How to Choose the Best Beginner Surfboard in New Zealand
Getting started with surfing is an exciting experience, but choosing your first surfboard can feel a little overwhelming. With so many different shapes, sizes and constructions available, how do you know which board is right for you?
The good news is that finding the right beginner surfboard doesn't have to be complicated. The key is choosing a board that makes paddling, catching waves and learning to stand up as easy as possible.
At Exit Surf, we believe your first surfboard should help you catch more waves, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun.
In this guide, we'll explain what to look for in a beginner surfboard, how to choose the right size and volume, and which types of boards are best suited to learning in New Zealand.
What Makes a Good Beginner Surfboard?
The best beginner surfboard is generally one that offers plenty of stability, buoyancy and forgiveness.
While short, narrow performance surfboards might look appealing, they're usually much harder to paddle, balance on and catch waves with. Starting on a board that's too small can make learning unnecessarily frustrating.
There are five main things to consider when choosing your first board.
Size and Volume
Surfboard volume is measured in litres and describes how much space the board occupies. More volume generally means more buoyancy, helping the board support your weight and paddle more easily.
For beginners, extra flotation makes catching waves easier and gives you more time to find your feet.
Length
Longer boards generally provide greater stability and glide, making it easier to paddle into waves.
For most adult beginners, an 8'0 to 9'0 softboard is a great starting point. Smaller or lighter surfers may be comfortable learning on something shorter, while heavier beginners may benefit from a longer board.
Shape
Look for a wide, forgiving outline with a relatively full nose. These features provide stability, make paddling easier and help the board glide through smaller waves.
A wide, rounded nose and generous width are generally more forgiving than the narrow outline of a performance shortboard.
Construction
Soft-top or foam surfboards are a popular choice for beginners because they're buoyant, durable and have a softer deck than traditional fibreglass boards.
They're particularly useful when learning to stand up, practising in whitewater and dealing with the inevitable wipeouts.
Fin Setup
Most beginner surfboards use a three-fin setup, commonly called a thruster.
Soft, flexible fins are often supplied with beginner softboards and can reduce some impact hazards while learning. However, it's still important to handle your board carefully and keep a safe distance from other surfers.
What Size Surfboard Should a Beginner Buy?
Your weight is an important factor when selecting a surfboard, but it's not the only consideration. Your height, fitness, experience, balance and the conditions you'll be surfing all play a part.
As a general starting point, here are some board lengths worth considering.
| Surfer | Suggested starting point |
|---|---|
| Young children and smaller beginners | 6'0–7'0 softboard, depending on size and ability |
| Teenagers and lighter adults | 7'0–8'0 softboard |
| Average-sized adult beginners | 8'0–9'0 softboard |
| Larger or heavier adult beginners | 8'6–9'0+ high-volume softboard or longboard |
For example, an adult weighing 90kg who has only had a couple of surfing lessons will generally find an 8'0 or 9'0 high-volume softboard much easier to learn on than a 6'0 shortboard.
On the other hand, a smaller child may struggle to carry and control a large adult-sized board, even if it offers plenty of flotation.
Our advice: When you're just starting out, it's usually better to have a little too much board than not enough.
Softboard vs Longboard vs Mini-Mal: Which Is Best?
| Board type | Main advantages | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Softboard | Buoyant, forgiving, soft deck and generally affordable | First-time surfers and beginners |
| Longboard | Excellent glide, stability and wave-catching ability | Beginners wanting plenty of flotation |
| Mini-Mal / Funboard | Balanced combination of stability and manoeuvrability | Progressing beginners and intermediates |
Softboards: Our First Choice for Beginners
For most people learning to surf, we'd recommend starting with a softboard.
These boards combine a foam deck with a buoyant construction and a forgiving shape. They're designed to help you paddle into waves, stand up and develop your technique without the challenges of a smaller performance board.
Softboards are also a great choice for children and families, with different sizes available to suit a wide range of surfers.
Longboards: Maximum Glide and Stability
Longboards are traditionally around 9 feet or longer, with a generous outline and plenty of surface area.
Their length and volume make paddling and catching smaller waves easier, particularly when the conditions are gentle.
For beginners who are comfortable managing a larger board, a longboard can be an excellent option.
Mini-Mals and Funboards: A Versatile Option
Mini-Mals, sometimes called funboards, bridge the gap between longer beginner boards and shorter performance shapes.
They generally offer more flotation and stability than a shortboard while being easier to turn and handle than a full-length longboard.
These can be a good option for surfers who have already learned the basics and are starting to catch unbroken waves consistently.
Beginner Surfboards We'd Recommend
Here are a few examples from the Exit Surf range to help you understand how different boards suit different surfers.
Ocean & Earth Ezi-Rider 2.0 — A Great First Softboard
The Ocean & Earth Ezi-Rider range is designed to make surfing accessible and enjoyable, with generous flotation, forgiving shapes and soft-deck construction.
Available in various lengths, the Ezi-Rider range includes smaller boards suitable for children and lighter surfers, alongside larger options for adults.
For example:
- 6'6 Ezi-Rider 2.0 — 52L: A compact option for suitable smaller or lighter beginners.
- 8'0 Ezi-Rider 2.0 — 80L: A high-volume option for many adult beginners.
- 9'0 Ezi-Rider 2.0 — 93L: Excellent flotation and stability for larger surfers or those wanting maximum wave-catching assistance.
If you're completely new to surfing, this is one of the first ranges we'd suggest exploring.
Torq TET Mod Fun — A Versatile Hardboard
If you've already had a few lessons and are beginning to catch unbroken waves, a versatile hardboard such as the Torq TET Mod Fun could be worth considering.
The Mod Fun features a fuller outline and forgiving shape that helps with paddling and catching waves, while offering more traditional surfboard performance as your skills develop.
The 7'2 version has 47.2 litres of volume and is designed to work across a wide range of conditions.
It's an option for progressing beginners who are ready for a hardboard, rather than necessarily our first recommendation for someone who's never surfed before.
Mick Fanning Softboards - For Progression and Fun
Mick Fanning Softboards combine softboard construction with shapes designed to provide a more performance-oriented surfing experience.
While some models can suit developing surfers, others are better suited to experienced riders wanting the advantages of a softboard without sacrificing responsiveness.
They're worth considering as your confidence grows and you begin looking for a board that allows more progressive surfing.
Explore Mick Fanning Softboards
The best model and size will depend on your weight, experience and the waves you normally surf. If you're unsure, ask our team before purchasing.
Choosing a Beginner Surfboard for New Zealand Conditions
New Zealand offers a huge range of surfing conditions, from gentle summer waves to powerful beach breaks and cold winter swells.
When you're learning, the location and type of wave you surf can make a significant difference to your progress.
For beginners, we generally recommend looking for small, gentle conditions where you can practise paddling, catching waves and standing up without being overwhelmed.
Around Christchurch and Canterbury, conditions can vary significantly between beaches and seasons. Some beaches are more exposed to powerful swell, so it's important to select a suitable location and check the conditions before heading out.
A high-volume softboard is particularly useful when learning in small whitewater waves because it helps you catch waves with less paddling effort.
As you progress to catching unbroken waves and developing turns, you can begin considering different surfboard shapes and constructions.
Common Mistakes When Buying Your First Surfboard
Choosing a board that's too small
It's tempting to buy something that looks like the shortboards experienced surfers ride. However, smaller boards generally require more advanced paddling, balance and wave-catching skills.
Focusing only on length
Two surfboards of the same length can have very different volumes and shapes. Always consider the complete dimensions and intended use.
Buying a board you'll 'grow into' too quickly
A more advanced board might seem like a better long-term purchase, but if it makes learning difficult, you may catch fewer waves and progress more slowly.
Overlooking the conditions you'll surf
The ideal board for gentle summer waves isn't necessarily the ideal board for powerful, steep surf. Match the board to your current ability and the conditions you can safely surf.
Forgetting the accessories
Depending on the board, you may also need a suitable leash, fins, wax and a board bag. Check what's included before buying.
Beginner Surfboard FAQs
What's the best surfboard for a complete beginner?
For most beginners, a high-volume softboard with a wide, stable outline is an excellent starting point. The right length and volume depend on your weight, size and ability.
Is an 8ft surfboard good for beginners?
Yes. An 8ft softboard can be a great option for many adult beginners because it offers a useful combination of stability, flotation and manageable length.
However, some larger surfers may benefit from a 9ft board, while children and smaller surfers may be better suited to something shorter.
Should I buy a softboard or a fibreglass surfboard?
If you're completely new to surfing, we'd generally recommend starting with a softboard. Once you're confidently catching waves, standing up and controlling the board, you can consider moving to a suitable hardboard.
Are softboards only for beginners?
Not at all. While softboards are ideal for learning, many experienced surfers enjoy them in smaller waves or use performance softboards as part of their regular quiver.
Can I learn to surf on a shortboard?
You can, but learning on a shortboard is generally more difficult. Shortboards offer less flotation and stability, which can make catching waves and practising the basics frustrating.
Most beginners will progress more comfortably on a longer, more buoyant board.
Find Your First Surfboard at Exit Surf
Choosing your first surfboard should be exciting, not confusing.
The most important thing is finding a board that suits your current ability, helps you catch plenty of waves and makes learning enjoyable.
At Exit Surf, we stock a wide range of beginner-friendly softboards, longboards and funboards from trusted surfing brands. Our Christchurch team can help you compare different options and find the right board for your size, experience and local surfing conditions.
Whether you're buying your first board or looking to progress to something new, we're here to help.
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Have a question? Visit us in Christchurch or email shop@exitsurf.com for advice.
