What Size Surfboard Should a Beginner Get? Size Guide
What Size Surfboard Should a Beginner Get?
Choosing your first surfboard is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when learning to surf.
Walk into any surf shop or browse online and you'll see boards ranging from short performance boards to long beginner foamies, all with different sizes, shapes and volumes.
It’s easy to assume smaller boards are better because they look more exciting — but for beginners, this is usually the biggest mistake.
The truth is that larger surfboards make learning to surf much easier.
In this guide we’ll explain what size surfboard beginners should get, how length and volume affect performance, and how to choose the best board for your height, weight and ability. Take a look at our beginner board collection. At Bob Gnarly Surf we stock some of the best beginner surfboards in the UK
Why Surfboard Size Matters for Beginners
Surfboard size has a huge impact on how easy it is to learn.
A board that is too small can make surfing extremely frustrating because it becomes harder to:
- Paddle into waves
- Maintain balance
- Stand up successfully
A properly sized beginner board will help you:
- Catch more waves
- Stand up more consistently
- Build confidence in the water
More waves means more practice, which leads to faster progression.
This is why most beginners start with larger, more stable surfboards designed specifically for learning.
The Best Surfboard Length for Beginners
One of the most important factors when choosing a beginner board is length.
Longer boards provide more stability and paddling power, making it easier to catch waves.
For most beginner surfers, boards between 8ft and 9ft long are ideal.
These boards are commonly called:
- Foam surfboards
- Soft top surfboards
- Beginner longboards
An 8ft foam board is one of the most popular beginner choices because it balances stability with manageable size.
Beginner Surfboard Size Chart
Here is a simple guide to help beginners choose the right surfboard length.
Surfers Under 65kg
Recommended board size:
7ft – 8ft foam surfboard
Surfers 65kg – 85kg
Recommended board size:
8ft foam surfboard
Surfers 85kg – 100kg
Recommended board size:
8ft – 9ft foam surfboard
Surfers Over 100kg
Recommended board size:
9ft foam surfboard or longboard
Choosing a board in these ranges will make learning significantly easier.
If you're unsure, it’s usually better to go slightly bigger rather than smaller.
Understanding Surfboard Volume
Surfboard size is not only about length — volume is just as important.
Volume refers to how much water a surfboard displaces and is measured in litres (L).
Boards with higher volume:
- Float higher in the water
- Paddle more easily
- Provide better stability
This is why beginner boards often have 60–90 litres of volume.
If you’re new to surfboard volume, it’s helpful to understand how volume affects stability and wave catching before choosing a board.
Want to know more on 'surfboard volume', read our extensive guide - Surfboard Volume and Stability Explained'
Foam Surfboards vs Hard Surfboards for Beginners
Another important factor when choosing your first board is the construction type.
Most beginners start with foam surfboards rather than hard fibreglass boards.
Foam boards are popular because they:
- Are very stable
- Paddle easily
- Catch waves early
- Are safer during wipeouts
Hard surfboards are designed more for performance and can be difficult for beginners to control.
Because of this, many surfers begin with foam boards before progressing to smaller hard boards later on.
Read more about the comparison between soft and hard boards in our Foam Surfboard vs Hard Surfboard comparison guide
Why Beginners Should Avoid Small Surfboards
Shortboards are designed for experienced surfers.
While they look exciting, they require:
- Strong paddling ability
- Precise positioning
- Excellent balance
Beginners who start on shortboards often struggle to catch waves and become frustrated.
This is why surf instructors almost always recommend larger beginner-friendly boards.
Starting with the right board will help you develop the fundamentals much faster.
When Should You Move to a Smaller Surfboard?
Eventually, many surfers move to smaller boards as their skills improve.
You may be ready to transition once you can:
- Catch waves consistently
- Pop up smoothly every time
- Ride across the wave face
- Control your speed and direction
At this stage, surfers often move from large foam boards to mini mals or funboards.
These boards offer more manoeuvrability while still maintaining stability. Read more about how long beginners should stay on a foam surfboard.
Beginner Surfboard Packages
Many beginners prefer to buy complete surfboard packages when starting out.
These packages often include:
- A beginner foam surfboard
- Surf leash
- Fin setup
- Sometimes a board bag
Buying a package ensures you have everything needed to start surfing straight away.
It’s also often more cost-effective than purchasing each item individually.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right surfboard size is one of the most important steps when learning to surf.
For most beginners, the best option is:
A stable foam surfboard between 8ft and 9ft long with plenty of volume.
These boards make it easier to paddle, catch waves and build confidence in the water.
Starting with a beginner-friendly surfboard will help you progress much faster and enjoy your time in the ocean.
Once you’ve developed the fundamentals, you can always experiment with smaller boards and different shapes.
But when learning to surf, bigger and more stable boards almost always lead to the best results.
Ready to take a look at some boards? At Bob Gnarly Surf we've put together some epic packages to include everything you'll need to shred your first waves in our Complete Beginner Surfboard Packages collection.
