Contents
A beginner’s guide to choosing the right size surfboard.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
If you’re new to surfing, you might be wondering what size surfboard you should start with. It’s important to get a surfboard that’s the right size for you, because it will make learning to surf easier and more enjoyable.
In general, beginners should start with a longer and wider board. A longer board will give you more stability, and a wider board will make it easier to catch waves. A beginner-friendly surfboard is usually between 7 and 9 feet long, and 21 to 23 inches wide.
There are also different types of surfboards for different types of waves. If you live near waves that are big and powerful, you’ll need a different board than if you live near small, gentle waves.
Once you’ve been surfing for awhile, you can start experimenting with different sizes and types of boards to find the ones that work best for you. But when you’re just starting out, it’s best to stick with a bigger and longer board.
The Different Sizes of Surf Boards
Surf boards come in all different shapes and sizes. The size of the surf board you need depends on your weight, height, and skill level. If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you start with a larger surf board. A larger surf board will make it easier for you to catch waves and stay on the board.
Shortboards
Shortboards are the most popular type of surfboard for good reason—they provide the best performance in a wide variety of wave conditions. Shortboards are usually under 6’8”, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit different wave types, riding styles, and level of experience.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend going with a shortboard that is around 6’2”-6’6”. This will give you the maneuverability you need to learn the basics, while still being able to catch smaller waves. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with different shapes and sizes to find what works best for you.
Longboards
Longboards are the original surfboard style and remain popular today. They are great for beginners as they are very stable and easy to paddle. They are also good for experienced surfers who want to catch a long, mellow wave. Longboards usually range from 9 feet to 12 feet in length and 20 inches to 24 inches in width.
Funboards
Funboards are shorter and wider than longboards, and they come in a variety of sizes. They’re often used in beginner and intermediate surfing classes because they’re easy to maneuver and catch waves with. Funboards are also good for surfers who want to progress from longboarding but don’t want to invest in a shortboard just yet.
The average funboard is about 7 feet long and 21 inches wide, but they can range from 6 feet 8 inches to 8 feet 2 inches. The best size for you will depend on your height, weight, and experience level.
Mini-Mals
Also known as mini-mal or funboards, these are the original all-round surfboards. A great choice for beginners, they are stable, easy to paddle and forgiving, allowing you to learn the basics of surfing with minimum stress. Most mini-mals are between 7ft and 9ft long, with a moderate nose and tail kick. The extra length and width makes them stable enough to ride smaller waves, but they are still maneuverable enough to perform basic turns and create speed.
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a fun way to enjoy the water, whether you’re surfing, fishing, touring, or just out for a leisurely paddle. But before you can hit the waves, you need to choose the right SUP for your needs.
When it comes to SUPs, one size does not fit all. The sport has exploded in popularity in recent years, and as a result, there is now a wide variety of board types and sizes to choose from. In general, paddle boards fall into one of three categories: all-around boards, touring boards, and race boards.
All-around boards are the most popular type of SUP. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including surfing, fishing, yoga, and touring. All-around boards are available in a range of sizes, from 9 feet to 12 feet long.
Touring boards are designed for longer paddles and longer distances. They are typically longer and narrower than all-around boards, which makes them more efficient in the water. Touring boards are available in sizes from 12 feet to 14 feet long.
Race boards are designed for speed and are often used in competitions. They are usually the longest and narrowest type of SUP, which makes them very fast but also less stable. Race boards are available in sizes from 14 feet to 18 feet long.
How to Choose the Right Size Surf Board
If you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose the right size surfboard. A board that’s too large will be difficult to control, and a board that’s too small won’t give you the stability you need. So, how do you know what size to choose?
Consider Your Skill Level
When you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose a surfboard that will be easy for you to learn on. That means a board that is big enough to provide stability, but not so big that it’s unwieldy. As a general rule of thumb, beginner surfers should start with a board that is at least 7 feet long and 21 inches wide. If you are taller than 6 feet or weigh more than 200 pounds, you may want to consider a 8-foot surfboard.
Consider the Type of Waves You’ll Be Surfing
The first thing to consider when choosing a surfboard is the type of waves you’ll be surfing. Are you going to be surfing in the ocean with big waves, or in a lake with smaller waves? If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to start with a smaller board that is easy to maneuver.
Consider Your Physical Size and Strength
If you’re a big guy (or gal), you’ll need a bigger board to match your physical size and strength. A smaller board will be harder to paddle and catch waves on. Likewise, if you’re on the smaller side, you won’t be able to handle a big board as easily. It will be harder to paddle and catch waves on a bigger board, so consider your physical size and strength when choosing the right size surfboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best answer to the question “What size surfboard should I start with?” is that it depends on many factors such as your height, weight, and surfing ability. If you are a beginner, it is probably best to start with a longboard that is 10 feet or longer. If you are taller and/or heavier, you may want to start with a mid-length board that is around 8 feet long. And if you are an experienced surfer, you will likely do just fine on a shortboard that is 6 feet or shorter. Whatever board you choose, make sure you have fun!
