How to Choose the Best Beginner Surfboard
The Ultimate Guide on how to choose the Best Beginner Surfboard.
– From the Pros at Surf Diva
If you’re dreaming of catching your first wave, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. At Surf Diva Surf School and Surf Shop, we’ve been helping new surfers learn the ropes since 1996. As the #1 Surf School in California, Surf Diva is known for the best-trained instructors, beloved by the San Diego community and consistently top-rated by the City of San Diego. We will teach you in how to choose the Best Beginner Surfboard.
Whether you’re shopping for your first board or just curious about the best surfboards for beginners, our team of pro instructors has broken it all down to help you choose the perfect beginner surfboard to suit your needs.
What Is the Best Surfboard for Beginners?
When choosing the best surfboard for beginners, stability and ease of paddling are key. Most new surfers do best with a foam beginner surfboard—soft top, extra buoyant, and forgiving if you fall (which you will, and that’s part of the fun!).
Why Foam Surfboards Are the Best Beginner Surfboards:
- Super stable
- Safe and soft
- Floaty enough to catch small waves with ease
- Durable and low-maintenance
What Size Surfboard Should a Beginner Get?
Surfboard size matters. The right length and volume help you paddle into waves, pop up easier, and feel stable on your feet.
Here’s a quick beginner surfboard size guide:
| Your Weight | Surfboard Length | Board Type |
|---|---|---|
| Under 120 lbs | 7’0″–8’0″ | Foam Shortboard or Mini Longboard |
| 120–170 lbs | 8’0″–9’0″ | Longboard or Foam Board |
| 170 lbs-250 lbs | 9’0″-10’0″ | Longboard or Extra-Wide Foam Board (or SUP foam board) |
Great beginner surfboards include:
- 8 foot surfboard – good balance of length and maneuverability
- 9 foot foam surfboard – excellent stability
- 10 foot foam surfboard – ultra stable for larger adults or people with less flexibility or mobility
Explore our full beginner surfboard size chart in-store or online for more personalized recommendations.
Surfing Tips for Best Beginner Surfboars
Learning to surf takes time, patience, and the right approach. Here are a few surfing tips for beginners from the Divas:
- Choose beginner surf spots in San Diego with soft sand and gentle waves. Look for beaches with Lifeguards and ask about the surfing area.
- Never surf alone as a beginner—take a lesson to learn safety and practice with a friend.
- Practice your pop-up on land before hitting the water.
- Ask our staff how to choose a surfboard that matches your height, weight, and skill level.
Need gear? We’ve got you covered.
Rent the Best Beginner Surfboards & Gear at Surf Diva
Not ready to buy? Try before you commit! Surf Diva offers the best rental surfboards and gear in San Diego, with top-quality equipment at the best prices—perfect for locals, visitors, and first-timers.
Our rental lineup includes:
- Foam surfboards for beginners (7 ft, 8 ft and 9 ft options)
- Soft top surfboards for beginners
- Wetsuits in all sizes
- Boogie boards, beach chairs, and umbrellas
We hand-select and maintain our rental inventory so you can feel confident you’re riding the best beginner surfboards in San Diego, even if you’re not ready to purchase.
Shop the Best Beginner Surfboards at Surf Diva
Still wondering what is a good surfboard for beginners? Our team at the Surf Diva Shop in La Jolla will help you try out and compare:
- Good beginner surfboards
- Foam surfboards for beginners
- Beginner surfboards for adults
- Beginner shortboards for advancing surfers
We stock the best surfboard brands for beginners, including Catch Surf, South Bay Board Co., Storm Blade, and more.
Learn to Surf at the Best Surf School in California
Since 1996, Surf Diva Surf School has trained thousands of new surfers—from 5 years old to 75 and up! With the most qualified instructors in the industry and the best record of safety and success, it’s no wonder Surf Diva is rated #1 in California.
Come visit us at the shop, rent gear, or book your first lesson and ride one of our best beginner surf boards with personalized instruction.
Ready to surf?
Or swing by the Surf Diva Shop in La Jolla to shop surfboards for beginners, rent top-quality gear, and start your surf journey with the most trusted name in California surf.
Surf Diva Surf Shop & Surf School
2160 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA
858-454-8273
Surf’s up. Let’s ride. 
