If you thought catching your first wave was difficult, try buying your first beginner surfboard as a beginner who has never had to think about purchasing one before.
No joke, the sheer amount of information and options available these days means it's easy to feel overwhelmed. What are the different beginner surfboard types7/25/top-beginner-surfboard-types-which-one-is-right-for-me? Is a 10ft longboard too big for me? Why do surfboards all have such suss names?
In this article, we'll give you the low-down on buying your first surfboard as a beginner. By the end, you'll not only have a good idea as to which board is perfect for you.
You'll also be able to sleep easy knowing you didn't waste money on a brand new $1,500 longboard with a glossy finish that you can hardly carry, let alone handle in the waves.
Let's get to it!
A beginner surfboard breakdown in 30 seconds
Ultimately, the right surfboard for you is one that you can carry, paddle, negotiate crowds with and allow you to catch plenty of waves at Perth’s local beginner beaches.
with and allow you to catch plenty of waves at Perth’s local beginner beaches.
That's about it. The hard part is actually sifting through all the information online to find that perfect board. For those of you who want to know exactly what to look for and ask for, here's our opinion on the best and worst beginner boards.
The best beginner surfboards...
Don't demand you rob a bank in order to pay for it
Are typically soft-top surfboards, otherwise known as foamies
Are most likely between 7ft and 9ft in length
Are in decent enough condition that they're safe to use
Are easy to paddle and catch waves on
Contain lots of volume (the fancy term for foam, which directly affects buoyancy)
The worst beginner surfboards...
Are old, yellow and look (and smell) like ageing cheese
Were purchased from your mate's second cousin who swears water damage adds character to the board
Have more patches than a pirate's trousers
Are heavy and unwieldy
Are the most expensive board in the rack
Are narrow with not a lot of volume (see: buoyancy)
Can't be easily paddled
5 tips for buying your first surfboard as a beginner
As you can see, the best surfboards are what we might call beginner-friendly. That's to say they're easy when it comes to carrying, paddling and catching waves… and even easier on your wallet.
In saying that, these parameters might be quite broad to go off when actually looking for a board. So let's dive deeper into the ocean of surfboards and explore five tips to keep in mind when buying your first beginner surfboard!
Try before you buy
Before committing to a purchase, it's always a good idea to give the board a test drive.
Trying out different types of surfboards in various conditions will give you a first-hand feel for what works best for you. Taking a class with a surf school is one way to expose yourself to a range of options.
Most surf schools allow you to try numerous board types and sizes suitable for all levels of surfers. By booking a surf lesson with them and surfing on their boards, you'll be able to gain valuable insight into the surfing experience it offers and how well it matches your skill level and style.
Apart from that, borrowing boards from your circle of surfer friends is another fantastic idea. This will not only allow you to experiment with different boards but also tap into their wealth of knowledge and experience in choosing the right board.
Remember, every surfer has been in your shoes before - as a beginner on the cusp of buying their first board. Their advice can be invaluable in ensuring you make a decision that you won't regret.
Volume is your friend
One of the key measurements you'll come across when shopping for surfboards is a little thing called 'volume'. Volume refers to the amount of foam in a surfboard.
Volume is essential for beginner surfers because it provides stability, making it easier to balance and stand on the board. More foam means more buoyancy, allowing you to catch waves more easily by improving paddle power, and stability.
Ultimately, a higher volume board is more forgiving, meaning minor mistakes won't result in a wipeout. And because high volume boards are less responsive, you'll learn fundamental skills without the board reacting to unintentional movements.
Don't fall for the most expensive option
As a beginner surfer, it's easy to assume that the most expensive surfboard will guarantee the best experience. This is far from the truth.
The best board for you isn't necessarily the priciest one on the market. In fact, as you're likely to progress quickly, investing in a top of the line, brand-new board might not be the wisest choice. You'll soon outgrow its features and probably find yourself needing a different design to suit your evolving skill level.
Hence, a modestly-priced, good quality second-hand board or a budget-friendly foamie is most likely the more sensible option for your first surfing adventure.
Foamies are popular for a reason
Foamies, or soft-top surfboards, are a popular choice for beginners for numerous reasons.
Made with a soft foam outer layer, these boards are lighter, more buoyant and offer a more stable ride than their hard-top counterparts.
The high buoyancy makes it easier for beginners to catch waves, while the stability helps you stand up and maintain balance - pivotal aspects when you're starting out. Additionally, the soft foam reduces the chance of injury if you fall off or the board hits you, making them a safer option for novices.
Let's not forget either that foamies are typically more affordable than hard-top surfboards, making them a cost-effective choice for those just dipping their toes into the world of surfing.
Consult a more experienced surfer
Engaging with experienced surfers when buying your first surfboard is invaluable. They've journeyed through the learning curve and can provide expert advice based on their personal experiences.
They can guide you on factors to consider when selecting a board, such as shape, size and material, and offer insights on brands that deliver good value for money. Furthermore, they can share tips on taking care of your surfboard to enhance its lifespan.
But it's not just super shredders and lifelong wax heads who can proffer good advice. Even recently anointed intermediates can lend a hand, as they'll have more recent memories of the beginner experience - something that could be beneficial for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your initial board purchase can really shape your future passion for this exhilarating sport. That’s why it’s so important that you find a board that matches your skill level and the type of waves you’ll be surfing.
So make the smart choice and buy a board that’s right for you. Start by booking a surf lesson to try different beginner board styles and don’t forget to ask our friendly teachers for their recommendations!
