Why do some boards feel like magic under your feet while others feel like bricks?
You’ve probably wondered this after your first few tries in the water. Don’t worry, you’re not cursed. It’s just that surfboards are tools, and the right one depends on where you are on your surfing journey.
Let us tell you how it works. Choosing the right board isn’t just about looking cool or picking the one your buddy swears by. It’s about matching your skills and style to a board that works for you. Here’s how you go from foamy newbie to shredding on a shortboard.
Beginner surfboards to master the basics
When you’re starting, you want the biggest, most stable board you can find, just like training wheels on a bike. Right now, the goal is not to look rad but to be stable. Foam boards are perfect for this. They’re soft, forgiving, and float like a dream, which means you’ll spend less time tumbling into the water and more time actually catching waves.
You’re not aiming to rip turns or get barreled yet. Your only job is to paddle, pop up, and ride straight toward the beach. A longboard or a foamy surfboard is going to make that a lot easier. They’re wide and buoyant, so even if your balance sucks, you’ve got a fighting chance.
Trust us, start here. We see too many beginners grab a shortboard because it looks sick, then spend all day paddling in circles. Don’t be that guy.
Leveling up to intermediate boards
Alright, you’re standing up now, riding waves consistently, maybe even starting to feel a little cocky. That’s a good sign. It means you’re ready to move on. But don’t go straight to a pro-level board yet. You’re not there.
This is when intermediate boards come into play. A funboard or a hybrid is your best friend here. They are shorter than beginner boards, so they’re easier to turn, but they still have enough volume to keep you stable.
Here’s the thing: it’s normal to fall a lot when you switch boards. You’re learning new skills, and that comes with a price. Stick with it. The payoff is worth it when you start carving lines instead of just riding straight.
Become the pro with advanced boards
You spend some good time learning and catching hundreds of waves, and now you’re ready to go all in. It’s time to switch to the advanced surfboards. Here comes the real fun (and real challenge).
Shortboards are common among advanced surfers. They’re light, narrow, and fast. But here’s the catch: they’re also unforgiving. These boards require precision. You need to paddle harder to catch waves, pop up faster, and stay in the pocket to keep your speed.
Advanced surfers also use specialty boards. For chasing big waves, a gunboard is useful; for small and playful waves, a fishboard is perfect.
Your board choice here is less about “what’s easy” and more about “what’s right for the waves I want to surf.”
If you’re struggling to adjust, don’t sweat it. Every surfer hits roadblocks when they level up. Keep practising, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
How to know it’s time to switch boards?
The number one question we get is, “How do I know when to move to a different board?” Here’s our advice: if you feel stuck. If you’re not progressing, it’s probably time to upgrade.
Pay attention to how your board feels in the water. Is it too slow to keep up with the waves? Too clunky to turn? Too advanced for your skill level? The right board should feel like an extension of your body, not a fight every time you paddle out.
And don’t get caught up in how the board looks. The coolest graphics won’t help you if the board’s wrong for your level. Focus on how it performs.
Wrapping up
Surfboarding is among some of the oldest sports on earth. Archaeologists found carvings of people surfing that date back 5000 years ago.
We are not that old, but still with the years of experience, we can say — the right board makes all the difference. Not only does it make surfing easier, but it makes it more fun.
So don’t stress about being on the perfect board. Just focus on finding one that matches where you are right now.
