What Board Should You Ride as a Beginner? – Why “Smaller” Isn’t the Answer
Most new surfers ask the same question: “When can I go shorter?” But here’s the truth – going smaller too soon kills your wave count, slows your progression, and ruins your sessions.
If you’re serious about improving, your board choice matters more than you think.
Here’s how to make the right one.
1. Stick With Volume Until You’re Catching Waves Easily
Volume is your best friend as a beginner. It helps you:
– Paddle faster
– Catch more waves
– Stay stable when popping up
Downsizing before you’re confident in all three means fewer reps and slower improvement.
2. Avoid the Temptation to “Look Like a Surfer”
Everyone wants to look the part – shortboard, pulled-in nose, aggressive outline. But that board isn’t designed for beginners.
What works:
– Soft-tops or mids with round noses
– Wide tails for more forgiveness
– Boards that float you well above your body weight
The more waves you catch, the better you get – period.
3. Learn to Trim Before You Try to Turn
Turns are sexy – but they come later.
First, you need to:
– Take off cleanly
– Stay high on the wave
– Trim along the face with control
That takes speed, stability, and a forgiving board. Trying to turn without that foundation leads to frustration and wipeouts.
4. When Should You Switch Boards?
Once you’re:
– Catching most of the waves you paddle for
– Popping up quickly and cleanly
– Surfing down the line consistently
… then you can start experimenting with slightly shorter or narrower boards.
Even then, switch gradually – not all at once.
TRAX Helps You Know When You’re Ready
Instead of guessing when it’s time to move on, TRAX gives you data:
– How fast you’re popping up
– How long you’re staying on the face
– How well you’re holding trim
It helps you track when your current board is helping – and when it might be time for something new.
Sign up now for early access.
Making the Switch – How to Transition Off a Soft Top Without Regressing
The Beginner Mistakes Keeping You Off the Fast Track – From Board Choice to Bad Habits, Here’s What’s Holding You Back
