With the return of good weather, many apprentice surfers dream of taking their first breakers, or even of asking Uncle Kelly for a few hits on his nose and beard (?). But before entering the incredible world of surfing, our future surfer must find his first board !
The choice of a surfboard is sometimes more a metaphysical questioning than a sport, but there are some main rules that facilitate the choice of your first surfboard :
- The surfer’s physique : a surfboard is chosen according to his or her height and weight (see the illustration at the bottom of the page). Fitness must also be considered in order to choose a board that is big enough.
- The budget : if you wish to surf regularly, the ideal is to go and see a Shaper (a craftsman who makes custom boards, often at the same price or even cheaper than new ones from the major brands), so that he can make the board that will best suit your plans, but the advanced state of hypoglycaemia in your wallet may make you change your mind… In this case, you still have the surf shops for new boards or the second-hand market, in particular to buy boards that have proven their worth, cheap (cheap!), that will not hurt you in case of shocks and that the most assiduous among you will not end up reselling quickly enough after a few months.
- The level of the surfer : if you have already taken surfing lessons or if your best friend has coached you during the holidays AND you can keep up with the wave, you might consider buying a “Mini Malibu” (a stable board of about 2m30, smaller than a longboard and bigger than a shortboard). If you’re a (real) beginner, you’re not really concerned and you should rather opt for a Softboard: a foam board. This is a board used in most Surf Schools, which will allow you to learn the basics while limiting the risks for yourself and others.
- Frequency of use expected : if you want to surf regularly (on average once a week), it might be interesting to take a few surf lessons, rent equipment for a few extra days to get your hands on it and buy a board for resourceful beginners (mini-malibu type). Be careful not to overestimate your abilities or want to go too fast! Otherwise, if you are only surfing for the (summer) holidays, a Softboard will be your best weapon while you progress (slowly but surely).
- The golden rule : avoid Shortboards so as not to slow down your progress. It can be considered that from 80% of successful take-offs, a mini-malibu becomes possible.
In other words, depending on your profile, you will probably have to choose between a Softboard or a Mini-Malibu.
- Undeniable qualities : stable, light (very important if you multiply the car-beach trips), easy to handle and relatively solid.
- Promotes progression : boards that are easy to row and reassuring (shocks are less violent).
- A good investment : these boards are affordable and represent an excellent ratio cost/number of waves caught for a beginner =D and even after years of practice, you will still be able to take them out on days with small waves and/or for friends/children.
In short, there are many brands of foam boards more or less attractive (price, decoration, quality), so don’t hesitate to buy one if you’re just starting out ;) .
For those who wish to learn more about surfboards for beginners, don’t hesitate to consult our comparison of surfboards for beginners.