Beginner Surfboard Sizes

Surfboards come in many shapes and sizes, and knowing which board is right for you when starting out to surf can make the difference between getting hooked to the sport or never wanting to surf again. Learning how to surf takes patience, no matter which type of board you start with, but certain boards can make it easier for you to catch your first few waves. Simply put, your first board should be at least 6 inches taller than you are.

  1. Objectives

    • The only objective you should aim for when beginning to surf is to catch waves. In other words, your goal should be to ride a wave without worrying about maneuvering or performing any kind of tricks. Catching waves and riding them for as long as you can helps you develop a feel for surfing and the relationship between the surfboard and the water. After you've become used to the basic mechanics of riding a wave, you can begin to think about how to turn and maneuver the board in various ways. But this should not be your goal in the beginning.

    Beginner Surfboards

    • According to SurfboardShack.com, you should focus on the length, width and thickness when choosing your first surfboard. These elements are what's most important in helping you catch waves. Don't pay attention to boards that feature new surfboard technology or complex design elements, as your skill level is most likely not good enough in the beginning to benefit from such features. The thickness of your first board is the most important element to think about, as this affects how easy it is for you to paddle and catch waves.

    Long Boards

    • Many beginners start with a long board. The board's extra length allows you to stand up more easily and catch waves than shorter boards. Your maneuverability is limited on long boards but, as mentioned, that's not something to worry about in the beginning. If you weight between 50 to 100 pounds, you should get a long board that measures between 8 and 8 1/2 feet. If you are between 100 and 250 pounds or more, you should get a long board that is between 9 and 9 1/2 feet. The thickness for the shorter long boards should measure between 2 1/2 and 2 3/4 inches, while longer long boards should measure between 2 3/4 and 3 inches. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, your board's thickness should be between 3 and 3 1/4 inches.

    Fun Boards

    • You can choose a shorter board, or a fun board. Fun boards have more of an egg shape to them and allow you to turn more easily than long boards, if you decide that turning is something you want to learn in the beginning. Your fun board should measure between 6 feet 8 inches and 7 feet 6 inches, if you weigh between 50 and 250 pounds, and up to 8 feet if you weigh more than 250 pounds. The thickness of a fun board for someone weighing between 50 and 175 pounds should measure 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 inches. Surfers weighing between 175 land 250 pounds need boards with a thickness between 2 1/2 and 2 3/4 inches, while boards for surfers weighing more than 250 pounds should measure between 2 3/4 and 3 inches.

    Width

    • The width of your board is the least important out of the three elements mentioned. As long as you can carry the board comfortably under one arm, the width of your board should be suitable for your size. It's best to rent surfboards in the beginning to see which widths work best for you. Once you've determined a proper width, you can shop for your own board.