If you don’t know what size surfboard you should get, it's no wonder, as the options on the market nowadays are literally endless.
Making the right choice is not easy, granted, but hopefully this article will help.
In this pos you’ll learn:
And a whole lot more.
You ready?
Let’s go.
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FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SURFBOARD
Buying a new surfboard is a pretty big decision, with some pretty big consequences.
Get thew wrong board and you’re stuck with a dud. Something that’ll zap your love and enthusiasm out of the sport.
Get on the right board however, and you’ll fall in love, and progress quicker than you ever thought possible.
BUDGET
Everyone has different budget expectations, and this will factor into the equipment you’re able to choose from.
As with everything in life, you generally get what you pay for, so be discerning when shopping for surfboards at the lower end of the price spectrum - especially those sold in retail giants like Kmart, or Wallmart etc.
Yes they’re cheap, but they’re terrible quality too, so I’d avoid these like the plague if I was you.
Generally speaking, you’ll need to invest a minimum of around $300+ to get yourself on something that is fit for purpose.
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CHEAP
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MID RANGE
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EXPENSIVE
GOALS
The type of surfboard you should get will also depend on your surfing goals too.
Understanding your goals and objectives will help to decipher which type of surfboard you should get.
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ABILITY
Probably the biggest factor of all when determining what size surfboard you should get is your ability.
Not the ability you aspire to be at, but where you’re at right now.
If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll be able to get yourself on the right surfboard for max progression (which is what you want right?)
But if you’re overly optimistic, and are a little over zealous in your perception of your ability right now, you’ll undoubtably make a bad purchase decision, and find yourself on a board that holds you back.
Be honest, be humble, and you’ll be sweet.
WHAT IS A GOOD SIZE SURFBOARD FOR BEGINNERS
If you’re just starting out, bigger is better - by far.
You’ll catch more waves, learn faster, and have a whole lot more fun in the process.
As a rough guide you’ll want to get yourself on a surfboard that's 8ft+ (9ft preferably).
Also, avoid hard resin-based surfboards at this stage.
They’re heavy as hell, harder to surf, and can do a lot of damage if they hit you too.
Instead, stick to soft-top, foam based surfboards until you're ready to progress.
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WHAT SIZE SURFBOARD SHOULD I GET FOR MY HEIGHT AND WEIGHT?
The size surfboard you should get will vary dramatically depending on your height, weight, and ability too.
To help you in making the right purchase decision, use the surfboard size chart below as a guide:
COMMON MISTAKES WHEN CHOOSING A NEW SURFBOARD
Alright, getting a new surfboard is a big decision, so be sure to avoid these oh-so common mistakes:
TOO SMALL TOO QUICK
We see it all the time in our surf school, students riding surfboards that are too small too quick.
The result?
They don’t catch any waves, and they don’t get any opportunity to practice any of the rad stuff that we teach them.
The most common mistake by far.
FASHION OVER FUNCTION
I get it, we all want to look the part, and no one wants to look like a kook, right?
Which is why all too often surfers will choose fashion over function, and get the board that looks nice, but is a terrible match for their ability.
If your goal is to get better, choose a surfboard that’s going to help you get there.
If your goal is to just look cool, by all means go nuts and drop the cash on the next bright shinny object, just don't say I didn't warn you...
SHAPE MATTERS
Surfboard volume is one thing, but the actual shape of the surfboard plays a much bigger role than people give it credit.
Wider, thicker surfboards will give you more stability and paddle power.
Thinner surfboards will do the opposite.
Put simply don’t just go on volume alone, be sure to select a shape that’s conducive for your level too.
BEING A TIGHT-ARSE
Surfboards aren’t cheap, I get it…
…but, god damn they give you a whole lot of joy.
So, if you can afford it, try not to skimp on quality wherever possible.
Your surfboard is going to be with you for a while, and you want to make sure it’s fit for purpose, and is something you’re going to love riding.
Think of it as an investment in yourself, and choose accordingly.
WRAPPING IT UP
Being on the right size surfboard will speed up your progression, 100%.
It’ll help you to catch more waves, and perform better when you’re on them too.
Just don’t make the mistake of jumping on a board that’s too small, too flashy, too quickly.
Not unless you want to stagnate your progression that is.
Do yourself a favour, be honest with where you’re at, be modest, and get yourself on a surfboard that’s going to help, not hinder your progression.
Onwards and upwards.
Yew!
Rowan 
ROWAN CLIFFORD
Rowan is the co-founder of Surf Hub.
