One of the most difficult decisions when you first take up surfing is working out which is the best surfboard for a beginner. Ideally, your first surfboard should be easy to stand up on, safe for you and those around you, and not too expensive. To make the choice that little bit simpler we’ve rounded up a list of the 9 Best Surfboards for Beginners below.
Before we begin let’s cover some of the basics…
Should I Buy a Shortboard or Longboard?
Generally speaking, the longer the board, the more buoyant and stable it is. This makes longboards easier to learn how to stand up on and ideal for beginners. The trade-off, however, is that long boards tend to be more difficult to steer and duck-dive (an advanced manoeuvre to duck under waves).
We recommend finding a board that is long enough to be easy to stand up on but not so long that it feels like you’re riding a tree!
Which Length Surfboard is Good for a Beginner?
If you weigh less than 85kgs (187 pounds) and are less than 6’1” feet (185cm) tall…
7ft surfboard
If you weigh more than 85kgs (187 pounds) and are more than 6’1” feet (185cm) tall…
8ft surfboard
Softboard (Foamie) or Fibreglass?
When learning to surf it is safer to ride a softboard. Softboards are predominantly made from foam (hence their nickname “foamie”) with a thin layer of plastic on the base. Fibreglass boards are very hard and can cause serious injury if they impact you or another surfer.
1. Dead Hippie 7'0"
Brand: Spooked Kooks
Price: $569.95
Not only is this board softer on your head, it’s a little softer on the planet too. All the plastic elements of the board (the leash plug, fin box and fin key) are made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic waste. We like this board for beginners as it’s super soft yet sturdy enough to learn to stand up on.
2. LOG Basic X Jamie O'Brien Pro
Brand: Catch Surf
Price: $399.99
This board is super maneuverable so it’s not only ideal for beginners but also intermediate and advanced riders who want to express themselves on the wave. The board comes in 7'0", 8'0" and 9'0" sizes.
3. MF Super Soft
Brand: Mick Fanning Softboards
Price: TBC
The MF Super Soft maintains it’s wide shape throughout the entire length of the board, making it super stable and buoyant. Perfect for the beginner who simply wants to enjoy the ride.
4. Koolite 7'0"
Brand: Softlite
Price: $439.95
With a little extra thickness, this board is sure to feel like a steady platform under your feet. Ideal for the early stages of learning to surf.
5. 8'0" Single Fin
Brand: Mullet Boards
Price: $499.95
Do you find yourself struggling to paddle on to waves? Then struggle no more with this absolute steam engine of a board. Super easy to paddle and catch waves.
6. Zeppelin
Brand: Softech
Price: $649.95
The extra wide shape of this board will make you feel like you’re cruising on a ferry in the harbour. No problem standing up on this bad boy.
7. Dagger 6'0"
Brand: Spooked Kooks
Price: $499.95
Yes, this board is a little on the shorter side for a first-time surfer. However, with a square tail and wide width throughout the majority of the length of the board, this stick provides adequate stability and performance for a range of skill levels.
8. LOG - Amaze/Twist Edition
Brand: Catch Surf
Price: $374.99
We couldn’t ignore this board for it’s stunning colouring and design. All details of this exclusive model were designed by Barry McGee and Josh Lazcano. The board comes in either a fin-less or quad-fin setup. If you’re a beginner, be sure to choose the quad-fin.
9. MF X DHD Twin
Brand: Mick Fanning Softboards
Price: TBC
This board is by far the most high performance on our list but it is such a favourite of ours we couldn’t leave it off. Designed by Mick Fanning’s long-time friend and boardshaper, Darren Handley, it is by far the most technically superior soft-top board on the market.
Bronte Series 1.5mm Wetsuit Top - Black Neoprene, White Logo
Brand: Flatrock Wetsuits
Price: $139.95
The ultraflex neoprene in this wetsuit top feels like a second skin and frees up arm mobility to give you the full range of motion when paddling.