As a beginner, it is particularly important to choose the right surfboard to get off to a good start in the waves. The right board can make the difference between progressing quickly and feeling frustrated.
If you have little or no previous surfing experience, boards with a lot of volume are particularly recommended. These boards not only make it easier for you to stand up, also known as “take off”, but also make paddling much easier. Below, I will explain which beginner surfboards are best suited to your needs.
Beginner surfboards
How do I choose the right size for my surfboard?
The size of the surfboard is given in inches and feet. The boards should be approx. 30 to 50 cm longer than you. The width, thickness and length result in the volume, which is measured in liters. The volume determines how much buoyancy your board has in the water and is therefore the most important factor when buying a surfboard.
For beginners, the more volume the better. Voluminous beginner surfboards are more stable and make it easier to take off with little effort. Once you have gained a little more experience, you can opt for boards with less volume. These are suitable for faster turns as they are more maneuverable.
Beginner surfboards
Softtop or hardtop beginner surfboards?
Soft-top surfboards have a soft, foam-like surface that absorbs impacts and reduces the risk of injury. They are stable and forgive mistakes, but are also heavier and less agile. This makes them particularly suitable for small waves and beginners.
They are also more resistant to waves and require less maintenance, but they also lose performance more quickly. Softtops are cheaper than hardtops and are available in many different shapes.
Hardtop surfboards consist of a hard surface made of fiberglass or epoxy resin that encloses a foam core. They are faster, more responsive and more maneuverable, making them ideal for experienced surfers and demanding waves.
Although these boards are more susceptible to damage and require more maintenance, they offer better performance in the long term. They are more expensive than softtops, but offer better performance and durability. Like softtops, hardtops are also available in all common shapes, even in a wider variety.
Beginner surfboards
Which shape suits me best?
There are many different board shapes that are adapted to different needs. Below you will find three boards in different shapes that are particularly suitable as beginner surfboards.
Mini Malibu
Mini Malibus have a length of 6’6” to 8′ and are characterized by their large volume. Although they are shorter than longboards, they still offer good stability and buoyancy. These characteristics make them more agile and easier to maneuver.
Mini Malibus are particularly suitable for smaller waves and beginners, as they offer an ideal mix of stability and maneuverability. They are also easy to paddle, stable and forgiving, making them an ideal surfboard for beginners.
Longboards
Longboards are characterized by their length, the round nose and the design that narrows towards the tail. With a length of usually 9 feet and a wide and thick shape, they offer excellent stability, which makes balancing much easier. Thanks to the large surface area, a longboard can be paddled easily and quickly.
Longboards are particularly suitable for small to medium waves. The length of the board also enables special maneuvers such as nose riding, where you steer the surfboard from the front end. To be able to steer a longboard well, you should already feel confident when surfing, as it is necessary to move back and forth on the board. This can be a challenge for beginners.
Another point to bear in mind: Due to the length, the board can fly far when falling, and the large fin can be dangerous for other surfers. Care must therefore be taken in the water to avoid accidents.
Hybrid surfboards
Hybrid boards are characterized by their versatility, as they combine elements of longboards and shortboards. This combination makes them particularly adaptable for different wave conditions. They offer a good balance between maneuverability and stability, which can be especially advantageous for beginners.
However, the suitability of a hybrid board depends heavily on the design. Some models are more suitable for beginners and others for more advanced surfers. For beginners, it is important to choose a hybrid board that offers sufficient buoyancy and stability to make surfing easier and progress quickly.
Beginner surfboards
Which leash is the right one?
A leash ensures that the surfboard does not get lost and that other surfers are protected from the board. Ideally, the leash should be as long as the surfboard. The classic leash is the ankle leash, which is available in various lengths, thicknesses and colors.
In addition to the classic leash, there are also leashes specially designed for longboards, the so-called knee leash. This is attached just below the knee. This ensures more freedom of movement to “dance” on the board.
Beginners usually surf smaller waves, which is why a thickness of around 7 mm is sufficient. A swivel joint, preferably double at both ends, prevents the leash from getting tangled.
Now you are familiar with the most important factors to consider, you can start looking for your dream surfboard.
