Recommendations on Surfboards

[KJay21]

Hi, I’m new to surfing and I was wondering what type and size surfboard would be the best to start on.
I’m 45kg and 5 foot 2,
I saw some recommendations on websites that said to start with a 8’8”, please help! Thanks

[jaffa1949]

Hi and welcome, a board around the size you are looking 8’8’’ is a good value starter suit to your weight and height, it will,also be an asset for quite some time in your learning. Are you looking for a soft board or a soft top,or a hard board.
One thing to do to help us advise you and perhaps save you spending money on a not so useful board, is post a picture of what you are looking at!. New board we will help you choose suitability, secondhand we we help you recognise value for your money!

Quite a few of the forum people enjoy helping your surf adventure get even better.

If you wish we can even advise you on which beach near you is most suitable for beginnings.
Have fun Jaffa

[KJay21]

Thank you for your help and response!
I appreciate that, I have been looking at more of a soft board but I am open to give anything a go. There’s a few I have found online, most of the ones i have found within budget are 7’6”. I will attach an image of what I am interested in. More than happy to have recommendations and advice before I make a decision, so please feel free
I’m based around the lower south eastern corner of South Australia, we have some beautiful beaches around so any advice on the best spots would also be appreciated
Thank you

[Lebowski]

You're quite small and light. Are you still growing or are you full size?

At your size and weight I'd say an 8'8 is on the large side, and will be difficult to handle both in and out of the water.
If possible, try renting a foamie for a few surfs in the 7'+ region.

If you want your own hardboard I'd probably be looking for something like a 7'2 Torq. It will still have plenty of float for someone so light and you'll be able to surf it for years. I would avoid going under 7ft or for a shortbread type shape.

[waikikikichan]

I know it's summer down in Australia. Will you be surfing in a bikini or wetsuit ? The reason I ask is the EZ-Rider's "crocodile" skin texture might rub your inner thighs and give you a bad rash.

Most softboards that are constructed like a large bodyboard ( Wavestorm, Stormblade, Catch Surf, Odysea etc ) tend to float like a PU hard board a foot longer. So an 8'0' will be plenty of float. I usually recommend learning on a board 3 feet over your head and owning a board 2 feet over your head. But that changes with a softboard.

The EZ-Rider construction is more of a Soft Top / Hard bottom and they're not built as thick as soft boards, so they have just a little bit more float to a normal hard board.

Btw, I am 5'3" 56 kilos