LOOSE / Gear guides / beginner surfboard guide
gear guide · surf
Beginner surfboard guide: float first
The most common beginner mistake is riding a board that's too small. Volume (in litres) is what keeps you paddling and catching waves, so start there.
Volume, simply
Volume measures how much the board floats. Beginner guides and volume calculators commonly suggest a first board with roughly as many litres as you weigh in kilograms, or a bit less. More float means easier paddling and more waves caught.
| Your weight | Rough first-board volume (per the guides below) |
|---|---|
| 60 kg / 132 lb | ~48–60 L |
| 70 kg / 154 lb | ~56–70 L |
| 80 kg / 176 lb | ~64–80 L |
| 90 kg / 198 lb | ~72–90 L |
These are rough ranges compiled from published guides. Fitness, wave size and how often you surf all shift them, and a local shop can fine-tune.
Length and shape
- Adult first boards are commonly in the 7'6"–9'0" range. Go longer if you're taller or heavier.
- Pick wide, thick and round-nosed. Stability beats speed when you're learning.
- Volume matters more than length. A thick 7'0" can paddle better than a thin 7'6".
Why a soft-top?
- A foam deck is kinder when the board hits you, and it will.
- They're cheap, durable and grippy without wax.
- Surf schools at beginner beaches like Bolsa Chica, Carcavelos and Foz do Lizandro mostly use them.
When to size down
When you're catching unbroken waves on your own, angling down the line and paddling comfortably, try a slightly lower-volume mid-length. Drop a few litres at a time, not half your board.
Dress for the water too: see the wetsuit temperature guide.
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Sources
Facts on this page come from these public sources (checked Oct 2026). The wording is our own.