Without a doubt, surfing is a fantastic way to spend your time. It offers a great way to stay in shape, commune with nature enjoy the beach, meet other people, and really connect with yourself. For some people, surfing will become a hobby that they enjoy on those occasions they can get to the beach. For others, it will become a way of life that they will follow for the remainder of their days. They will seek out the best places to surf.
Of course, those who have never tried surfing before might like the idea of it, but they have no idea how to begin. It can certainly be intimidating when you are just getting started, and you aren’t sure what you should do or what you need to buy. For most people, the first thing that needs to be done, even before buying a beginner surfboard, is to take a lesson or two. This could be a lesson from a friend or family member who surfs, or it could be a lesson from a professional.
When you take a couple of lessons, it will give you a better sense of whether surfing will be something that you want to pursue. It helps to know this before you spend money on a board of your own.
Once you have had a lesson or two and you are hooked, it might be time to pick up a beginner surfboard of your own. Of course, when you are just starting out, you probably don’t have the first clue as to what you should end up getting. Don’t worry; we have you covered when it comes to finding the best beginner surfboard.
Below, you will be able to learn about great surfboards for beginners like Wavestorm, for example. You will also find more information on just what you should be looking for when it comes to the best surfboards for beginners, as well as how you can take good care of the board once you have it. After all, you want to make sure that the board is able to last for as long as possible, even if you plan on getting a new surfboard once you improve.
Best Surfboards for Beginners - Our Top Picks
The Heritage
This board, which comes from South Bay Board Co. could make a nice beginning surfboard for many newbie surfers out there. It has a large number of features and benefits that ensure that you are not getting some low quality, cheap surfboard.
This is one that pleases new surfers and even some intermediate surfers. This board, as the name suggests, is 8’8” long. It is nice and wide, and thanks to the thickness, it can provide new surfers with a nice and stable platform when they are learning to surf. The board also has a quality 9’ Rishu surfboard leash. It has the ability to support beginning riders who are up to 230 lbs. More experienced riders could be up to 260 lbs.
The design of the board is quite nice, as well, and it certainly has something of a traditional look to it. There are some similarities to longboards. It has a rounder nose and a wider chest that will pull into a tight tail section. It looks great, and it comes in both white and blue.
The foam deck of the 2 + 1 stringer board has Fingerprint Textured IXPE Foam, which means will give you will not have to use wax with the board, which is certainly a nice feature. This means it will be easier to keep the board cleaner for longer since you don’t have to worry about the buildup of wax. The texture that’s on this Heritage provides a nice, grippy feel that will make it a pleasure to ride and that will not feel abrasive.
Another nice feature of these soft-top beginner surfboards is the fact that they are highly durable. This helps to make them a good buy, as they should be able to last throughout your entire beginner phase as a learning surfer. The entry-level surfboard will be fun and comfortable, and it can be a nice solution for those who are looking to have a board that is easy to learn with.
The Verve
Here is another beginner surfboard that comes from South Bay Board Co. As with the Heritage, you will find that this is another high-quality board that can really stand out among the competition. It is not quite as long as the Heritage, but the Verve is just as nice of a board for those who are starting out in this hobby.
The materials that are used for this surfboard are the same as for the Heritage. The Verve will feature the fingerprint texture on the top deck for that nice grip, and you won’t have to use any wax with this board either. The shapes are similar, as well, but you will notice that there is a departure not only in the size but also the tail shape. The Verve is slightly wider at the tail, but not by much.
This is a nice and durable option for surfers who are just starting out. This board tends to be best for beginner surfers who are between 70 lbs. and 180 lbs. Those who are more experienced could be up to 230 lbs. One of the things that surfers will soon find with this board is that it is possible to develop some speed with it thanks to the shape.
While these do work well as a surfboard for beginners, you will find that it could serve you quite well even once you have got the basics down. It will still be fun to ride, especially because it can provide you with some additional speed and maneuverability when you are hitting those waves. It’s a soft-top that you will likely want to keep around even once you move on to another board in the future.
The 2+1 stringer board comes with the fins and an 8’ leash. Another feature surfers are sure to appreciate with the board is the color selection. You will be able to choose from blue, green, grey, and orange. There’s sure to be one that works for your aesthetics.
The Guppy
If you feel like you are sensing a theme, that’s because you are. This 6’ board is also from South Bay Board Co., one of the top companies in this field. You will find that when it comes to the quality and the attention to detail, the Guppy is just as impressive as the other options that are on the list. However, you will notice that it is quite a bit shorter. This is a good beginning surfboard option for people who are on the shorter side, and for kids. The board should not have any issues supporting riders who are up to 150 lbs.
The double stringer board has all of the basics that are needed to get started, including a 6’ leash and the fins. It also has a nice and simple shape that should make it quite easy for people to learn how to ride. Because this is made for smaller surfers, it is lighter. It even has an easy carry handle.
One of the other things that surfers and parents of young, inexperienced surfers will like is the durability of the board. It is meant to last, so it should be a good solution for surfers throughout their early stages of learning to surf, and even all the way through to when they move on to bigger boards.
Classic Pinline Surfboard from Wavestorm
Another one of the most famous names in the world of surfboards is Wavestorm, and this soft foam construction board has the classic look and feel that all surfers know and love. In fact, this classic Wavestorm 8’ surfboard is one of the best selling boards of all time, as well as one of the best performing boards. Countless surfers have learned on this board.
The years of experience that Wavestorm brings to the table helps to make this a stellar option for those looking to learn. It is a quality, durable board that is built to last. It has a resilient water barrier skin and a textured grip on the top deck, along with an ankle leash. The top deck also has a nice pinline design that gives it that classic, old-school look. The weight limit for this board is around 200 lbs.
Why is this such a good learning board? The 3-stringer tends to have an ideal size for a wide range of riders. It is nice and wide, and it has a textured grip, which helps to make it easier to grip the board. It is durable enough to last, as well. It can work well for kids and adults, and it could be a board that you want to learn on, or that you want for a family member who is learning to surf. It’s hard to beat a brand name like Wavestorm.
Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Pro EZ Rider Surfboard
Those who are looking for something that has some style and attitude, and who still want to have a good board for beginners might want to check out this option from Wave Bandit. The board has a fun shape, along with a double Maplewood stringer system. It has a nice and simple top graphic on a white board, but the real style comes from the fun bottom skin graphic.
As the name suggests, this board is endorsed by surfer Ben Gravy. The board can work well in any condition no matter where you might be, and it has a number of features and benefits that help to make it a solid choice. The board has the finds included, and the bottom of the board is nice and slick. The foam is strong and durable, which means that the board should be able to last. It should work well for those who are around 180 lbs. with no problem.
This beginner surfboard also has a leash plug included. Something to keep in mind is that this board will require wax, which will be sold separately. You will apply the wax to the soft board, just the same as you would to a fiberglass board. You will want to make sure that you have some on hand before you head out to attempt to catch any waves. While this can work quite nicely for beginners, it still can be a fun board for those who have more experience on the water.
The Ruccus
Of course, we have to revisit South Bay Board Co. since they have so many high-quality boards that can become a great choice for your surfing needs no matter how much experience you might have. This soft top board has a 2 + 1 stringer system, and it is capable of supporting beginning riders up to 150 lbs. with no problem. It can also work well for experienced surfers who are up to 200 lbs. There are two full-length wooden stringers and a single 2/3 fiberglass rod center stringer.
As with the other boards from this company on our list, you will find that in terms of quality and styling, there are many similarities. They have the quality textured top and the slick bottom, and they have a great overall design and quality build. Again, this means that the board will not have to be waxed.
These Ruccus boards feature rounders thruster noses and a pilled in squash tail shape. This helps to provide some added stability, along with maneuverability. Not only will they be stable enough for beginners to ride, but they will be able to maneuver them nicely. This, of course, includes the fins and the 7’ leash.
Coming from a well-known quality brand, you can also be sure that the board will be durable, just like the other options from them. It can be a great choice for those who are just starting out and who want to learn how to surf on a board that will serve them well.
California Board Company 7’ Surfboard
This is a good looking surfboard from the California Board Company that has three built-in wooden stringers, which can help with the flexibility and structure of the board. It has an interesting appearance thanks to the woodgrain pattern on the top and the bottom of the board, along with the green stripes. This beginner surfboard has a nice size, as well. It is a little smaller than many of the other options on the list, which could be a better solution for some wave riders out there.
It also features a traction pad for better grip, and it comes with a surf leash, so you will not have to worry about being separated from your board. Another feature of the board is the tail cap. This will help to keep the board safe from damage that could happen when you are carrying and moving the board. It’s a small, but nice touch. The fins that come with the board as nice and easy to install, as well. The board is durable, and it can last. It has a weight capacity of up to 210 lbs.
California Board Company CBC Surfboard
Here is another option from the California Board Company that you might want to consider. One of the first things that you will notice when you look at this board is sure to be the size. It is quite a bit smaller than the other options that have been covered so far at only 5’ 8”. This means that the board might be better suited for smaller riders who aren’t quite as tall or as heavy. Despite being a smaller board, this is still capable of holding up to 180 lbs. It is also quite durable. It has molded-in laminated stringers and it is high-density foam that has a 100% waterproof core.
Children and teens who are just learning how to surf will surely love learning on this easy to use and fun to ride board. The board itself is rather lightweight at only 6.5 lbs. This should make it easy for anyone to haul it around with them in and out of the water.
The board also happens to be aesthetically pleasing. It has a full graphic on the top deck, as well as on the bottom deck. There is an attached traction pad, which can help to provide surfers with a better grip on the board when they are riding the waves. It comes with finds, as well as a surf leash.
The Casper
Guess who’s back? That’s right, here’s another one from South Bay Board Co. This board is a little smaller than some of the others from the company, and one of the notable differences is that it is only 21” wide. Still, the board is capable of supporting surfers who are all the way up to 220 lbs. The hybrid soft top funboard has a great shape that should make it easy to catch the waves and carve through them.
This surfboard foamie is high-quality and is built to last. Like the other boards from this company on the list, you will not need to add any wax to the board. The Casper comes with the fins and a 7’ leash.
There are some nice benefits to this type and size of board. It tends to still have the same float that you need, but it can allow surfers to take on some smaller waves and go fast. They can also get out to the larger waves quickly. It even has a preinstalled action camera mount, which could be perfect for those who are thinking about recording their adventures out in the water. This can be fun whether you are a beginner or you have more experience under your belt.
Liquid Shredder FSE Series
Here is a nice looking board with an intriguing shape that looks like it will slice through the waves. This option from Liquid Shredder is 7’ long and only 20” wide, but the foamie is still a durable choice that can work well for many riders out there. It can hold novice surfers who are up to 140 lbs. Those who have more experience on a board can be heavier and still make good use of it.
It features a foam deck, as well as a slick, fast bottom. It has wooden stringers that will help to provide stability and structure to the board, as well. This beginner surfboard is comfortable and fun to ride, and it has an anti-slip texture when it is wet. The boards are available in several colors – red, blue, and yellow – so you should be able to find one that suits you. These bright colors help to ensure that you don’t lose the board in the surf just in case your leash comes off of your ankle.
Rock-It CHUB
This is one of the most interesting boards on the list, and it is certainly the smallest, coming in at only 4’11”. This makes it a solid choice for a child’s first surfboard, and one that will be a lot of fun for them for quite a long time. The board has two wood dual stringers, which can help to make it nice and durable. Even though it is small, the board is capable of supporting surfers that are up to 150 lbs. This board does not come with a leash, so you will need to buy one separately.
When you are choosing one of these CHUB boards from Rock-It, you will find that there are several options available in terms of the color. This might matter quite a bit to some of the beginning surfers out there. You can choose from blue, gray, green, red, pink, orange, teal, and yellow.
Why No True Fiberglass Surfboards on the List?
If you are brand new to surfing, then you might have thought that all surfboards were made from fiberglass. That’s not the case. You can find plenty of high-quality foam boards that are on the market today that can be a stellar option, particularly for riders who are just starting out. These can be a good choice for several reasons.
First, they tend to be more forgiving when you fall – and beginning surfers are going to fall. This simply means that they aren’t going to injure you as easily as a harder fiberglass board might. Second, they are good for a beginner surfboard because they tend to have better grips and they are not as slick. This means that you will likely fell and slip a little less when you are learning on one of these surfboards.
In addition, the soft top foam boards will typically be somewhat lighter than their counterparts that are made from fiberglass. This makes them easier to carry without becoming fatigued. When you are just starting out surfing, it is quite easy to become fatigued, so keeping the weight low really will help.
Finally, there really are some great selection of foam boards out there today. They are high-quality and durable, just as you have seen from the list above. When you are just starting out, these can be a good cheap surfboard type to consider. You can always get a different board as your skills grow.
What to Look for When Buying a Beginner Surfboard
Now that we’ve established that foam is a good option for beginner surfboards, you might be wondering what else you will want to consider. One of the first things that you want to consider is the length. The longer the board, the better when it comes to learning. Of course, you also need to consider the height of the person who is learning when buying a board.
Durability is highly important as well for beginner surfboards. There is a good chance that those early days of learning to surf will put the board through a bit of torture, so you want to have a board that can hold up to that treatment. Consider the maneuverability of the board, as well as the portability and where you will store it. All of those factors will come into play, so think ahead when you are buying your surfboard. Don’t just choose the first one that grabs your eye.
Tips for Caring for Your Surfboard
When you buy a surfboard, you want it to last for as long as possible. This is true even if it is a beginner surfboard. After all, the surfboard cost is generally high enough that you will want to get as much use out of it as possible. One of the investments that you will want to make if your board doesn’t already come with one is a surfboard bag. Get into the habit of keeping the board in the bag when it is not in use. If the board requires wax, use it. If it doesn’t keep the wax away.
Always be careful when you are moving the board, and when you are storing the board. You do not want to keep it in a location where it could end up getting damaged. If you notice any problems, try to fix them as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
There is sure to come a time when you have learned all that you can from the beginner surfboard that you have been training with. You will have mastered the board and will want to have something new. That’s great! Now that you have more knowledge and experience under your belt, you will find that it can be somewhat easier for you to figure out the size and type of board that you will want to have.
Once you have graduated from the board that you have, you might want to keep your old board around for a while. You could always keep it as a backup, or you could help someone else to learn with the board. Of course, you might also want to sell it since people are always looking for a used surfing board.
Now that you have a better idea of some of the top options out there when it comes beginning surfboards, it should be easier for you to find the one that will suit your needs the best. Get your board, grab some sunscreen, and then get out there so you can start catching those waves. This will be something that you can enjoy for many years to come.