Once you have an idea of what dimensions are going to work for you, you’ll need to work out what shape and material. If you’re really fresh to surfing, foam is your best option. There’s a huge range of soft tops that are ideal for learning. They’re durable, lightweight and best to get you on a wave when you're starting out. A good soft top will have plenty of volume and length, and won’t be breaking the bank either. To learn more about the styles and shapes of foam boards, visit our article Soft Top Surfboards.
Fibreglass boards are considered the most traditional and popular and are easier to turn than a soft top. They are made with a polyurethane core and fibreglass coating. They tend to be more prone to dings and damage than other boards.
EPS / Epoxy is relatively new on the scene in comparison to other materials. They have an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam core coated in epoxy resin. These boards are known to be more durable and lighter with an easy paddle.
If you’re starting out but feeling pretty confident or you’ve already tested the waters on a foamie and know you’re looking for something more then there are plenty of options with hard tops. Longboards are a classic. They’re full of volume, length and thickness, typically measuring 8 foot and above. You’ll catch plenty of waves on one and might even find yourself down the route of mastering a longboard.
Mini mals or funboards can work a treat for beginners who want the stability of a longboard but with more manoeuvrability. Think of a classic Malibu longboard but a shorter version. They’re easier to carry and manage out in the water than a longboard but will still be friendly when you’re learning. Mini-mals are perfect if you have the intention of progressing to a shorter board since a soft top can only take you so far.
Retro shapes such as Fish surfboards are generally wider and thicker. These boards adjust between twin, thruster or quad fin setups to give you more drive or stability. If you know you’re ready to get on some bigger waves a fish could be great for you. This board will allow more curves and turns than what longboards and mini-mals allow and are perfect to bridge into performance shortboards.
A big mistake beginners make is picking a board that isn’t for them or bypassing the right dimensions for a shortboard they’ve seen one of the pros on. We all have to start somewhere. Advanced calculators like the Board Engine can take your age, fitness, ability and board preference into consideration and give you a range of boards right up your alley. There’s nothing better than getting on a board that’s right for you.
But let's not forget that your journey into the world of surfing involves more than just the board. As a new surfer, the right gear is your gateway to unlocking an exhilarating experience on the waves. Enhance your connection with the water by equipping yourself with dependable surfboard leashes, providing both safety and convenience as you ride the waves. The art of finding balance and glide is further perfected through the application of surfing wax, giving you the edge to harness every move. And when you're ready to explore beyond the shoreline, reliable surfboard racks ensure your board's safe journey. Don't forget the little things that matter – surf ear plugs guard against discomfort, letting you focus solely on the rhythm of the ocean. So, as you carve your path on the water, let your gear be the catalyst that propels you toward the unforgettable thrill of becoming a surfer.
For beginners, the more volume, the better. High volume surfboards are more stable and make it easier for you to takeoff. More volume also means easier paddling. As you advance, you should try boards with less volume. They are more agile and better for faster turns.
The shape determines for which waves and which surf style the board is best for. When choosing a shape, your ability and level are the most important – that’s why you see a variety of shapes in the waves.
Mini Malibus are long, between 6′6 to 8′ and have a high volume. They are easy to paddle, stable and forgiving - perfect for beginners.
The rear part of the board is the tail. Its shape influences the speed, agility and control of your board. Here are the most popular tail shapes.
This tail shape is well suited for fast, steep waves. Its round shape makes it very manoeuvrable, but it is less stable than other tail shapes.
Because of the large nose, the surfboard has more buoyancy at the front which helps you paddling. It also makes the board more stable; great for beginners.
Many factors influence the behaviour of your surfboard in the water. In addition to the tail and the nose, the shape of the rails, the rocker and the bottom shape are also influential. Here is a short overview of these shapes and what they do.
There are different types of surfboard constructions. They affect the surfing behaviour, the weight and the durability of your board. Each has pros and cons, your budget, your surfing style and your surfing level will also influence your decision.
This classic surfboard construction uses a PU foam core with polyester resin. These surfboards are a little heavier and more susceptible to dings. Since the core draws water when exposed, any damage must be repaired immediately. They do, however, have a little more flex and glide more smoothly in rough conditions. They are also a little cheaper.
The final factor for the behaviour of your board is your fins. They differ in construction, size, arrangement, materials and other factors.
There are four common fin systems available. Before you buy fins, you should know which one is used for your board. Look at the fin box at the bottom of your board and you can find out which fin system your surfboard has.
Spyder Surfboard reviewsTip: It makes sense to buy all surfboards with the same fin system so that you can use your fins with each board.
With the FCS (Fin Control System) the fins are inserted into the fin box and fixed with two screws. The FCS is easy to use and you have a big selection of fins. You can find FCS fins all over the world – in case you break one.
This setup gives the board stability, support and speed. Sharp turns, however, are tricky as the big fin brakes in the corners. The single fin box is very long and lets you move the fin. The further forward you place the fin, the more agile your board becomes. If you place the fin further back, your surfboard will become more stable.
You don't need too much stuff for surfing. Surf wax or a traction pad and a leash belong to your basic equipment. For travelling, you should get a surfboard bag. The bag will protect your board and has space for wax, sun cream and everything else.
A leash guarantees you don't lose your surfboard in the waves and protects other surfers from your board. Leashes usually are attached at the ankle and are available in different lengths, thicknesses and colours. Longboarders attach their leash below the knee - It gives you more freedom to move up and down the board.
The leash should ideally be as long as your surfboard. This gives you maximum freedom of movement and safety. If there is no leash in precisely the right length, then round up to the next length.
No break near you? No problem! River surfing and wakesurfing are rapidly gaining in popularity throughout Europe and beyond. The ideas are simple; certain rivers have breaks in them where you can surf or you can ride behind a motorboat and surf the wake. Both are great for getting your surfing fix when you live far from the ocean.
No break near you? No problem! River surfing and wakesurfing are rapidly gaining in popularity throughout Europe and beyond. The ideas are simple; certain rivers have breaks in them where you can surf or you can ride behind a motorboat and surf the wake. Both are great for getting your surfing fix when you live far from the ocean.
If the stars align and the conditions are in your favour, you can surf your local river wave. Or if you're not so adventurous, there are stationary wave spots for riversurfing throughout Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
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