The Right Surfboard For Beginning Surfers?

By Paulette Silverson

Once you have decided to learn to surf...just what is the right surfboard for you, the beginning surfer?

The first rule is to make sure the surfboard you choose is the right length and width and thickness.

The wider the board and the thicker the board, the more stability you will have in the water. It should be 6 inches to 2 feet taller than your height, depending on your age. Kids are lighter than adults therefore more buoyant so can get by with a board 6 to 18 inches taller than their height, Adults should choose one that is 1 to 2 feet taller than them.

For beginners who want to surf all summer long, it would make sense to pick a surfboard that will last more than one season, one which you will not outgrow in a short time... but choose a cheap one to start with so you won't feel bad about the dings and dents it will get. A used one makes great sense. However.. do not buy a used one that has delamination or cuts where the foam is showing.. which of course is just common sense. You can get a custom made board.. one made to your specifications as opposed to a factory carbon output one, but that will cost more money. You can always go better after you learn the basics and are really ready to put on a show. You will by then be past the heavy dinging stage. Don't worry about how many fins the board you choose has. This is not a factor in learning to surf as the purpose of the fins is to help in turning. You won't be worrying about fancy turns while learning.

The best surfboard for a beginner is the minimal.. They can be bought with softtops that cushion all the falls you will take in the learning stage. Even the fins on the softtops are soft so the chance of injury are minimal. They range in length from 7 to 8 feet with a thickness of 2 to 2.5 inches, have a rounded nose.. with a great stability that allows for great paddling and catching of waves. You may be tempted to try a longboard. which are about 9 ft in length. Resist that temptation. They are much bulkier, turn harder, and you won't have much fun hauling them across the beach, and if your goal is to graduate someday to a shortboard, the minimal will point you there.

Whatever you do, do not fall into the "LOOK COOL" factor and decide to get a shortboard. They are not meant for beginners... as they are short and narrow and have thin sharp rails, or edges, that are designed for fancy turns and maneuvers by advanced surfers. Start with the longer, wider, more buoyant board and you will soon be looking for that cool shortboard and will be able to use it by then ... properly.

If you decide to look for a good used surfboard, a great place to start your search is at Your Surf Source which offers everything from used to new surfboards of all types and all things surf.

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