Beginner's Surfboard Guide | Triocean Surf Beginner Surfboard
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Beginner’s Surfboard Guide

June 16 2011 Categories: Product Reviews, Tips and Tricks

Choosing your first beginner surfboard can sometimes be very time consuming and frustrating. Some people say get a surfboard that will last and others say to go as big as possible. We’ve compiled this blog post of all the useful information you might need when choosing a surfboard as a beginner.

Beginner Surfboard Guide

In short a surfboard for a beginner must be:

  • longer than person that’s going to surf it
  • Have a width of 20” or more to add more buoyancy

Dimensions

When picking your first beginner surfboard you don’t want to have a surfboard that’s too small for you to catch any waves but you also don’t want something that’s so big that it becomes difficult to control when surfing a wave into the shore.

minimal surfboard is what we recommend for most beginner surfers. It is the mid-range of surfboards lengthwise varying from about 7-8ft and about 2 5/8″ – 3” thick. The width of a minimal can vary to cater for the rider but typically they are about 20 1/2″-22 1/2” wide.

The bigger the person, the bigger the surfboard.  When you visit a surf shop the staff will point you towards a surfboard that is suitable to you. If you know you are bigger than most however you should lean towards a longboard surfboard of about 9’ in length. The extra length will make the surfboard easier to paddle and catch waves than anything smaller.

Shape

Minimal surfboards typically have a rounded nose. This allows the surfboard to have more buoyancy at the front which again makes it easier to paddle and catch waves as a beginner. Make sure the back of the surfboard isn’t too thin however otherwise you’ll be struggling once you’re up and riding a wave.

Construction

Surfboards come in a range of construction types, the most common being polyester, epoxy or a soft-foam construction.

Soft foam surfboards will allow very little progression for beginners even though they are typically used by most surf schools for lessons. However, due to their soft construction they are very forgiving as they will not hurt you or others around you. This makes a “foamy” the perfect entry level board and good for children, due to its foam construction. On the other hand, if you are thinking of taking up surfing seriously a “hard board” minimal would be recommended, as the “foamies” construction and flexible fins will compromise its performance.

“hard” surfboard, either polyester or epoxy is what we would recommend for a beginner wanting to progress. A surfboard of this construction will last a long time if kept in good condition and will allow progression further down the line.

New or a second hand surfboard?

Second hand surfboards can be a good option for a surfer on a budget however at Triocean Surf we have our own, perfect minimal surfboard for beginners. Starting at £335 it’s not as expensive as some of the equivalent surfboards available either AND it comes in varying sizes and sprays to cater for all surfers!


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