How to choose a surfboard for beginners: All the basic tips

Cómo elegir tu primera tabla de surf: guía completa para principiantes 2026

Are you new to the world of surfing? If so, let us ask you this: do you know how to choose a surfboard so you can learn?

If you still have many doubts about how to choose the perfect surfboard for you, don't worry, we have designed a detailed guide based on the most frequent questions you ask us about how to choose a surfboard. Now, you'll be able to learn more easily.

We know that choosing a surfboard, whether it's for learning or for improving your surfing level, can be overwhelming, as it's normal to lack a lot of information when you're starting out in surfing.

The positive part is that there are many models of boards for learning on the market; the key is to find the surfboard for learning that matches your surfing level. Below, we'll share all our secrets to finding the ideal surfboard.

What are the perfect surfboards for learning? Guidelines to consider

Below, we'll discuss other points to consider when buying your next surfboard:

  • Avoid the mistake of buying a professional surfboard: these are usually small surfboards or have characteristics that are more suited to the surfing level of an intermediate or professional surfer, as these surfboards are characterized by being shorter and lighter.
  • Evaluate your surfing level: choosing a surfboard for learning means it fits your actual learning process. If you paddle and no longer catch whitewash, you're perfecting your take off and already know more or less where to position yourself in the water, you are a beginner surfer. Determine your surfing level with these 4 questions.
  • Choose a surfboard taking into account your weight and height: beginner boards are characterized by good buoyancy and stability. Therefore, a wide board will give you extra stability and volume, however, the wider it is, the more difficult it will be to maneuver for turns. Finding the balance is essential. Here you can see the keys to choosing the right board
  • Opt for a soft material: this way you will avoid possible dangers in the water. Soft surfboards like foamies offer more safety for starting to surf.

How to choose surfboards for learning based on my weight and height: advisable length

The official system for surfboards is feet and inches:

  • 1 Inch = 2.54 cm
  • 1 Foot = 30.48 cm
  • 1 Foot = 12 Inches

Here is a table with a basic guide to the measurements that beginner surfboards usually have according to your height.

Height Board Length
170 cm 7’0 (213 cm)
170 cm – 185 cm 7’0 – 7’2 (213 – 218 cm)
+ 185 cm 7’2 – 8’2 (213 – 229 cm)
Measurement table for how to choose a surfboard.

Conclusions

Remember that surfing is a sport that requires time and patience to learn. Don't worry if it feels difficult at first.

With constant practice and choosing the right board, you will improve over time. At Flysurf, we have a catalog of boards for all levels!

With love, #AlwaysFree

Flysurf.

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