Surfboard Types for Beginners: Which One Should You Use?

Starting surfing can feel overwhelming, so many shapes, sizes, and technical words! But choosing the right board is actually simple if you know what to look for. Here’s my personal take on how to pick the best surfboard as a beginner and lessons I learned the hard way.

1. Soft-Top Longboard: The Best Starting Point

When I first started surfing, I went a bit too fast. I switched from a soft-top to a hard board way too early, thinking it would make me progress faster. Spoiler: it didn’t.

Here’s what I learned: surfing is all about paddle strength. The bigger and more stable the board, the more you can practice paddling, build strength, and gain confidence.

Soft boards aren’t just easier to ride — they’re safer. If you fall or accidentally hit someone, the soft foam is much gentler than a hard fiberglass board. I quickly realized that trying to rush my progress actually slowed me down and increased the risk of accidents.

Beginner-friendly tip:Start with a soft-top longboard. It floats better and is table, making it easier to paddle and actually catch waves rather than worrying about balance or injuries. Wide nose: easy balance. Length: 8’0–9’0, depending on height and weight

2. Funboards (Mid-Length): When You’re Ready to Progress

Once you’re comfortable on a longboard, a funboard is the perfect next step. Funboards are shorter and more maneuverable, giving you more control and allowing you to try turns and more dynamic movements. Length: 7’0–8’0

A soft-to-funboard progression helps you train your paddling strength safely while learning new skills.

Personally, after sticking too long with a longboard style I wasted months mastering cross-stepping and fancy longboard maneuvers. Only later did I try a mid-length board and realize I actually enjoyed the style that leads naturally to shortboards more. Lesson: experimenting with both longboards and mid-length boards early can help you figure out your preferred surfing style faster.

3. Fish & Shortboards: For Intermediate to Advanced Surfers

·        Fish boards are playful and fast but require strong paddling and wave-reading skills and not ideal for beginners.

·        Shortboards are high-performance and unforgiving. Switching too early can be frustrating, slow your progress, and be risky for yourself and others.

Key Takeaways for Beginners

·        Start with a soft-top longboard, not only will this be safer for you but also for others around you. You’ll be building confidence and paddle strength <3

·        Progress to a funboard once you’re ready.

·        Try both longboards and mid-length boards eventually to discover your preferred style.

·        Fish and shortboards can wait as rushing only slows your growth and increases risk.

·        The right board makes learning faster, safer, and more fun!!!

At LUNA SURF Trips, we match every guest with the board for their level so you can focus on catching waves, making friends, and enjoying the ocean.