How to Choose Your First Surfboard (Without the Headache)

How to Choose 
Your First Surfboard

(without the headache)

Picking your first board? Go too small and you’ll wipe out all day. Go too advanced, and it’s game over before it begins. Here's what you really need to know.

Picking your first board? Go too small and you’ll wipe out all day. Go too advanced, and it’s game over before it begins. Here's what you really need to know.

1. Size = Stability

1. Size = Stability

The golden rule? More foam = more fun.

Soft tops around 8'0 are perfect for beginners. Start with something like the Ocean and Earth Ezi Rider Softboard. 

Stepping down? Try the Torq Mod Fun TET— great for progressing.

See the full beginner-friendly lineup here

2mm Spring Suits – Perfect for warmer days. Try the Rip Curl 2mm Long sleeve springsuit for lightweight stretch.

3/2mm Steamers – Year-round heroes. The Quiksilver Prologue 3/2 is a solid all-rounder.

4/3mm and up – Winter-ready warmth. Keep an eye on the latest 4/3mm suits for chilly lineups.

Kids’ Wetsuits – Groms get cold quick, so kit them out with the latest arrivals from Board Collective 

2mm Spring Suits – Perfect for warmer days. Try the Rip Curl 2mm Long sleeve springsuit for lightweight stretch.

3/2mm Steamers – Year-round heroes. The Quiksilver Prologue 3/2 is a solid all-rounder.

4/3mm and up – Winter-ready warmth. Keep an eye on the latest 4/3mm suits for chilly lineups.

Kids’ Wetsuits – Groms get cold quick, so kit them out with the latest arrivals from Board Collective 

The golden rule? More foam = more fun.

Soft tops around 8'0 are perfect for beginners. Start with something like the Ocean and Earth Ezi Rider Softboard. 

Stepping down? Try the Torq Mod Fun TET— great for progressing.

See the full beginner-friendly lineup here

2. Progressing? Now Pick THE RIGHT Shape

2. Progressing? Now Pick Your THE RIGHT SHAPE

Once you’re catching waves, popping up consistently, and trimming across the face — you’re ready for a hard board. But don’t jump to a shortboard too fast.

Here’s what to consider:

Mini mals like the Torq Mod Fun 7'2 give you more manoeuvrability with enough stability to build confidence

Longboards like the Modern The Golden Rule Long Board are great for style and flow on mellow days

Pick a board that matches the waves you surf and your current ability — not what the pros are riding.

Once you’re catching waves, popping up consistently, and trimming across the face — you’re ready for a hard board. But don’t jump to a shortboard too fast.

Here’s what to consider:

Mini mals like the Torq Mod Fun 7'2 give you more manoeuvrability with enough stability to build confidence

Longboards like the Modern The Golden Rule Long Board are great for style and flow on mellow days

Pick a board that matches the waves you surf and your current ability — not what the pros are riding.

3. Match the Board to Your Break

3. Match the Board to Your Break

Your local wave plays a huge role in what board works best.

Mellow beach breaks? Foam boards or longboards are perfect

Peaky beachies or soft point breaks? Mini mals or fish boards

Punchy reef setups? Only step down once your skills are solid

 

Still unsure? Our crew in-store can help match your board to your local conditions and your level. Find your local surf store HERE. 

Your local wave plays a huge role in what board works best.

 

Mellow beach breaks? 

Foam boards or longboards are perfect

 

Peaky beachies or soft point breaks? 

Mini mals or fish boards

 

Punchy reef setups? 

Only step down once your skills are solid

 

Still unsure? 

Our crew in-store can help match your board to your local conditions and your level. Find your local surf store HERE. 

4. Don't Chase the Cool — Chase the Wave Count

A foamie might not look flashy, but it’ll get you the most waves. More waves = faster learning. When you’re ready to progress, do it with purpose — and pick a shape that helps you go next-level without killing the stoke.

Explore beginner and progression boards here
Need help choosing? Chat with us or swing by your nearest store.

4. Don't Chase the Cool — Chase the Wave Count

Here’s what’s worth checking out right now on-site:

 

Quiksilver Prologue 3/2 Back Zip – Best for all-round surf conditions

Boys Prologue 3/2 Back Zip Full – Cold-water friendly for young frothers

Sisstrevolution 2/2 Summer Seas Long Sleeve – Lightweight, stretchy and ideal for summer

Billabong Woman's 302 Synergy Natural Fullsuit – Better seal and performance cut

Full Wetsuit Collection – Dive into the full range of men's, women's, and kids’ suits

A foamie might not look flashy, but it’ll get you the most waves. More waves = faster learning. When you’re ready to progress, do it with purpose — and pick a shape that helps you go next-level without killing the stoke.

Explore beginner and progression boards here
Need help choosing? Chat with us or swing by your nearest store.

Final Word: More Waves = More Fun

Final Word: More Waves = More Fun

Your first surfboard is your gateway to the good life. Don’t overthink it. Go foam first, build your skills, then step up when the time’s right. Every session gets better when you’re on the right board for where you’re at.

Browse our full surfboard range here

Your first surfboard is your gateway to the good life. Don’t overthink it. Go foam first, build your skills, then step up when the time’s right. Every session gets better when you’re on the right board for where you’re at.

 

Browse our full surfboard range here