How to Choose a Surfboard
Published July 31, 2026SurfSpotGuide Editorial
The wrong surfboard is the biggest reason beginners give up surfing. The right board makes surfing feel effortless; the wrong one makes it feel impossible. This guide covers board types, skill matching, volume, and budget — so you can make the right call the first time.
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The One Rule
If you are a beginner: get a foam (soft-top) board, 8–9 feet long, with as much volume as possible. Do not buy a shortboard. Do not buy a fiberglass board. Ignore what looks cool and buy what works. You can always upgrade later when you can actually surf.
Surfboard Types Explained
Each board type suits different skill levels and wave conditions. Match the board to where you actually are — not where you want to be in a year.
Foam / Soft-Top
BeginnerThe correct choice for virtually all beginners. Foam boards (also called soft-tops or foamies) are buoyant, stable, and safe. The soft foam deck and rails will not slice you or other surfers when the board hits you on a wipeout. They are what surf schools use — there is a reason for that.
Best for
- · Complete beginners
- · Kids and teenagers
- · Anyone returning to surf after a long break
- · Beginners who want to actually stand up
Not ideal for
- · Surfers who can already read waves and ride consistently
- · Performance surfing in hollow or powerful waves
Examples: Wavestorm, Catch Surf, Softech, Degree33 foam boards.
Longboard
Beginner–AdvancedThe most versatile board category. Traditional longboards (glassed fiberglass) offer more glide, easier wave-catching, and a classic style of surfing. Ideal for beginners in fiberglass after they have learned the basics on foam, and for experienced surfers who enjoy small-wave, stylish riding.
Best for
- · Small to medium waves
- · Beginners ready to move from foam
- · Surfers who value style and flow over tricks
- · Older or larger surfers who want stability
Not ideal for
- · Hollow, fast-breaking waves
- · Surfers who want shortboard-style maneuvers
Examples: Channel Islands Barge, Firewire Seaside, Torq Longboard.
Funboard / Mini-Mal
Beginner–IntermediateA mid-length board bridging the gap between longboard and shortboard. More maneuverable than a longboard but still forgiving. Good for intermediate surfers who have outgrown a longboard but are not ready for a shortboard.
Best for
- · Intermediate surfers developing turn technique
- · Beginners who want to progress quickly
- · Smaller waves (waist to head-high)
Not ideal for
- · Absolute beginners — start on foam first
- · Serious performance surfing
Examples: Bic Performer, Torq Mod Fun, Channel Islands Mini Mid.
Fish
IntermediateA wider, flatter shortboard with a swallow tail. Excellent in small, mushy waves that would bore a standard shortboard. More buoyancy than a traditional shortboard makes it more forgiving. Good second board for an intermediate surfer.
Best for
- · Small, weak waves (knee to shoulder high)
- · Intermediate surfers who already ride shortboards
- · Fun summer waves
Not ideal for
- · Large, powerful, hollow waves
- · Beginners
Examples: Lost Puddle Jumper, Rusty Dwart, Album Tagger.
Shortboard
Intermediate–AdvancedThe board most people picture when they imagine surfing. Designed for performance in solid surf — fast turns, aerials, tube riding. Requires the ability to read waves, paddle efficiently, and pop up very quickly. Beginners on shortboards almost universally fail to catch waves and give up.
Best for
- · Experienced surfers in solid, powerful surf
- · Surfers focused on performance maneuvers
- · Head-high to double-overhead waves
Not ideal for
- · Beginners (this cannot be stated strongly enough)
- · Small or weak waves
- · Surfers still learning to pop up consistently
Examples: Channel Islands Happy, Firewire Glazer, JS Black Box.
Egg / Mid-Length
Beginner–IntermediateA rounded, wide shape with significant volume. Great wave-catching ability with more maneuverability than a longboard. The egg is an excellent first fiberglass board after learning on foam — it forgives mistakes while allowing progression toward real turns.
Best for
- · Beginners transitioning from foam boards
- · Smaller surfers wanting a low-volume feel with more float
- · Intermediate surfers in small waves
Not ideal for
- · Advanced performance surfing
- · Fast-breaking or hollow waves
Examples: Pyzel Phantom, Haydenshapes Holy Grail, Album Peanut Butter.
Match Board to Skill Level
| Skill Level | Description | Board Type | Volume Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Beginner | Cannot stand up yet, or fewer than 5 sessions | Foam soft-top, 8–9 ft, wide and thick | 80–120L (or more for larger surfers) |
| Early Beginner | Standing up but inconsistent, still in whitewash | Foam soft-top or foam longboard, 8–9 ft | 80–110L |
| Intermediate | Catching unbroken waves, making basic turns | Fiberglass longboard, funboard, or egg | 45–70L (depending on weight) |
| Progressing | Consistent wave-riding, developing turns and style | Fish, mid-length, or performance longboard | 35–55L |
| Advanced | Surfing overhead waves with controlled turns | Shortboard — matched to your weight and conditions | 25–40L |
Volume Guide by Weight
Volume (liters) is the single most important number for choosing a surfboard. These are starting-point ranges — your fitness level and wave type also affect the ideal volume.
| Body Weight | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–60 kg (110–130 lbs) | 60–75L | 40–55L | 28–35L |
| 60–70 kg (130–155 lbs) | 70–85L | 45–60L | 30–38L |
| 70–80 kg (155–175 lbs) | 80–100L | 55–70L | 34–42L |
| 80–90 kg (175–200 lbs) | 90–115L | 60–80L | 38–48L |
| 90–100 kg (200–220 lbs) | 100–130L | 70–90L | 42–55L |
These are guidelines, not formulas. Fitness level, paddling frequency, and wave type all adjust these ranges.
6 Common Buying Mistakes
Buying a shortboard as a beginner
Fix: Start on a foam longboard. You will catch waves on your first session instead of fighting water.
Choosing by looks, not volume
Fix: Volume determines float and wave-catching ability. A beautiful board you can't paddle into waves is useless.
Going too short too fast
Fix: Stay on a longer board until you can consistently catch and ride unbroken waves. The progression takes longer than most expect.
Buying a cheap fiberglass shortboard as a beginner
Fix: Cheap fiberglass + no skill = no waves caught + possible injury. A quality foam board is faster and safer.
Ignoring fin setup
Fix: Fins affect turning radius and stability. Beginners should use tri-fin (thruster) or twin-fin setups — they are the most forgiving and versatile.
Not demoing boards before buying
Fix: Many surf schools and rental shops let you try boards. Demo an 8ft foam and a 7ft funboard before spending $600 on the wrong thing.
Budget: What to Spend
Quality foam soft-top (new or second-hand). This is the right choice for most beginners. Brands like Wavestorm ($100–$150 at Costco) are genuinely good learning boards.
Better-quality foam boards (Catch Surf, Softech) or second-hand fiberglass longboards. Good step up for beginners who are ready for better materials.
New fiberglass longboards, fish boards, or mid-lengths. The right range for intermediate surfers who can already ride unbroken waves.
Premium performance shortboards, custom shapes, or high-end longboards. Only justified when you have the skill to feel the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surfboard should a beginner get?
A foam (soft-top) longboard, 8–9 ft, wide and thick. High volume is essential — aim for 80–120L depending on your weight. Do not start on a shortboard.
How do I know what size surfboard to get?
Use volume: beginners need roughly 80–100% of body weight in liters (80kg = 64–80L). Use length as a secondary guide — 8–9 ft for beginners, 7–8 ft for intermediates, 5'8"–6'4" for advanced surfers.
Should a beginner get a foam or fiberglass surfboard?
Foam. No exceptions. Foam boards float better, are easier to learn on, and are safer when the board hits you. Move to fiberglass after you can consistently catch and ride unbroken waves.
What is surfboard volume and why does it matter?
Volume (liters) = buoyancy. More volume = easier paddling and wave-catching. Beginners need high volume. Advanced surfers use less volume for more maneuverability at the cost of harder wave-catching.
Is a longboard or shortboard better for beginners?
Longboard, every time. Longboards are more buoyant, stable, and easy to paddle. Starting on a shortboard is the most common beginner mistake — you will struggle to catch any waves at all.
Related Guides
Not Sure? Take a Lesson First
Surf schools provide the right board for your level. After 2–3 lessons, you will know exactly what board suits you — and avoid buying the wrong thing.
Find Surf Lessons Near MeMore Surf Guides
// Free Gear Checklist
Don't buy the wrong gear.
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime