How to Choose Your First Surfboard

Level: Beginner7 min read

Foamies, longboards, funboards, and shortboards explained — plus volume basics, buying used, and why your local surf shop is your best friend.

Walking into a surf shop for the first time can be overwhelming. Racks of boards in every shape, size, and color. Words like “volume,” “rocker,” and “rails.” And the temptation to grab the coolest-looking board on the wall.

Here’s the truth: the right first board has a huge impact on how fast you learn and how much fun you have. The wrong one can make surfing feel impossible.

This guide covers the main types of boards, the basics of volume, and how to make a smart first purchase.

The Golden Rule: Start Bigger

Most beginners choose boards that are too small. Small boards look sleek and are easier to carry, but they’re much harder to paddle, catch waves on, and balance on.

A bigger board gives you:

More stability — easier to balance when you stand up
More paddle speed — you’ll catch more waves
More forgiveness — mistakes don’t knock you off as easily
More waves — and more waves means faster progress

You’ll learn more on a board that’s “too big” than on one that’s too small. Every time.

Types of Surfboards

Foam Boards (Foamies) and Soft-Tops

These are the classic beginner boards. They have a soft foam deck that’s much gentler when you fall or get bumped. “Foamie” and “soft-top” are often used interchangeably.

Pros: safe, stable, buoyant, affordable, durable, great for learning
Cons: less responsive than hard boards; can feel bulky as you progress
Typical sizes for learning: often in the 7- to 9-foot range, depending on your size

Soft-tops aren’t just for beginners. Lots of experienced surfers keep one around for small, fun days.

Longboards

Longboards are traditionally around 9 feet or longer, with rounded noses and lots of volume.

Pros: very stable, catch waves easily, great for small waves, lots of style potential
Cons: heavy, harder to carry and turn, harder to control in bigger surf or crowded lineups

A hard longboard can be a great learning board, but many beginners start on a soft-top for safety and then move to a longboard.

Funboards (Mid-Lengths)

Funboards and mid-lengths typically fall somewhere around 7 to 8 feet, with a shape that’s in between a longboard and a shortboard.

Pros: easier to turn than a longboard, more stable than a shortboard, versatile
Cons: less stable than a longboard for brand-new surfers

Funboards are a popular “second board” once you can consistently catch and ride waves.

Fish and Hybrid Boards

Fish boards are shorter, wider, and flatter, often with a split tail. They’re fun and fast in small waves but less stable than bigger boards. Many surfers try them after building solid skills.

Shortboards

Shortboards are typically under 7 feet, with pointed noses and less volume.

Pros: highly maneuverable, designed for performance surfing
Cons: hard to paddle, hard to catch waves, very unstable for beginners

Shortboards are not beginner boards. Most surfers need a lot of experience before they’re ready for one.

Understanding Volume

Volume is a measurement of how much space a board takes up, usually listed in liters. It’s one of the most useful numbers for choosing a board.

More volume = more floatation = easier paddling and more stability.

Volume depends on a board’s length, width, and thickness together. Two boards of the same length can have very different volumes.

Here’s how to think about it:

Your weight matters. Heavier surfers need more volume.
Your skill matters. Beginners need much more volume than experienced surfers of the same weight.
Your fitness matters. Less paddling fitness means you’ll benefit from more volume.
The waves matter. Smaller, weaker waves generally call for more volume.

There’s no single perfect formula, and recommendations vary. Try our board size tool for a personalized starting point, then talk it over with your local surf shop.

Length, Width, and Thickness

A few quick definitions:

Length: nose to tail, usually in feet and inches (like 8’0”)
Width: the widest point of the board, in inches. Wider boards are more stable.
Thickness: how thick the board is at its thickest point. Thicker boards float more.

Board dimensions are often listed like this: 8’0” x 22” x 3” (length x width x thickness).

Should You Buy New or Used?

Rent First

Before you buy anything, rent. Most beach surf shops rent soft-tops. Renting lets you try different sizes and figure out what works.

Buying Used

Used boards can be a great value, especially for your first board. You’re going to ding it, drop it, and learn on it — it doesn’t have to be brand new.

What to check on a used board:

Dings and cracks: small, repaired dings are usually fine. Open dings can let water into the foam.
Waterlogging: discolored or brownish areas may indicate water damage.
Pressure dents: normal on the deck, but deep creases can be a problem.
Delamination: look for bubbles or soft spots where the fiberglass is separating.
Fin boxes: make sure they’re solid and not cracked.
Buckles or creases: a crease across the board can mean it was broken or badly weakened.

If you’re unsure, bring an experienced surfer with you or buy used from a surf shop.

Buying New

New boards cost more but come in perfect condition and are often available in more sizes. Soft-tops are usually more affordable than hard boards.

Support Your Local Surf Shop

Your local surf shop is one of the best resources a beginner can have. The people who work there usually:

Know which boards work at local breaks
Can help you pick the right size and type
Often sell used boards and accept trade-ins
Can recommend lessons and beginner-friendly spots
Are part of the local surf community

Buying from a local shop helps keep surf culture alive in your community. Independent surf shops are at the heart of what we love — it’s a big reason we’re building our Surf Shop Tours series.

Common First-Board Mistakes

Buying too small because it looks cool
Buying based on what pros ride
Skipping the rental phase
Ignoring volume
Buying a damaged used board without checking it

When to Move to a Smaller Board

Eventually, you might want to try something smaller. Signs you might be ready:

You consistently catch and ride waves
You can ride along the wave face, not just straight in
You feel like your board is holding you back in turns

Even then, step down gradually. Many experienced surfers ride bigger boards their whole lives simply because they’re fun.

The Bottom Line

Start big, rent first, check out used boards, talk to your local shop, and don’t worry about looking cool. The coolest thing in the water is someone having fun and catching waves.

Next, check out surf gear essentials to round out your setup.