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Starting to surf is exciting… until someone asks, “So, what surfboard are you getting?” If you’re a beginner, the honest answer is probably: no idea. Shortboard? Longboard? Foam? Something in between? The good news is that choosing your first surfboard doesn’t have to be complicated, and making the right choice can make the difference between loving surfing or struggling through every session.
Let’s get one thing straight: your first surfboard is not the board you’ll still be riding in five years, and that’s perfectly fine. As a beginner, the goal isn’t to look like a pro, it’s to catch waves, stand up, and have fun. The right surfboard will make surfing easier, safer, and way more enjoyable. Here’s how to choose one that actually works for you.
1. Softboards (Foamies): the best place to start
If you’re a total beginner and have never stood up on a surfboard before, softboards (also known as foamies) are hands down the easiest and safest option and probably the best option when talking beginner surfboards. They come with plenty of volume and flotation, which makes paddling easier, catching waves simpler, and most importantly, standing up way more stable.
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That extra stability gives you time to find your balance, think about your stance, and actually enjoy the ride instead of fighting the board. Yes, getting through broken waves and whitewater can be a bit harder on a foam board, but that’s a small price to pay for learning the fundamentals properly and progressing faster in the long run.
Another big advantage? Safety. Softboards are forgiving. If you wipe out and the board comes back at you, it’s a lot less painful than taking a hard fiberglass surfboard. For beginners sharing the water with other surfers, that extra safety factor matters.
Bottom line: foamies build confidence, help you catch more waves, and set you up to become a better surfer sooner. And catching more waves is always more fun.
What beginner softboard options are there?
There are a lot of options when it comes to foamies, but at Pukas Surf Shop we like to recommend the following:
1.1. BW Softboards
BW Softboards are an excellent choice for beginners on a budget. They offer durable, high-volume foamies that make standing up and catching waves easier, without breaking the bank. Lightweight and forgiving, BW boards are designed to build confidence quickly in the water, making them perfect for those just starting their surfing journey. They might not have flashy designs, but they get the job done and help you focus on learning the fundamentals.
1.2. Indio Softboards
Indio Softboards strike a balance between performance and price, making them a popular pick for beginners ready to invest a bit more. With a slightly more refined shape and responsive rails, Indio boards give beginners extra stability while also allowing for smoother turns as skills progress. They’re versatile in small to medium surf, and the higher-quality construction ensures your board will last as you improve. Indio Softboards are one of the most tended to choices for surf schools all around Europe due to their durability and quality.
1.3. Catch Surf
Catch Surf is the premium option for beginner foamies, known for fun, durable, and eye-catching designs. These boards are lightweight, easy to paddle, and incredibly forgiving, making them ideal for learners while still offering playful performance for more advanced moves as confidence grows. With their strong construction and vibrant graphics, Catch Surf boards combine style, performance, and safety, making learning to surf a more exciting and rewarding experience.
Here's a full, detailed guide on how to choose the right softboard.
2. Semi-Softboards: versatile and fun, but still forgiving
What is a semi-softboard? Semi-softboards are a hybrid between foamies and traditional surfboards, featuring a soft top for comfort and safety, paired with a hard bottom for more responsiveness. This makes them a great option for beginners who want a slightly more performance-oriented board, even if it means a bit more effort to stand up and catch waves at first. They’re also perfect for surfers who want a board that grows with them, once you’ve gained some experience, a semi-softboard still delivers fun and control, meaning it can stick with you well beyond the beginner stage. Whether it’s your first board or your second, a semi-soft gives a taste of real surfboard performance while keeping learning relatively safe.
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The best Semi-softboard options:
When it comes to semi-softboards for beginners, the Indio Ultra range stands out as one of the best options, with the mid-length model being ideal for learning and progressing.
Other brands like JS and Haydenshapes also offer softtop options, such as the Big Baron Soft and the Hypto Krypto Soft, but these boards are generally geared more toward intermediate and advanced surfers, they offer extra performance but require a bit more skill to get the most out of them.
In case you want to give semi softtops a chance, we would suggest to go for the most forgiving and easy to surf model, as otherwise, the learning progress might get a little frustrating.
You can find other options and more info about this type of surfboards here.
3. Hardtop Surfboards: stability through size and volume
Even though hardtop surfboards can feel less forgiving at first, there are plenty of large, high-volume boards that work well for beginners. In case you don’t want to start with a softie, or maybe you already have some skill and are looking for a bit more challenge, hardtops can be a beginner option too, it all depends on your level. The key is simple: the bigger and more volume a board has, the easier it is to paddle, catch waves, and stay stable while learning. These boards give you more float and confidence in the water, letting you focus on standing up and enjoying the ride rather than constantly fighting your board. While they may not have the soft tops of foamies or semi-softboards, the extra size and volume make them a reliable choice for beginners who want a traditional surfboard experience without sacrificing fun.
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What hardtop options should I consider as a first surfboard?
When it comes to hardtops for beginners, there are a couple of great options that combine stability with performance.
The Indio The Egg is a classic choice, its rounded outline and generous volume make paddling and catching waves easy, while the forgiving rails allow for smooth, controlled turns. It’s perfect for beginners who want a traditional hardboard feel from the beginning.
Another excellent option is the Pukas Space Oddity in the bigger sizes. While this board can handle more performance-oriented surfing, the larger models offer plenty of float and stability, making them surprisingly approachable for less experienced surfers. Its versatile shape allows beginners to enjoy catching waves while also having room to progress as their skills improve, making it a board you can grow with over time.
At the end of the day, there are so many options that can suit beginners on their surfing journey, everything depends on the surfer. Not every board works well for every person, and choosing your first board can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry too much about making a “wrong” choice. Choosing your first board should be fun.
Remember these key points when choosing your first surfboard:
- The easiest and safest option in the beginning is always a softie.
- If you want a bit more challenge, starting with a hardtop is possible, but:
- Things might not feel smooth at the very beginning.
- Be patient and gentle with yourself, learning to surf takes time.
- The bigger the board, the easier it is to catch waves, and the more waves you catch, the faster you’ll progress.
- Our team is always here to chat:
- If you have questions
- If you want advice on other boards that might suit you
- If you need guidance
- Just shoot us a message or give us a call, we’ve got your back.
Pro's and Con's of starting to surf with a softboard or a hardboard:
| Starting with a Softboard | Starting with a Hardboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | • Safer for you and others in the water • Softer deck reduces impact injuries • Easier to paddle into waves • More stable and forgiving when popping up • Stable and beginner-friendly platform • Builds confidence quickly • Usually more affordable |
• Better performance and progression potential • More responsive turns • Teaches proper rail engagement early • Greater durability long-term (with care) • Doesn’t need upgrading as quickly |
| Cons | • Less responsive once skills improve • Limited performance in steeper or more powerful waves • Can feel bulky or less refined • May outgrow it faster |
• Less stable than softboards • Harder to paddle into waves • Hard surface increases risk of injury • Less forgiving on wipeouts • Steeper learning curve • Dings easily and requires repairs • Can be intimidating for total beginners |
FAQ's that will help you choose the right surfboard:
What’s the best surfboard for complete beginners?
There is no such thing as 1 perfect surfboard that suit every beginner. Each surfer is different and demands a different type of surfboard. What is clear is that, the bigger the board the more it will help you progress in the beginning. If you have never surfed, go for a softboard.
How long should my first surfboard be?
This depends on your height, weight and skill level. As a beginner we recommend to always got bigger than 6'8". If you are skilled, have a smaller body size and have some experience already you can go for something starting at 6'8" all the way up to 7'6" or 8'0". If you never surfed, or have a bigger body size, it will be easier for you if you start your journey on a surfboard that goes from 7'6" up. However, we are alway happy to give a personal recommendation on sizes depending on what you tell us. If in doubt, call or write us, we will help you!
Should beginners buy foam or fiberglass boards?
Foam boards are the easiest option if you're a total beginner. That's for sure. But if you want some challenge and want to start with fiberglass, that's doable too. Remember to go for a board with as much volume as possible to help you with paddling and wave catching. Keep in mind that starting a hard top surfboard will be harder. You will struggle more with paddling, wave catching and stability, but once you get used to it you'll love it.
How much volume (liters) do I need as a beginner?
This depends on your size, weight and skill level. We suggest you reach out to us so we can give you a personalized recommendation.
What type of surfboard is easiest to learn on?
As a beginner, the bigger the board, the easier it is to learn. In the end it all comes down to how many waves you're able to catch. If you catch many you will most likely progress quicker. That's why we recommend going for softboards in the beginning. If you don't want to use a softboard to learn you should look out for a surfboard with as much volume as possible, that's wide so it helps with stability and that is not too short in length.