In this article, you’ll find out why a foam surfboard is the best surfboard to start your surfing journey – and why it remains a must-have even for experienced surfers.
Soon after your first surf lessons, you’ll start asking yourself: Which surfboard is right for me as a beginner? Should you stick with a foam surfboard or move on to a bigger hardboard like a longboard? And this is exactly where one of the most common beginner mistakes happens – because many, out of pure ignorance, make a decision that ends up slowing down their surf progress.
Let me share a little personal secret with you:
Oops, I did it! – Back then, during my very first two weeks of surfing (despite my surf guides’ clear advice), I stubbornly switched way too soon to a hardboard with too little volume. My first surf trip was back in 2018 in Bali – the guides were great – but they let guests do their thing if they didn’t want to listen. And, unfortunately, that’s exactly what I did.
Looking back, I really wish someone had patiently explained to me why choosing the right surfboard is so important for your progress and that false ambition, ego, or overconfidence will only lead to frustration. Because, honestly, that’s often what happens for one simple reason: a lack of knowledge.
In this post, I’ll show you what truly matters when choosing the perfect beginner surfboard – so you can avoid this mistake and start your surf journey with more fun and faster progress.
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Choosing the Right Surfboard – A Beginner’s Guide to the Basics
If you head out into the water with the wrong surfboard, you’re making surfing way harder than it needs to be. You’ll struggle with balance, paddling will feel exhausting, and you’ll miss out on valuable practice time. But especially in the beginning, it all comes down to one thing: catching as many waves as possible – because the more waves you surf, the faster you’ll improve.
You don’t need to know everything about shapes, fins, or board types just yet. But there are a few basics you should understand: length, width, thickness, and volume. These factors determine how a surfboard behaves in the water – and help you choose the right board for your level.
Length
The length is measured from the nose (tip) to the tail (end) of the board and is usually given in feet and inches. For example, 7’6” means 7 feet and 6 inches long. The right length for you depends on your skill level and the wave conditions.
Tip for beginners: Choose a board that’s about 30–50 cm (1–1.5 feet) taller than you – usually between 7’2″ and 8’2″.
Width
Width is measured at the widest point of the board (in inches).
Foam surfboards are generally much thicker than hardboards, providing great buoyancy and plenty of stability.
Thickness
Thickness refers to the height of the board at its thickest point (also measured in inches).
Volume
Volume is measured in liters and is a crucial factor in choosing the right board for your level.
Your weight plays a big role here – the heavier you are, the more volume your board should have. Rule of thumb: Length and volume depend on your height, weight, and skill level.
As a surf beginner, you don’t really need to worry about the volume of your foam surfboard. Its construction and materials naturally give it a high volume. Once you hit the intermediate level and start practicing turns, you’ll likely want to switch to a smaller board with less volume. Finding the right balance is key to progressing.
Recommended Read: 5 Surf Levels: How to Identify Your Surfing Progress
Of course, other factors also affect how a surfboard rides – like shape and fin setup. But I’ll cover those in a future post
Foam Surfboards – The Best Choice for Beginners?
Which Surfboard Should You Choose as a Beginner? The answer is simple: a Foam Surfboard.
There’s no better board for your first steps in surfing – and honestly, it’s also perfect for the transition into the intermediate level. Because in the beginning, one thing matters most: catching as many waves as possible.
Surfing is a slow learning process – not because you’re not trying hard enough, but because your actual practice time is extremely limited compared to other sports. Nature, wave conditions, and other surfers all decide how many chances you get. And even if you catch a wave, you’re often only standing on your board for a few seconds.
It’s totally possible that in a two-hour surf session, you’ll only catch one good wave – meaning your real practice time is just a few seconds. That’s where a softboard gives you the best chance to catch more waves, spend more time riding, and make faster progress. It forgives mistakes, offers great floatation and stability – exactly what you need in the beginning.
My clear recommendation: A foam surfboard is the best surfboard for beginners because it maximizes your practice time!
Recommend Read: 5 Surfing Tips for Beginners: What Every Surf Newbie Should Know Before Htting the Waves
Foam Surfboard vs. Hardboard – What’s the Difference
Foam Surfboard
A foam surfboard usually has a polystyrene foam core covered with a durable polyethylene coating, also known as soft-tops. Technically, there are also foam surfboards made entirely of foam. But most people (including me) use foam surfboard and soft-top interchangeably – just like in this article.
Surfboards completely made of foam are really only good for the very first surf attempts, while soft-tops are the real all-rounders.
You might also hear other names like ´´foamboard´´, “softie,” or the classic “beginner board.” Personally, I call them Foamies, just like most Aussies do! 😊
Hardboard
The big difference with traditional hardboards is their solid PU or epoxy core, wrapped in a hard fiberglass or epoxy layer. This makes them lighter, more responsive, and easier to maneuver – but also more fragile and less forgiving when it comes to mistakes – especially for beginners.
Foam Surfboards, on the other hand, offer more floatation, stability, and safety – making them ideal for those first steps in the lineup, but also a super fun option for experienced surfers on playful days.
What Size of Foam Surfboard Is Right For You?
As a beginner, you should choose a softboard between 7’0″ and 8’2″, depending on your height and weight.
If you’re thinking about buying your own board, I highly recommend checking the manufacturer’s size guide or getting advice from a professional at a surf shop.
Why a Foam Surfboard Isn’t Just for Beginners
Because softboards are so common in surf schools, many people think they’re only for beginners – but that’s a big misconception. This belief often leads beginners to rush onto a hardboard way too soon – simply to avoid being labeled as a “beginner.” But trust me, that ego move won’t do you any favors. Like I said at the beginning: I made this mistake!
Recommend Read: Surf Camp or Surf School? Your Guide to the Perfect Surfing Start
Just a Reminder: Have Fun!
Yes, foam surfboards are perfect for learning. But they’re so much more than that – they work for all surf levels, from complete beginners to advanced surfers. And honestly, even some pros love their foamies because they take the pressure off, kill the competitive vibe, and bring back what surfing is really about: having fun.
Surfing can quickly turn into chasing the “perfect” wave, trying to improve at all costs – and ending up frustrated. A foam surfboard helps you let go of that pressure and reminds you of the real reason you’re out there: to enjoy the ocean and have a good time.
Why Even Pros Love Foam Surfboards
In recent years, foam surfboards have become super popular in the advanced surf scene – all thanks to famous surfers like Jamie O’Brien and Mick Fanning. Not only have these pros released their own fomie models, but they also ride them in legendary big waves like Jaws and Pipeline.
Even for experienced surfers, conditions aren’t always perfect. That’s why so many have added a foamie to their quiver – to try new tricks, surf tricky shore breaks, or simply have fun when the waves aren’t great.
Why I Couldn’t Resist Either
I couldn’t resist either – and during my time in Australia, I bought my own foam surfboard. And honestly, I love it!
It’s a small Twin-Fin Performance Softboard from Ozean & Earth. It’s way smaller than the typical soft-tops you see in surf schools (it had to fit in my board bag!), but still gives me so many advantages over my other boards.
On days when I’m tired, worn out, or not feeling 100%, I grab my foamie. It gives me that extra bit of security – especially when the lineup is crowded or I don’t know the spot and its reef well – and helps me catch way more waves thanks to the volume.
No matter how tricky the conditions are, starting and ending my session with my foamie always reminds me of one simple but important fact: surfing should be fun.
And that’s exactly what a foam surfboard offers you – no matter your surf level.
6 Reasons Why a Foam Surfboard Is the Perfect Surfboard for You
1. More Safety
The most dangerous thing in the water is other surfers. The soft material of a foam surfboard protects both you and others in the lineup. Injuries from softboards are way less common compared to hardboards – a huge plus, especially for beginners.
2. Versatile in All Conditions
Foam Surfboards work in almost all wave conditions – whether it’s small, mellow waves or messy beach breaks, your foamie’s got you covered..
3. Learn Faster
You’ll catch way more waves, which means more practice and quicker progress. More waves = more fun and faster success!
4. More Endurance, Less Frustration
Less paddling, easier pop-ups, and softer landings – riding a foam surfboard is less tiring and helps you overcome the fear of falling. That keeps you in the water longer and saves your energy.
5. Great for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a beginner or already progressing, foam surfboards are great for practicing your first maneuvers and turns. They help you build muscle memory and truly understand the movement. A board that grows with you – and that you’ll always have fun riding.
6. Durable and Affordable
Foam Surfboards are usually cheaper than high-quality hardboards and super durable – meaning you’ll enjoy yours for a long time.
What to Look Out for When Buying a Foam Surfboard
From my experience, when it comes to surfboards, good quality always pays off. Even if the initial investment is a bit higher, it’s totally worth it in the long run. A high-quality board lasts longer, performs better, and brings you more joy every time you surf.
Before buying, think about how much you’re willing to spend and set yourself a clear budget. Once you have that in mind, get advice from a surf shop or check directly with the manufacturer.
Recommended Softboard Brands
There are a few reliable and well-known softboard brands out there. Some of the ones worth checking out are:
Keep Airline Rules in Mind
Also, check if your new board is travel-friendly. If you plan to take it on surf trips, make sure it fits the size restrictions of airlines. While some airlines accept boards up to 3 meters, others limit it to 2 meters – so double-check before you buy.
If You’re on a Tighter Budget…
….a second-hand foam surfboard might be the way to go.
Most surf destinations now have not only surf shops but also Facebook groups or online marketplaces where locals and travelers sell their boards. You can often find some real gems there – so it’s definitely worth having a look.
But be cautious – like with any second-hand market, scams do happen. If possible, take someone with you who knows about surfboards when you check it out. And even when buying used, always look for reputable brands!
You’ll find more tips on buying a surfboard in an upcoming article!
What to Check When Buying a Second-Hand Foam Surfboard
If you’re thinking about buying used, keep an eye out for these common issues:
- The board feels unusually heavy: It might have absorbed water through a crack – stay away from it!
- Damage to the material: Any dings should be properly repaired, NEVER just taped up.
- The soft foam coating should still be fully intact.
- Visible dents or bubbles: These can happen from heat exposure, but also if the material has soaked up water.
- Check the fins and fin boxes: Make sure the fins are included and everything is intact.
Important: If you buy a second-hand board, I recommend to invest in a new leash – even if the seller gives you one. Old leashes lose their strength and snap more easily.
How to Care for Your Foam Surfboard
Even though foam surfboards are tougher than PU surfboards, a little love and care will keep yours in great shape for years:
- Rinse it with fresh water after every surf to prevent salt from damaging the material over time.
- Store it in the shade (and never leave it in the car!).
- At the beach, place it foam-side down to protect the material from soaking up too much heat. If possible, find some shade or cover it with a towel.
- Fix any dings quickly to prevent water from seeping in.
- Be careful when strapping it to your car so the straps don’t damage the foam.
- Don’t drag it through the sand – carry it properly to avoid cuts from shells or rocks.
Summary
Foam Surfboards are forgiving, packed with volume, and give you extra float – making them safer and more robust than hardboards. That’s exactly why they’re perfect for beginners. They help you progress much faster and maximize your time on the waves. Stay on a foam surfboard as long as possible to improve your skills especially balance, movement and posture.
A Foam Surfboard are a must-have for every surfer – whether it’s your go-to board or your backup for fun sessions. Every surfer should have a foamie in their garage. Trust me – once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand how much fun they are!
This article was all about why foam surfboards are the perfect surfboards for beginners.
I’ll be writing a follow-up article soon on how to transition from a foam surfboard to a hardboard. If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out!
