Are you a beginner surfer wondering what the best surfboard types for beginners are? The most important thing to consider when choosing a surfboard is its size.
A surfboard that is too small or too large will make it difficult for the beginner to stay on the board and surf.
There are three main surfboard types for beginners:
- short boards
- long boards
- hybrids
Short boards are good for experienced surfers who want to do tricks and perform stunts.
Long boards are good for beginners because they provide more stability and make it easier to stay on the board.
Hybrids are a combination of short boards and long boards, and they provide the best of both worlds for beginners.
1. Short Boards
Short boards are the most common type of surfboard.
They range in length from 5 feet to 7 feet and are ideal for experienced surfers who want to perform tricks and stunts.
When I was starting I made the mistake of learning how to surf on a short board.
Just sitting on the board once you paddle past the break is challenging.
You're using muscles you never new you had.
While short boards are maneuverable and offer a good amount of speed.
They are for more experienced surfers.
Bottom line, short surfboard types for beginners are not highly recommended.
Although, a fish surfboard might be for you.
When you're just starting to learn how to surf, you need quick wins to keep you motivated.
Which is why the best surfboard types for beginners is longboards.
2. Long Boards
Long boards are the best type of surfboard for beginners.
They range in length from 9 feet to 12 feet and provide more stability than short boards.
Long boards are also easier to control, making them a good choice for those who are just starting out.
If its your first time in the water trying to surf, a longboard is essential.
Within an hour you can be standing up and surfing.
Which will keep you motivated to keep paddling out.
And before you know it, you'll be surf like a pro!
Then once you have a few hundred waves under your belt, you can start experimenting with riding a short board or a hybrid board.
3. Hybrid Surfboards
Hybrid surfboards are a combination of short boards and long boards.
They offer the best of both worlds by providing stability and maneuverability.
Hybrid surfboards are a good choice for those who are looking for a surfboard that can do it all.
BONUS: Foam surfboards
Foam surfboards are surfboards that are made out of foam instead of fiberglass.
They are soft, lightweight, and durable.
We recently wrote an article on the 10 best foam surfboards for beginners, if you would like to learn more.
Foam surfboards are a good choice for beginners because they are easy to control and offer a good amount of stability.
If you're just starting out, I recommend choosing a surfboard that is made out of foam.
Foam surfboards are softer and more forgiving, making them a good choice for beginners.
And there you have it!
These are the three best surfboard types for beginners.
Now that you know what to look for, you can start shopping for your perfect surfboard.
Frequently asked questions about the best surfboard types for beginners
What is the best surfboard type for a beginner?
The best surfboard type for a beginner is a long board.
Long boards provide more stability and are easier to control than short boards.
What is the difference between a short board and a long board?
Short boards are shorter than long boards and are better for experienced surfers who want to do tricks and stunts.
Longboards are longer than short boards and are better for beginners because they provide more stability.
What is a hybrid surfboard?
A hybrid surfboard is a combination of a short board and a longboard.
Hybrid surfboards offer the best of both worlds by providing stability and maneuverability.
What is the best surfboard size for a beginner?
The best surfboard size for a beginner is a long board.
Long boards provide more stability and are easier to control than short boards.
Short boards are shorter than long boards and are better for experienced surfers who want to do tricks and stunts.
