Surfing Guides: Learn, Choose and Gear Up (2026)
Everything you need to start surfing and keep progressing: how to surf, board types and sizing, essential accessories, safety and lineup etiquette.
Start Here
Surfing rewards a good start: the right board, gentle waves and a few basics about safety and etiquette. Use these guides in order if you're new, or jump to the gear you need.
| If You Want To... | Read |
|---|---|
| Learn to surf | How to surf |
| Understand board shapes | Types of surfboards |
| Find your board size | Surfboard size chart |
| Buy your first board | Best surfboards for beginners |
| Know the rules of the lineup | Surf etiquette |
| Kit out your board | Wax, fins, leash and bag |
All Surfing Guides
Buying Guides
5- Buying guideBest Surfboard Bags
- Buying guideBest Surfboard Fins
- Buying guideBest Surfboard Leash
- Buying guideBest Surfboard Wax
- Buying guideBest Surfboards for Beginners
How-To Guides & Explainers
8- How-to & infoBest Surf Spots in the US
- How-to & infoGreatest Surfers of All Time
- How-to & infoHistory of Surfing
- How-to & infoHow to Surf
- How-to & infoOlympic Surfing
- How-to & infoSurf Etiquette
- How-to & infoSurfboard Size Chart
- How-to & infoSurfboard Types
Choosing Your First Surfboard
Start big. A soft-top or longboard around 7–9 feet with plenty of volume floats you, paddles easily and makes standing up far simpler. Weight and ability matter more than height when sizing, so check the size chart for length and liters. As you progress, a funboard or mid-length is the usual next step before fish and shortboards; see surfboard types.
Essential Surf Gear
| Gear | Why You Need It | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Leash | Keeps your board with you and away from others | Surf leashes |
| Wax | Grip on hard boards, rated by water temperature | Surf wax |
| Fins | Steering and hold; matched to your fin system and weight | Surfboard fins |
| Wetsuit | Warmth in cool water (4/3mm cold, 3/2mm milder) | Wetsuits |
| Board bag | Protects your board from dings, sun and travel | Board bags |
Safety in the Surf
- Learn at lifeguarded beach breaks with sandy bottoms.
- Never surf alone as a beginner, and know your limits.
- Learn to spot rip currents, and if caught, paddle parallel to shore before heading in.
- Check the beach's flags and the forecast; if in doubt, don't go out.
- Wear sunscreen and the right wetsuit for the water temperature.
Lineup Basics
The surfer closest to the peak has priority, only one surfer rides each wave, and you should paddle wide around people riding. Hold on to your board and apologize if you get in someone's way. The full rules are in surf etiquette.
Surf Culture and Travel
Go deeper with the history of surfing, Olympic surfing and the greatest surfers of all time, then plan a trip with the best surf spots in the US.
More Ways to Ride Waves
Try bodyboarding or skimboarding at the beach, wakesurfing or wakeboarding behind a boat, SUP surfing, or practice your turns on land with a surfskate. Explore all water sports guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start surfing?
A big, stable board (a soft-top is ideal), a leash, wax if the board needs it, a wetsuit or rash guard for the water temperature, and sunscreen. A lesson is a great way to start.
What is the best surfboard for a beginner?
A soft-top or longboard around 7 to 9 feet with plenty of volume. Use the surfboard size chart to match length and volume to your weight.
Is surfing hard to learn?
The first steps are achievable: many people stand up on whitewater in a session or two. Riding green waves and turning takes longer and comes with regular practice.
Where should beginners surf?
At a sandy-bottom beach break with small waves and lifeguards, away from crowded lineups and reefs.
How do I stay safe surfing?
Surf near lifeguards, never alone as a beginner, wear a leash, learn to spot rip currents and follow surf etiquette so you don't collide with others.