What Surfboard to Get for Beginner & Intermediate

Surfing takes time to learn, and getting the wrong board can slow down your learning curve. Getting the right type of board for your ability level is important so you can develop the foundation skills necessary to become a proficient surfer. A beginner's board allows you to learn basic skills like paddling and balancing much more easily compared to a board designed for advanced surfers.

  1. Longboard

    • The longboard makes an ideal surfboard for first-timers. Longboards are quite long, as their name suggests. They are typically 8.5 feet or longer with a width of over 20 inches. The long length and wide width of longboards make them easier to ride for balance and stability. Their large size also provides the rider with higher buoyancy. Longboards have a rounded nose and tail, and are designed for beginners who wants to learn surfing in relatively calm conditions.

    Funboard

    • Funboards, also called "mini mals," are ideal for intermediate surfers. After riding a longboard and becoming familiar and comfortable with riding waves, consider making the transition to a funboard. The shape of a funboard provides balance between agility and stability. Intermediate surfers can practice turning, maneuvering and learning new tricks with a funboard much more easily than with a longboard. The funboard is designed for recreational surfing and riding small-to-medium waves. Funboards have a medium length of 7 to 8 feet with a width range of 20 to 23 inches. A funboard looks a lot like a longboard, with a rounded nose and tail, but it's smaller.

    Size

    • Choose a board that's thick and wide enough to allow you to float well and paddle easily. A wider and longer board offers more stability; most beginners can learn comfortably on a 7-foot, 8-inch board or longer with a width range of 21 to 22 inches. The shorter and narrower the board, the less stable and more tippy it becomes. Larger boards offer more float and stability, while smaller boards are lightweight and have more maneuverability. According to Surftravelcompany.com, beginner and intermediate surfers who weigh between 100 and 150 pounds should opt for a 7-foot, 6-inch to 7-foot, 8-inch funboard, while those who weigh 150 to 200 pounds should try an 8-foot board.

    Used

    • Consider getting a used surfboard if you are new to the sport. You can save a lot of money by purchasing a used board instead of a new one. As a beginner surfer, you are likely to cause a lot of impact damage to your board; this makes a cheaper, used board a practical buy compared to an expensive, new one. Used boards for beginners are available at most surf shops and also at garage sales. Check the classified section of your local papers to see if used surfboards in good condition are available. A few scratches are okay, but avoid surfboards with too many cracks and dings.