Buying guide
Best surfboards for beginners (2026)
Our top first boards and second boards, soft and hard, with a clear path from your first wave to your first turn.
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Quick answer
The best first surfboard for most adults is an 8’0″–9’0″ soft top with 60–90 liters. Our top pick is the Catch Surf Odysea Log 8’0″. Once you catch green waves on your own, step up to a hard mid-length like the Firewire Sunday.
Not sure about size? Use the board finder →Our picks at a glance
| Category | Board | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Best first board overall | Catch Surf Odysea Log 8’0″ | Most adult first-timers under 200 lb |
| Best for bigger beginners | South Bay Board Co. Heritage 8’8″ | Beginners 190 lb and up |
| Best hard longboard for beginners | Degree 33 9′ Ultimate Longboard | Beginners who want a hard longboard |
| Best second board | Firewire Sunday | Beginners catching green waves |
| Best versatile funboard | Modern Highline | Progressing beginners who want one board for everything |
The beginner board path
Most surfers go through two boards before they find their style. Knowing the path helps you buy the right board now, without spending money on a board you will outgrow in a month, or one you are not ready for.
The best surfboards for beginners
Catch Surf Odysea Log 8’0″
A durable, well-made soft top that gives beginners plenty of float and stability. It is one of the most popular first boards in the US, and it stays fun long after you learn.
- Stable and easy to paddle
- Tough build that lasts
- Safe for crowded beaches
- Costs more than budget soft tops
- Riders over 200 lb should size up
Best for: Most adult first-timers under 200 lb
South Bay Board Co. Heritage 8’8″
A long, wide soft top with a lot of foam. The extra volume makes it a strong choice for heavier beginners or anyone who wants maximum stability.
- Lots of volume
- Very stable
- Catches small, weak waves
- Long and heavy to carry
- Slow to turn later on
Best for: Beginners 190 lb and up
Degree 33 9′ Ultimate Longboard
An affordable hard longboard that paddles easily and feels stable. It is a good choice if you want a hard board from the start, or a longboard as your second board.
- Friendly price
- Easy wave catching
- Glides through flat sections
- Heavier than premium boards
- Hard deck is less forgiving than foam
Best for: Beginners who want a hard longboard
Firewire Sunday
The Sunday is the natural next step after a soft top. It paddles almost as easily, but it is faster and turns much better, so it helps you start riding along the face.
- Easy to paddle
- Holds speed in weak waves
- Smooth, forgiving feel
- Not for your very first session
- Longer sizes need a roof rack
Best for: Beginners catching green waves
Modern Highline
A forgiving funboard that works in a wide range of everyday waves. It is a solid one-board option for surfers moving off a soft top.
- Versatile in many conditions
- Forgiving and stable
- Range of sizes
- Less specialized than other shapes
- Choose size carefully by volume
Best for: Progressing beginners who want one board for everything
How to choose your first surfboard
1. Size by volume, not looks
Your first board should float you easily. Aim for roughly 0.9–1.0 liters per kilogram of body weight. A 165 lb (75 kg) beginner should look for about 70–75 liters. Our surfboard size guide has a full chart and calculator.
2. Go long enough
Most adult beginners do best on 8’0″ to 9’0″. Light riders can go a little shorter. Riders over 200 lb should look at 9’0″ or longer.
3. Start soft
A soft top is safer, more stable and more forgiving than a hard board. Read our full comparison of soft top vs. hard surfboards.
4. Think about your waves
If your local beach is usually small and soft, choose more volume and a wider, flatter board. If the waves are punchier, a slightly narrower board with soft rails is easier to control.
5. Plan for transport
An 8’0″ board fits inside some larger cars. Anything longer usually needs a roof rack. A board bag protects your board and your car.
Beginner surfboard size chart
| Your weight | First boardSoft top | Second boardMid-length or funboard |
|---|---|---|
| 100–130 lb | 7’0″–8’0″47–52 L | 7’0″–7’6″36–39 L |
| 130–160 lb | 8’0″59–66 L | 7’2″–7’8″45–50 L |
| 160–190 lb | 8’0″–8’6″72–79 L | 7’6″–8’0″54–60 L |
| 190–220 lb | 9’0″84–93 L | 7’10″–8’4″64–70 L |
| 220–250 lb | 9’0″–9’6″96–106 L | 8’0″–8’6″73–81 L |
Add 5–10% more volume if your waves are small and weak or you surf less than once a week.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Buying a shortboard first. It looks cool, but it floats too little and slows your progress for months.
- Buying too small to “grow into it”. You will grow faster on a board with enough volume.
- Skipping lessons. One or two lessons teach you safety, surf etiquette and how to pop up, which saves weeks of frustration.
- Forgetting the extras. You also need a leash, wax for hard boards, and a wetsuit if your water is cold.
Should you buy new or used?
A used board can save money, especially for a hard second board. Check for soft spots on the deck, cracks, and dings that let in water. For a first board, a new soft top is often the easiest choice because it is durable and holds its value well if you sell it later.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best surfboard for a beginner?
For most adults, an 8’0″ to 9’0″ soft top with 60–90 liters of volume. It is stable, safe and easy to catch waves on.
Should a beginner buy a soft top or a hard board?
A soft top. It is safer, more forgiving and helps you catch more waves. Move to a hard board once you ride green waves on your own.
What size surfboard should a beginner get?
Aim for about 0.9–1.0 liters per kilogram of body weight. For a 165 lb (75 kg) beginner, that is around 70–75 liters, usually an 8’0″ to 8’6″ soft top.
What should my second surfboard be?
A hard mid-length or funboard with plenty of volume, usually 7’0″ to 8’0″. It paddles easily and helps you learn to turn.
Can a beginner learn on a longboard?
Yes. Longboards catch waves easily and are very stable. A soft-top longboard is the safest option, and a hard longboard works well as a second board.
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