What type of surfboard to start with?
Imagine putting on your favorite sneakers for a jog… but in a wave version! Just like you wouldn’t choose high heels for a basketball game, your first surfboard should be ultra-adapted to your level, your style and your size.
Shortboard, longboard, funboard… The list looks like a menu of exotic ice creams, but don’t panic! At Zeus, we’ll help you find your ideal board – the one that will give you confidence, stability and above all… stars in your eyes!
🚨 Beginner trap alert: No, your idol's ultra-light shortboard will NOT make you a pro in 2 sessions...
Whether you are a complete beginner or have already caught a few waves, this guide will give you all the keys to making the right choice.
Our smart quiz analyzes your profile and recommends the perfect board in just a few clicks. It's fast, accurate and personalized!
🎯 The Essentials to Remember
The Ideal Board for Beginners:
- Minimum 7'0" in length
- Foam construction (softboard)
- Type: longboard, funboard or mini-malibu
The 2 Fatal Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ Choosing a shortboard that is too technical
- ❌ Opt for a fragile resin board
The 4 Key Criteria:
- 👉 Level: beginner to advanced
- 👉 Template: weight and size
- 👉 Shape: adapt to your style
- 👉 Material: choose so-called softboards.
Our Golden Tip: Start with a foam board for more stability, buoyancy and safety. It's the best choice for rapid progress!
Step One: Define Your Surfing Level
If you just started surfing less than 6 months ago:
If you are a beginner surfer, if you have never surfed or only a few times. Usually, you have just done your first surfing course in a surf school or in a surf camp .
- You're going to need a surfboard that's both stable and easy to maneuver.
- This first board will allow you to learn the basics of surfing in complete safety.
- Choose a board with good buoyancy and generous volume to make it easier to learn how to paddle and catch waves (Take off).
- Foam surfboards are especially recommended for beginners because of their high buoyancy , stability and tolerance for mistakes . They are easy to handle boards that allow you to glide without much effort.
In addition to that, they are also safer. They are also affordable surfboards and easy to find on the second-hand market .
For an intermediate surfer:
You are an intermediate surfer if you have gained some surfing experience and are able to paddle, catch waves and perform basic turns.
The goal? To improve your technical skills and feel more comfortable in the water.
An intermediate surfer can start exploring different board shapes, depending on their preferences and surfing style. The size and volume of the board can be adjusted based on your progress and personal goals. At this stage, you can try more complex maneuvers .
For riders with an advanced level:
You are an advanced surfer if you have a solid surfing background and are proficient in different surfing techniques, maneuvers, and styles. You are able to ride different types of waves and adapt to changing conditions. You probably have preferences when it comes to board shape and performance . They can choose boards that fit their specific surfing style, whether it is shortboards for radical performance, fish for smaller waves, or mini-malibus for soft waves.
To help you make your choice and find the ideal board easily, all our boards are classified by level .
The advice in this article is intended for beginner surfers who want to buy their first surfboard to progress.
Resin board VS foam board
Choosing your surfboard is an important choice, as it can have a significant impact on your surfing experience . If you choose the right board, you will be more likely to progress and enjoy your time in the water.
Foam boards are ideal for beginners. They are more stable and easier to maneuver than composite boards, making them perfect for learning to surf . They are also safer and more resistant to impacts.
Composite boards perform better than softboards. They are faster , more responsive and allow for more complex maneuvers. However, they are more difficult to learn and require a certain level of mastery.
Foam boards or “softboards”
Foam surfboards are made from polyurethane or polystyrene foam, which makes them more stable and easier to maneuver than traditional resin boards. They are also lighter, making them easier to transport and handle.
These features make them the ideal choice for beginners, who can focus on learning the basics of surfing without worrying about the stability of their board. Foam boards are also popular with experienced surfers who are looking for a safer experience, especially in the event of collisions with other surfers or the board itself.
Composite boards
Composite surfboards are made from polyurethane or polystyrene foam, then covered with fiberglass and epoxy or polyester resin. This construction gives them superior rigidity and performance to foam boards.
Composite boards are valued for their flexibility and ability to generate speed. They are also thinner than foam boards, making them more maneuverable and better suited for radical maneuvers.
These features make it the ideal choice for experienced surfers looking for more technical and performance sensations in the water.
Foam board advantages and disadvantages:
Foam boards are very stable and allow beginners to focus on learning the basics of surfing without having to worry about falling. For example, a beginner can learn how to paddle, catch waves, and perform basic turns without having to worry about losing control of their balance on their board.
The advantages of softboards for beginners
- High Stability: Foam boards are known for their high stability, making them a great choice for beginners looking to learn to surf with confidence.
- Error tolerance: Beginners can make technical mistakes without worrying as much about the consequences, as foam boards absorb impacts more easily than composite boards.
- More Safety: Due to their soft design and ability to absorb shock, foam boards reduce the risk of injury, making them an ideal choice for learning.
Disadvantages of foam boards / softboards 🛑:
- Limited in performance: Foam boards have limited performance compared to composite boards. They are not designed for radical maneuvers or deeper waves.
- Relative durability: Although more durable than resin boards, foam boards can wear out more quickly with heavy use and
- Limitations of progression: Once the surfer has acquired advanced skills, he may feel that foam boards no longer meet his performance needs.
Resin Surfboards Pros and Cons
Advantages of composite boards ✅:
- Advanced Performance: Composite boards offer better responsiveness and dynamics in the water, making them ideal for experienced surfers who want to push their limits.
- Technical maneuvers and precision: Thanks to their thinner design and ability to generate speed, composite boards allow surfers to perform more technical maneuvers and tighter turns.
- Increased Durability: Composite materials, such as fiberglass and epoxy resin, give these boards better durability compared to foam boards.
Disadvantages of composite boards:
- More difficult to learn: Due to their higher performance, composite boards can be more difficult for beginners to master, which can lead to frustration.
- Less tolerance for errors: Technical errors can have more pronounced consequences on composite boards, which can make learning more abrupt.
- Less suitable for beginners: Due to their thinner design and increased performance, composite boards may not be the best option for beginner surfers looking for a more stable and secure experience.
In summary, if you are a beginner, choose a foam board. It will allow you to progress safely and confidently.
If you are an advanced surfer, choose a composite board if you are looking for extreme performance.
Step 3: Size and volume of the board: the essential criteria.
The length of your board will largely determine how easy it is to paddle , how stable you are on the water, and how well you can catch waves . The larger and more voluminous a board is, the more stable it is and the easier it is to use.
In the world of surfing, the length of boards is expressed in feet and not in cm. If you are lost with the dimensions, you can consult our table with surfboard sizes and find our equivalent board models.
Consider your weight and height
Your weight and height are important factors to consider when choosing the size and volume of the board. If you are heavier and taller, you will need a board with more volume to support you in the water. A wider and thicker board will give you the buoyancy needed to allow you to catch waves more easily.
On the other hand, if you are lighter and smaller, you can opt for a board with a little less volume, which will give you better maneuverability and a more dynamic surfing experience.
Be careful not to take too small when you start: you can choose a board of 7' minimum. The most common sizes are 7'0, 7'6 and 8'0.
A tip for choosing the right volume for a beginner:
It is best to start with a board whose volume corresponds to the surfer's weight. For example, an 80 kg surfer can choose a 75L board.
For the heavier ones we have developed a range of specific surfboards: the Burger and Big Burger .
These foam boards allow those over 100 kilos to surf with suitable equipment.
Also consider local wave types
Local surf conditions can also play a role in deciding what size board to get your first board. Depending on the type of waves at your surf spot , you can choose a board with more or less volume.
- If the waves are very hollow and powerful, then in this case you can take a board with a little less volume.
- Conversely, if you are on soft waves, it will be better to have more volume to get the most out of these conditions.
- If you have hollow waves, you can then take a board with a little less volume, provided you have perfectly mastered the take off.
Please note: the surfer's height and weight should always be considered first before making adjustments to the surf spot.
On our online store, you will find information such as the type of waves and the recommended size for all our boards. You can also take our quiz in less than 5 minutes to help you choose your first surfboard.
The last step: what type of shape to choose?
The shape of the board is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a board. The shape will largely determine how easy it is to learn to surf, how stable you are on the water, and how well you progress as a beginner surfer.
What is the shape of a surfboard?
The shape of a surfboard refers to the overall shape and design of the board. It is one of the most fundamental aspects that determines the performance, behavior and characteristics of the board in the water.
Here are some tips and the most popular types of shapes among beginners.
Longboards: maximum stability for beginners
Longboards are a great option for beginner surfers. These boards are very stable, making them perfect for learning the basics of surfing. They offer good buoyancy to make paddling easier and catch waves more easily. Their shape makes them stable, making it easier to stand up and gain confidence in the water.
Our foam longboards at Zeus : Zeus Dolce 9'0 and Zeus Dolce 9'4
Find our complete guide to longboards
Funboards and mini Malibu: compromise between stability and maneuverability
Malibus minis are another great option for beginner surfers. They are larger than shortboards but shorter than longboards, offering a compromise between stability and maneuverability . These shapes are wider and thicker, making them stable and easy to paddle.
They allow you to progress in your technique while giving you the possibility of taking on hollower waves and trying out a few maneuvers .
Comparison table
| Board type | Typical length | Typical width | Typical thickness | Benefits | Disadvantages | Common Volume Slices | Sample Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longboard | 8'6 to 9'6 | 21 to 23'' | 2.5 to 3.5'' | - Very stable - Easy to maneuver - Ideal for beginners |
- Lack of speed - Limited in technical maneuvers |
65 L to 100 L | Zeus Sweet, Zeus Honey |
| Funboard/Mini-Malibu | 7' to 8' | 18.5 to 21'' | 2.25 to 3'' | - Good compromise between stability and handling - Allows maneuvers - To progress |
- Less stable than a longboard - Technical limits |
40 L to 65 L | Zeus Rosa, Gaia 7'6, Temper 8'0 |
| Shortboard | 5'6 to 7' | 18 to 19'' | 2 to 2.5'' | - Very handy - High performance - Ideal for experienced surfers |
- Less stable - Requires advanced skills |
25 L to 40 L | Progress 7'0, Progress 7'6, Progress 8'0, Zeus Bold, Zeus Angel Fish |
In conclusion: v Our First Board, A Crucial Choice!
In summary, to choose your ideal first surfboard and succeed in your debut in the waves, remember these key steps:
- Assess your level (beginner, intermediate, expert) to target the type of board
- Opt for a foam board if you are a beginner, it is the safest choice
- Select the size (length, volume) according to your body shape and local wave conditions
- Choose a suitable shape (longboard, mini-malibu, funboard) prioritizing stability and maneuverability
“A board that is slightly too big will allow you to progress without frustration. Conversely, a model that is too small risks slowing down your learning.”
With these tips, you will simply find an easy and pleasant surfboard, for maximum pleasure from your first sessions. 🏄♂️
At Zeus, we are here to guide you in this great adventure. Our experts are always happy to share their tips and personalized advice. So don't hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you find the board of your dreams! 😊
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