Choosing your first surfboard is one of the most exciting moments in your surfing journey. But for most beginners, it can also feel confusing. Walk into any surf shop or browse an online catalog and you will see a sea of shapes, lengths, and colors. Some look sleek and professional, others soft and friendly. The truth is that the right board is not the one that looks best, but the one that helps you catch waves, learn balance, and stay safe while doing it.
Surfing is a sport that rewards patience and repetition. The right board shortens your learning curve and makes every session feel smoother. Below are seven simple steps to help you choose a surfboard that matches your body, your goals, and your level, so you can start strong and enjoy every wave.
1. Start with a Soft-Top Longboard or Funboard
If you are just starting out, the best board you can have is a soft-top longboard around eight to nine feet or a funboard around seven to eight feet. These boards are stable, float well, and are soft enough to keep you safe when you fall. The large surface area gives you time to stand up and adjust your balance instead of tipping over right away.
Most surf schools, including Soorfinc’s partner camps in Bali, use soft-top boards for their beginner lessons. They make paddling easier and help you stand up faster. Once you can ride small waves consistently, you can move to smaller boards that offer more control.
At this stage, focus on comfort, not performance. A larger board is more forgiving and will let you learn the rhythm of the waves instead of fighting them.
2. Prioritize Volume and Stability
Volume is the most important feature for a beginner surfboard. It is measured in liters and tells you how much the board floats. A high-volume board will paddle faster, catch waves earlier, and stay stable under your feet.
Here is a simple guideline based on your weight:
If you weigh under 65 kilograms, choose a board around 7 feet 6 inches to 8 feet with 50 to 60 liters of volume.
If you weigh between 65 and 85 kilograms, an 8- to 9-foot board with 60 to 80 liters is ideal.
If you weigh over 85 kilograms, choose a 9-foot or longer board with at least 80 liters.
If you are unsure, go for the larger option. More volume equals more stability and an easier start. A small board might look stylish, but it will make learning frustrating because you will spend more time paddling than standing.
3. Choose Soft-Top Before Hardboard
A common beginner mistake is buying a fiberglass or epoxy board too early. These boards are beautiful and fast but less forgiving. They are designed for maneuverability, not for learning.
Soft-top boards, on the other hand, are built for beginners. The foam material cushions your falls and reduces the chance of injury. They are also durable, affordable, and ideal for small beach waves. You can bump them, drop them, or roll them in white water without worrying about cracks.
Once you can paddle efficiently and catch waves without help, you can start experimenting with harder boards. Until then, a soft-top will help you focus on skills, not survival.
4. Understand Basic Board Features
Even if you are a beginner, it helps to know a few design terms that influence how your board performs.
The first is rocker, which means how curved the board is from nose to tail. A flatter rocker makes the board faster and easier to paddle but can be harder to control on steep waves. A board with more rocker turns more easily but requires more effort to catch waves.
The second is width. A wider board feels more stable and gives you better balance when standing up.
The third is rail, which is the edge of the board. Softer, rounder rails make the board easier to control and more forgiving when you lose balance.
If you are surfing mellow beach breaks like Batu Bolong or Legian, choose a flatter, wider board with soft rails. It will glide smoothly and help you stay centered on the wave.
5. Rent and Test Before You Buy
Before spending money on your first surfboard, rent a few different types. Every beginner is unique, and what feels perfect for one person might not suit another.
Soorfinc makes this simple by connecting you with local surf schools and camps that offer various board sizes. Try both an eight-foot funboard and a nine-foot longboard. Notice how each feels when paddling, turning, and standing. Ask your instructor for feedback about which one matches your weight, balance, and strength.
After a few sessions, you will know what feels right. That is the time to buy your own board. Renting first not only saves money but also helps you avoid buying a board that holds back your progress.
6. Do Not Forget the Essentials
A great surf session depends on more than just the board. Make sure you have the right gear to stay safe and comfortable.
Use a leash that is roughly the same length as your board. It prevents your board from drifting away after a fall and protects other surfers in the water.
Apply surf wax or use a traction pad for grip. Slippery boards are one of the most common beginner mistakes.
Wear a rashguard or surf suit for protection from both sun and friction. Bali’s sunlight is strong even on cloudy mornings, so skin protection is essential.
Finally, learn the basic rules of surf etiquette. Always look around before paddling for a wave, respect the lineup, and avoid cutting in front of another surfer. Good manners in the water build trust and make surfing more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Progress Gradually
Surfing takes patience. Every skill builds on the last one. That is why your surfboard should evolve as you do.
Start with a soft-top longboard. It teaches you balance, timing, and control. Once you can ride small green waves consistently, move to a funboard that allows gentle turns. When you are confident catching and trimming waves, then try a shorter epoxy board for more speed and responsiveness.
Progressing too fast usually slows you down in the long run. Many skilled surfers still keep a longboard in their quiver because it helps them reconnect with flow and style. The best surfers know that bigger boards make better foundations.
Final Thoughts
A beginner surfboard is not about image or brand, it is about the experience it gives you. The right board will float easily, forgive mistakes, and make you excited to paddle out every day. Confidence comes from catching waves, not from owning a smaller board.
If you are learning to surf in Bali, you are already in one of the best classrooms in the world. The warm water, consistent swells, and friendly surf community make it the perfect environment for beginners. Rent a soft-top through Soorfinc, book a lesson with an experienced coach, and head to gentle beaches like Batu Bolong, Legian, or Kuta.
Remember that every surfer, no matter how skilled, started exactly where you are now: lying on a board, waiting for a wave, and trying to find balance. The right surfboard simply helps you discover that balance faster and enjoy every moment along the way.
