Ready to Buy Your First Surfboard? Here's What You Need to Know
As the saying goes, "You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." If you’re ready to take Jon Kabat-Zinn’s advice to heart, buying your first surfboard is the first step toward hitting the waves. But with so many options, choosing the right beginner surfboard can be a daunting task. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy your first surfboard—what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find the perfect board for your surfing journey.
Do Your Surfboard Research Before You Buy
Buying a new surfboard is no small investment, much like buying a car. Once you take it home, it’s yours! A little research goes a long way in ensuring you get the right board. Understanding which surfboard types work best for beginners, and which to avoid, can save you money and frustration.
Surfboard Size: It’s Not Just About Length
When buying your first surfboard, bigger is usually better, but it's not only about the length. Length, width, thickness, and volume are the four essential dimensions to focus on when buying a surfboard.
- Length, Width, and Thickness: Together, these dimensions determine the volume of the board. For beginners, it's important to choose a board that is not only long but also wide and thick enough to provide a stable, buoyant surface for paddling and popping up.
- Volume: The right surfboard volume is critical for stability and buoyancy. Volume is calculated based on the length, width, and thickness of the board. It will vary depending on your weight, skill level, and the type of surfing you want to do. To find your ideal volume, check out the Firewire Surfboards Volume Calculator, which provides a personalized volume recommendation.
What Shape Should Your First Surfboard Be?
Surfboard shape, or surfboard template, plays a key role in determining how a board will perform. Too often, beginners buy the wrong board because it "looks cool" or seems like the right length without considering the overall shape.
- Flat and Full for Beginners: For your first surfboard, you want a board that is long, wide, thick, and flat from nose to tail. A surfboard with a flat bottom and a full nose will give you more power for paddling, making it easier to catch waves. The flatter the board, the more surface area is in contact with the water, which helps it glide (or plane) more easily. Avoid boards with a narrow nose, tons of rocker (curvature), or a pinched tail, as these are more challenging to learn on.
- Learn More About Surfboard Shapes: If you're curious about surfboard shapes and how they affect performance, check out our helpful guide on surfboard shapes.
Why Soft-Top Surfboards Are Perfect for Beginners
Soft-top surfboards are an excellent choice for beginners. The stigma around soft-tops is long gone—today, they are popular with surfers of all skill levels. Here’s why a soft-top might be the best beginner surfboard for you:
- Beginner-Friendly: Soft-tops are much more forgiving on wipeouts compared to traditional fiberglass boards, which makes them ideal for beginners who will fall often. They are also less likely to hurt you or others if you lose control.
- Durable and Low Maintenance: Your first surfboard will likely endure plenty of bumps, dings, and damage as you learn. Soft-tops are extremely durable and resistant to dings, saving you from costly repair work.
- Used by Pros Too: Pro surfers like Jamie O’Brien have even taken soft-tops into heavy surf at famous breaks like Jaws! This speaks to the versatility and fun factor of soft-top boards.
Check out soft-top brands like Catch Surf and Storm Blade to find a great beginner board.
Should You Buy a New or Used Surfboard?
Benefits of Buying a Used Surfboard
Whether you’re on a budget or just looking for a deal, buying a used surfboard is worth considering. Used surfboards can be significantly cheaper, and since beginners tend to ding and dent their boards while learning, a pre-owned board will ease the pain of the inevitable damage.
- Cost-Efficient Learning: Used surfboards already show signs of wear, so you won’t have to worry as much about those first dings and cracks.
- Good Condition, Lower Price: Many used surfboards are still in great condition and offer significant savings compared to buying new.
For more information on finding the perfect used surfboard, check out our guide to buying a used surfboard.
What Kind of Fins Should You Use on Your First Surfboard?
Stick to Basic, Plastic Fins
As a beginner, it's best to keep things simple. Don't get lured into buying expensive, high-performance fins with fancy terms like "speed generating." For your first surfboard, basic plastic fins are more than sufficient. Here’s why:
- Beginner Skill Level: As a beginner, you won’t notice the difference between high-performance fins and basic plastic fins. Focus on getting comfortable on your board before worrying about performance upgrades.
- Cost-Effective: Plastic fins are affordable, and they still provide plenty of control for beginner surfers. Start with entry-level fins by Futures or FCS until you are ready for more advanced gear. Check out our selection of surfboard fins for your first board.
Ready to Buy Your First Surfboard?
Choosing the right surfboard is all about ensuring you have a board that’s easy to ride and fun to learn on. Whether you choose a new surfboard, a used board, or a soft-top surfboard, make sure it fits your skill level, and don’t be afraid to ask for help at your local surf shop. Surfing is a sport that requires patience and perseverance, but once you catch your first wave, you’ll understand why Kelly Slater once said, “Surfing is like the mafia. Once you’re in – you’re in. There’s no getting out.”
If you’re ready to take the plunge, browse Rider Shack’s used surfboards for an affordable and reliable beginner option. Remember, the right board can make all the difference in helping you learn and progress in your surfing journey.
Share Your Surfboard Buying Experience
Have you recently bought your first surfboard? We’d love to hear about your experience and any tips you have for new surfers. Leave a comment below and help fellow surfers find their ideal board!
