Dernière mise à jour le 24 December 2023
Caught the surfing bug and ready to buy your first board? Great! But before you dive in headlong, there's one crucial thing you must remember: don't make a mistake.
It's a bit like choosing your first bike: it has to be adapted to your level to ensure a top-notch experience! So, how do you choose the ideal board to get started? Follow the guide, we'll explain everything
Understand the importance of choosing the right board for your skill level
Choosing the right board for your skill level is crucial for a successful rapid progress.
The initial objective for you is to catch as many waves as possible and also understanding your supportto have greater ease on boards that will be smaller and easier to handle later on.
A board adapted to your level will allow you to make much faster progressand, above all, to have maximum fun!
That's the mistake a lot of surfers make at the beginning, and I made the same mistake by putting myself on a board too quickly with little volume…
The best surfboards for beginners
The boards "soft top"or foam are perfect for beginners, as they are easy to use. less dangerous and easy to handle. A bit like a safety cushion, they forgive mistakes without too many injuries.
Soft top" or foamie boards are also recommended for children for reasons of safety. security and confidence also. It's important to feel secure in order to enjoy learning.
Foam boards are the most popular accessible in terms of price but offer less progression potential than molded or epoxy boards. As the board is softer, you won't have any reactivity, so it'll be harder to turn or pick up speed, especially if the board is long.
Epoxy boards are popular with advanced beginners because of their superior durability and buoyancy but you risk hurting yourself if you hit the board (it happens at first...). The excesses on these models are also hard, which increases the risk of cuts compared with foamboards and their soft drifts.
The worst surfing for beginners
Unsurprisingly, smaller boards, which are less buoyant and less stable, are the most popular choice. less suitable for beginners. It's a bit like learning to swim in the ocean without a buoy... not ideal for beginners.
Common board materials include polyurethane (PU) and epoxy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but for beginners, it's best to opt for the more forgiving options.
These boards are not recommended for beginners, however, because of their lower durabilityfarting happens very quickly if you're not careful...
All our tips for buying the right board
Lhe best board sizes for your level and size
There is no "perfect" size for a board; it depends on many individual factors. In the case of beginners, however, it's much simpler, since there are only a few parameters to consider: height and weight.
Your first board should be at least at least 60cm taller than your height. But it also depends on your weight, as buoyancy is very important (1kg for 1 liter). If all I'm telling you is still gibberish, take a look at this table below, you'll see more clearly 😉 :
| Surfer's weight | Board size | Surfer size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 55 kg | 5'6″ - 6'6″ / (168 - 198 cm) | 120 |
| Up to 70 kg | 6'8″ - 7'2″ / (203 - 218 cm) | 140 |
| Up to 80 kg | 7'2″ - 7'6″ / (218 - 229 cm) | 160 |
| Up to 85 kg | 7'6″ - 8'6″ / (229 - 259 cm) | 170 |
| Up to 90 kg | 8'6″ - 9'2″ / (259 - 279 cm) | 180 |
| 100 kg and over | 9'2″ and over / (279 cm and + ) | 190 |
Please note that these measurements are approximate and are intended as a general guide for beginners.
The price I have to invest in a first board for beginners
Board prices vary according to construction quality and materials used. For a new foamie/soft top/foam board for beginners, the price ranges from 300 and 400 euros. Buying a used board can be a good option!
Our selection of the 3 best surfboards for beginners
OLAIAN - SURF MOUSSE 100: solidity and stability, the best option!
Stable, with a wide tail and a carrying handle, this is the perfect first surfboard for beginners and surf schools (we're clearly talking longevity and solidity...).
For people from 65kg upwards. Also note the triple central slat and non-slip coating.
As usual, Décathlon has the best offer for beginners. Those French sure are good, aren't they....
Price: €320
Softech - ROLLER Balance and manoeuvrability
A well rounded board (better balance on the front) with thick, forgiving rails and a slightly tapered tail for easier turns on the back. The perfect board for beginners.
As a bonus, it is available in different colors (brown, blue, green, etc...) and sizes, 6'0″, 6'6″, 7'0″, 7'6″, 8'0″ 8'4″, everything is possible!
There's also a nice little handle for carrying the beast.
I also recommend this brand for funboards and intermediate to advanced surfers. I was able to test the Kyuss King Fishand the Eric Geiselman FlashLots and lots of fun in medium-high waves!
Price: €380
Catch Surf - LOG a performance-oriented shape
Blue, gray, turquoise, brown, yellow, different sizes also available for this model, 7'0″ and 8'0″ depending on your height and weight.
Like the others above, this board offers good buoyancy. But it's much more maneuverable than the other models on offer, because the tail is relatively tapered, so it's a lot more fun!
So it's a board with a shape which I recommend to beginners who have a little experience and want some maneuverability.
It's also a good board for intermediates to advanced riders, and can be incorporated into your riding program. quiver.
And as a bonus, funky colors!
Price: €380
Learn to surf: surfboards after your foamie
You've already got your foamie and you're wondering what to do next? Don't panic, we'll guide you through this sea of possibilities!
First board: Foamboard Longboard
As seen in our article, long boards are ideal as a first step for beginners.
These boards give you the stability you need to gain confidence at sea. We recommend starting with a longboard about 3 feet longer than the surfer.
Second panel: Hardboard
The hard boards offer better progression with more refined shapes and constructions.
Easier to handle, but a little riskier. Epoxy or molded boards are more suitable for more experienced surfers.
These boards mark the transition to more technical and demanding surfing.
Third panel: Mini malibu
After "soft top" boards and longboards, the "mini malibu" from 7'2″ à 8'6″ are recommended. More maneuverability, more fun.
Price-wise, they are generally a little more expensive than foamies, but offer excellent value for money for those looking to progress.
Fourth panel: Surf Mid Length
It's the new trend that's spreading to many peaks. From Lafitenia to Uluwatu, we're seeing more and more boards of this type.
They are longer than shortboards, but have slimmer tails.
In short, a better oar means more takeoff power and more manoeuvrability when driving the tail!
A great option for powerful waves and straight lines.
Fifth panel: Evolutionary boards and grovelers
Shortboards, usually intended for seasons with fewer waves, such as summer.
These are boards for radical turns with extra volume for easier paddling, and a slightly more generous nose and front for paddling.
These boards can therefore be a good solution for intermediate surfers. Of course, they won't be ideal for wedging large barrels, but that's not the point!
The holy grail: Shortboard
Shortboards are the final step after getting used to slightly longer boards.
It's the board of choice for those who want to tackle more serious waves and develop a more radical surfing style.
Bonus: Funboard
Once you've mastered all the basics, move on to a funboard, which is a little shorter and easier to handle. Funboards offer buoyancy and maneuverability.
With rounded curves, thickness and a compact format, this type of board is also great for intermediate to advanced surfers. I'm thinking of the Catch Surf Beatera compact, playful little twin.
In conclusion, it's a good idea to keep your old boards to diversify your surfing experience and build up your quiver.
Sometimes it's nice to surf with a longboard or fun board in less challenging conditions.
Each board has its own charm and purpose, and it's by exploring different styles that you'll become a complete and versatile surfer!
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