family just bought a beach house. I really want to start surfing right away. I'm 11 years old, about 85 pounds, and 5 feet tall. I am on tennis team, field hockey team, and a swim team, so I would consider myself pretty athletic. Any recommendations?!? |
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Guest
on Apr 22, 2012 |
Great, can't wait |
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tyler
on Apr 23, 2012 |
that wuz helpful but u should put the prices for the boards |
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Guest
on Apr 25, 2012 |
Iam 14 and now the theory of how you surf and practice on a rug what board should i get :-D |
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Cerys
on May 5, 2012 |
Hi there I'm looking to buy a surfboard for my boyfriend. He's roughly 6'1 and 83kg, never surfed before but due to him relocating to the seaside will be learning to surf and going quite regularly. Would appreciate any advice on what board would be most suitable! Thanks. |
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jacque
on May 6, 2012 |
i am 13 and i watched soul surfer and really wanted to try to surf i was on the swim team and i play tennis twice a week for 1 hr 30 min so i weight about 102 and im 5.11 in height so what should i get??? |