From choosing the right surfboard size to helpful tips on what to look out for when buying your first board – this guide has everything you need to know.
You’ve caught the surf vibe, spent your first hours in the water, and now you just know: you’re hooked and ready to finally buy your own surfboard!
I still remember how it felt for me: after my first surf trips to Bali, Portugal, and France, I slowly started to get a feel for it all. I caught my first green waves on a hardboard and was completely stoked. One thing was crystal clear – I wanted to spend every single day of my holidays in the water and get better as fast as possible. So it was only a matter of time until I decided to buy my first surfboard.
Buying your first board is super exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. So many sizes, shapes, styles, and accessories – it’s easy to get lost. But don’t worry: if you’re asking yourself “What Surfboard Size Should I Get?”, you’re in the right place.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to choose the right surfboard for your current level. Whether you’ve just ridden your first green wave or are already working on your first turns, we’ll help you find a board that supports your progress and makes every session more fun.
In this article I will show you what surfboard size fits your needs, how to improve your surf skills step by step, and what to look out for when buying your very first surfboard.
When Does It Make Sense to Buy Your First Surfboard?
Buying your own surfboard makes sense when you’re surfing regularly – or planning to in the near future. Especially if you’re noticing things like:
- You’re heading out to surf on your own, without a surf school or camp (where board rental is usually included.)
- You’re highly motivated to keep practicing – not just once a year, but as often as possible.
- You’re staying in one place long enough that bringing your own board is cheaper (or about the same) as renting one.
- You’ve already gotten advice from an expert and know what size and shape suit your level and goals.
- You’re tired of switching boards every session and want to get used to one consistent shape – especially important for more advanced intermediates working on technique.
Why Getting the Right Surfboard Size Is So Important
Learning to surf isn’t easy – it takes patience, endurance, and lots of practice. Unlike other sports, your progress depends heavily on external factors: wave conditions, the surf spot, crowds in the lineup, and more. That’s why the elements you can control, like your equipment, are so crucial.
The size and shape of your surfboard directly impact how many waves you’ll catch, and how much time you actually spend practicing. And the more waves you catch, the faster you improve – whether you’re a total beginner or already further along your journey.
In the beginning, three things matter most when it comes to board choice:
- Shape
- Length
- Volume (measured in liters, based on the board’s length, width, and thickness – often listed on the stringer underneath the board)
A surfboard with more volume will help you paddle easier, give you more stability, and help you keep your balance. Because it’s not just about catching the wave – it’s about staying on it and actually riding.
The right surfboard will boost your confidence, help you stay motivated, and move you up to the next level much faster.
Which Surfboard Shape Is Right for You?
When it comes to buying a surfboard, it’s not just about size and volume – the shape of the board is just as important. Depending on your surf level and the wave conditions at your local break, some surfboard types will suit you better than others.
The Best Surfboard Shape for Beginners
Foam Surfboards are by far the best choice for beginners. They offer the ideal foundation to learn the basics safely and with confidence – from your first whitewater take-offs to catching your first green waves.
Thanks to their soft surface, high volume, and overall stability, softboards are forgiving and help you avoid common beginner mistakes like losing balance while paddling, popping up, or navigating the lineup. And that’s exactly what you need in the beginning – safety, stability, and lots of waves to practice on.
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The Best Surfboard Shape for Intermediates
To make real progress, I recommend staying on a foam surfboard as long as it helps you improve. In my experience, a beginner or early intermediate is ready for the next step once they can consistently catch green waves and maintain board control in different conditions.
That also includes knowing how to paddle out through waves confidently, using techniques like the turtle roll, and understanding the priority rules in the lineup and applying them properly.
If that sounds like you, you’re probably ready to move on to a hardboard:
Mini Malibu
The Mini Malibu is the perfect board for progressing beginners and intermediate surfers. It offers plenty of stability, glides well, is very forgiving, and makes the transition from a softboard to a hardboard much easier. At the same time, it’s ideal for working on your first maneuvers like bottom turns and top turns.
At first glance, it might look big and bulky but that’s exactly what makes it such a fantastic learning tool for maneuvers. It helps you build clean, proper technique that you can later transfer onto a shorter board with ease. The extra volume helps you catch more waves, which means more time on your feet and faster progress. The added length also gives you the stability you need to practice turns with more control.
Longboard
Do you find yourself loving the classic, smooth longboard style and prefer cruising smaller, mellow waves? Then a longboard might be the right next step after your softboard – as long as you already have good board control.
Keep in mind: A 9-foot longboard (plus leash) has a radius of over 5.5 meters (!) – that’s a lot of board to manage in crowded lineups. You should be confident paddling, know how to safely turtle roll or dive through waves, and be able to stay in control in all kinds of situations. That’s key not just for your own safety, but for everyone around you in the water.
Mid-Length
Mid length boards come in a variety of shapes and designs, depending on your surf style and skill level. If you’re an advanced intermediate who’s already catching waves confidently on a Mini Malibu and has solid control over bottom turns and top turns, you might be ready to step up to a mid length board like a hybrid board.
For many surfers, a mid length is the perfect transition board to gradually move toward a shortboard.
But be careful: Don’t downsize too soon. Be honest with yourself. If you’re still only catching one or two waves per session, it’s probably too early to go shorter.
Also, don’t focus only on volume – explore different shapes and fin setups to find what truly suits you and your goals.
If you’re able to clearly explain to a surf shop expert what you’re already comfortable with and where you’re still looking to improve, they can recommend the right board for your next step, based on your height, weight, and surf experience.
Remember: You can absolutely learn clean, effective turns on a bigger board. The stronger your foundation, the more fun and progress you’ll have in the water over the long run.
Which Surfboard Types Are Less Suitable for Beginners and Intermediates?
Not every surfboard is right for every surf level or your next stage of progression. Some shapes may look cool and tempting, but they can actually make learning a lot harder.
Shortboard
It’s pretty clear: a shortboard is not recommended for beginners or early intermediates. The low volume and narrow, aggressive shape make it extremely difficult to catch waves and stay balanced.
Sure, you can duck dive more easily and get through the whitewater faster – but what’s the point if you end up sitting in the lineup barely catching any waves? At this stage, you should focus on perfecting your turtle roll and catching as many waves as possible, rather than struggling to get onto steep faces you’re not quite ready for yet..
Fish
A fish surfboard might look fun and stylish, and it can generate a lot of speed in smaller waves. But for beginners and less experienced intermediates, it’s usually not a great choice.
The reduced buoyancy and the unique shape make the transition from a softboard or Mini Malibu more difficult than it needs to be. While the wide tail and flat rocker provide speed, they also make the board less forgiving and harder to control – especially when it comes to turns.
If you’re just starting to surf green waves consistently and are working on your first maneuvers, a fish is usually the wrong next step. You’re better off sticking with something more stable that allows for a smoother learning curve.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of surfboard shapes, make sure to check out the article!
Epoxy or PU – Which Material Is Right for You?
When buying your first surfboard, you’ll quickly come across the question: Epoxy or PU – which one is better?
- Epoxy Boards
Epoxy boards are lighter, more durable, and more buoyant than PU boards. They offer better floatation, which is especially helpful for beginners and surfers who ride smaller waves. They’re also more resistant to dings and pressure marks, making them a smart long-term choice if you’re looking for durability. - PU Boards (Polyurethan)
PU boards are slightly heavier and offer a more traditional, responsive feel in the water. Many experienced surfers prefer them for their softer flex and better feedback during turns. However, PU boards are more fragile and prone to damage compared to epoxy models.
My recommendation:
If you’re a beginner or intermediate looking for a versatile and long-lasting board, epoxy is often the better choice. PU is a great option for more advanced surfers with strong board control who want a more refined feel for performance turns and style-specific surfing.
Surfboard Volume Calculator: How Much Volume Do You Really Need?
The right volume for your surfboard depends on several key factors – especially your surf level.
You’ll find plenty of volume calculators online, which can be helpful as a starting point. But be careful: don’t overestimate your experience or underestimate the wave size you’ll be surfing in.
Key Factors to Consider
- Wave Conditions:
The smaller or weaker the waves, the more volume and length you’ll need to catch them with ease. - Fitness Level:
If paddling wears you out quickly, a board with more volume will help you stay on top of the water and conserve energy. - Your Surf Goals:
Do you want to practice sharp turns on steeper waves? Or do you prefer a relaxed, flowy longboard style? Your answer influences not just the shape, but the ideal volume too.
And one more thing: For beginners, waves often look much bigger than they really are. What feels “big” to you might be mellow to more experienced surfers. So it’s better to choose a bit more volume than you think you need.
Why Volume Calculators Aren’t Always the Final Answer
Personally, I find volume calculators a bit tricky when it comes to buying your first board. In many cases, the recommended liter volume is far too low – and they don’t take the shape of the board into account.
While they’re a helpful guide, they’re definitely not the final answer to what board is best for you. It also matters how the volume is distributed. Is the board wide or thick enough? Does the tail and nose shape suit your current skill level and learning goals?
For example:
My first Mini Malibu (7’2”) was made of epoxy and had 47 liters. It was the perfect next step for me. But some calculators suggested volumes as low as 32 liters – which would have been way too little and very frustrating.
Most Commonly Used Surfboard Volume Calculators:
These tools can be a great starting point – just remember to use your own judgment and ask for advice if needed.
Volume Guidelines for Beginners and Intermediates
If you’re a beginner or intermediate buying your first surfboard, you can use the following as a rough guide. These volumes apply to Mini Malibus made of epoxy (e.g. from Torq or NSP), assuming you’ll be surfing beginner-friendly waves.
Beginner:
| Your Weight | Board Length (in feet) | Recommended Volume (liters) |
|---|
| 50–60 kg | 7’0 – 7’6 | 50-60 L |
| 60–70 kg | 7’6 – 8’0 | 60-70 L |
| 70–80 kg | 8’0 – 8’6 | 70-80 L |
| 80+ kg | 8’6 – 9’0+ | 80 L |
Intermediates:
| Your Weight | Board Length (in feet) | Recommended Volume (liters) |
|---|
| 50–60 kg | 6’6 – 7’2 | 40–50 L |
| 60–70 kg | 7’0 – 7’6 | 50–60 L |
| 70–80 kg | 7’2 – 7’8 | 55–65 L |
| 80+ kg | 7’6 – 8’0+ | 65–75 L |
Buying Your First Surfboard
By now, you’ve got a pretty good idea of what direction you want to take with your first surfboard. But what exactly should it be? And should you go for a brand-new board or consider a second-hand one?
How to Talk About Volume and Board Size in a Surf Shop
If you plan to buy your surfboard at a professional surf shop, it’s a great idea to come prepared. The more clearly you can describe your skill level and goals, the better the staff can help you choose the right board.
Here are the key things you should be ready to talk about:
- How often you surf and how many waves you catch per session
Example: “I usually catch 1 to 2 green waves per session, I’m working on my take-off and just starting to practice basic turns.” - What boards you’ve ridden so far
Example: “I’ve been riding an 8’0 foam surfboard and I’m looking to switch to a hardboard.” - Your height and weight
This helps estimate the ideal board length and volume for your body. - Your short-term goals
Example: “I want to confidently catch green waves and start learning bottom turns and other basic maneuvers.” - Where and in what kind of waves you usually surf
Are you riding epic spots in Bali, mellow point breaks in Fuerteventura, or traveling around to different spots?
A good surf shop will use all of this information to recommend a board that not only suits your current level but will also support your progress and make surfing more fun in the long run.
Try Before You Buy
Here’s a quick tip: Try out different boards before committing to your own. Whether it’s through a local surf shop, board rental, or surf camp, testing a few shapes can make a big difference.
In fact, this is one of the biggest perks of taking lessons at a surf school or surf camp. Equipment is usually included, and you get the chance to try out several boards while getting some guidance.
You’ll quickly feel which board helps you glide better, paddle more easily, or feel more stable when popping up. Especially for beginners and intermediates, this hands-on experience is incredibly valuable before investing in a board of your own.
Check Airline Regulations Before You Buy
Before you purchase your surfboard and you plan to travel with it, make sure it’s travel-friendly. Some airlines accept surfboards up to 3 meters in length, while others have stricter limits and only allow boards under 2 meters.
If you’re planning on traveling with your board, it’s worth checking the baggage policies of your favorite airlines in advance – it could influence your decision when choosing between a Mini Malibu and a longer board like a full-size longboard.
Quality Is Worth the Investment
My clear recommendation: go for quality.
Even if well-known brands cost a little more upfront, the investment usually pays off. A high-quality board will last longer, perform better in the water, and ultimately give you more fun and progress in the long run.
Set a realistic budget and think ahead about what you’re willing to invest. Don’t forget to include the cost of important accessories like a good leash, compatible fins, and a protective board bag.
Avoid super cheap boards from discount online shops. They often don’t last long, can hinder your learning, and sometimes come with odd, non-standard fin boxes – which means you won’t be able to swap out fins using common systems like FCS II or Futures.
Trusted Surfboard Brands for Beginners & Intermediates
Thankfully, there are a number of great board manufacturers out there. Here are some of the most trusted brands for beginners and progressing surfers:
- NSP Known for durable boards that are ideal for beginners, surf schools, and travel. Great Mini Malibus and softboards at a fair price.
- Torq: EEpoxy boards with excellent value for money. Very durable, beginner-friendly, and great for progression.
- Foam Surfboards for all Levels: Softech, Ocean & Earth, Mick Fanning Softboards, Mobyk, Wavestorm, Almond
- Indio Surfboards: Stylish, high-quality boards in different shapes and materials
- Firewire: Performance-focused with innovative, eco-friendly designs. Usually in the higher price range.
- Channel Islands: One of the most iconic surf brands – especially popular with intermediate and advanced surfers.
Your local surf shop might also carry other excellent board brands based on your region and wave conditions. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations that match your level and goals!
Second Hand Surfboards
If you’re on a tighter budget, a used surfboard can be a great option.
In popular surf destinations, you’ll find second-hand boards not only in surf shops, but also in Facebook groups, local forums, or notice boards in hostels and surf camps. Boards are often sold by traveling surfers or locals, and with a bit of luck, you can score a great deal.
But like any second-hand purchase, it’s important to stay sharp and check carefully before you buy. Look closely at the board’s condition and don’t hesitate to ask about any previous damage – especially pressure dings, cracks, past repairs, or discoloration that could indicate water damage. Also, make sure the fin boxes are intact.
Here’s what to look out for when buying second-hand:
One of the advantages of buying used is that there’s usually some room to negotiate the price. But if you’re unsure, bring someone with experience to help you inspect it.
But don’t let the price fool you. A super cheap board that doesn’t suit your level or is already damaged won’t do you much good. A slightly more expensive board in good condition will serve you way better over time.
Must-Have Surfboard Accessories
When buying your first surfboard, don’t forget the essential accessories:
Must-Have:
- Leash
- Fin Set
- Wax
Good to Have:
- Board Sock
- Board Bag
- Wax Comb
New BOard = New Leash
Always buy a new one, even if the seller includes a used one. Old leashes lose strength over time and are more likely to snap. Choose a leash that’s the same length or slightly longer than your board. For example, with a 7’4″ Mini Malibu, go for an 8’0″ leash for safety.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first surfboard is a huge and exciting step on your surf journey. Whether it’s a softboard, Mini Malibu, or mid length – having the right equipment will help you progress faster, catch more waves, and enjoy your time in the water so much more.
You don’t need to jump straight onto a small, high-performance board. In fact, most of your core surfing skills are best learned on something bigger and more stable.
What matters most is that you choose a board that suits your current level. A board that’s too small or has too little volume will slow down your progress, while the right board will boost your confidence and keep you motivated to stay in the water.
Test different boards, get advice from experienced surfers or shop staff, and then decide whether new or second-hand is the better fit for you.
And remember that even after you upgrade to something shorter one day, your first board will probably remain your go-to for mellow sessions and small-wave fun.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!
This post was all about your complete guide to what surfboard size you should get when buying your first surfboard – including what to look out for before making a purchase.
