Which surfboard is the ideal surfboard for a beginner?

In an age of self-proclaimed ‘surfboard experts,’ this simple question can often be made complex, to the point where it becomes daunting enough as to drain away all the enthusiasm that rode in with your original decision to learn how to surf. But it need not be. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind when you are looking to buy your first surfboard:

1. Know your own measurements first.

When buying your first surfboard, the first things you should take note of are your own measurements, i.e, your height and weight. Knowing these will help to make sure that you avoid buying a board that is too short, too long, too wide, too narrow, etc.

Note: This knowledge is of particular importance if you are looking to buy your surfboard online, as you will not have the luxury of being able to physically touch and hold the various surfboards on offer.

2. Stability.

The most important quality a beginner’s surfboard can have is stability. This stability can be broken into two types: riding stability, and paddling stability.

Riding stability.

While both types of stability are important, in the beginning riding stability is the more important of the two types. The reason for this is that in the beginning you will most likely be standing in knee-high water and pushing yourself onto the waves. Riding stability relates more to the surfboard’s width; the wider the surfboard, the more forgiving it will be toward your clumsiness.

However, this does not always mean the wider the better; first, make sure you can carry the surfboard under one arm without too much difficulty; second, make sure that when you lie on the surfboard your arms can reach over either side at least to the elbows. The reason for this is that when you paddle your strokes need depth; if your reach is less than to the elbow then your strokes will be too shallow, and you will have no paddling power.

Generally, as a guide, a surfboard that is between 19-21 inches wide is ideal for learning.

Paddling stability.

Once you have built your confidence riding whitewash in the shallows, the next step will be to take yourself further out into the ocean to catch waves. This is where paddling stability becomes important. Paddling stability relates more to the surfboard’s length; the longer the surfboard, the better it will allow you to catch waves. However, just as with width, this does not always mean the longer the better; a surfboard that is too long will be too hard to control, both when paddling and when riding. Likewise, a surfboard that is too short increases the risk of nosediving, both when paddling and when riding. Nose-diving occurs when you apply too much weight at the front of a surfboard, causing the surfboard’s nose to pierce the water, and sending you over the front.

Generally, as a guide, a surfboard that is approx. 30 cm taller than you (when standing side by side) is ideal for learning.

3. Protect your board.

Once you have chosen your surfboard, it is important to make sure you take care of it. The best way to do this is by purchasing a surfboard cover. Not only will a surfboard cover keep your surfboard safe from damage when it is not in use, it will also keep your surfboard safe from damage when you take your surfboard travelling.