Checklist: How to choose your first surfboard
Buying your first board can be a real obstacle course. Too many choices, too many conflicting opinions, and the fear of spending 400€ on a board that will end up in the garage.
Here's exactly what you need to know to make the right choice the first time.
1. Evaluate your surfing level
- Beginner: You're just starting out or you've surfed less than 10 times. The take-off is not yet automatic.
- Intermediate: You know how to take moss and green waves. You're starting to do bottom turns.
- Confirmed: You've mastered the basic maneuvers and are surfing different types of waves.
Zeus tip: If this is your first board, focus on stability and safety. Forget shortboards for now.
Take the quiz to see how good you are
2. Choose the right material
Foam board (soft top)
- Maximum safety: absorbed shocks, zero trauma
- Easier take-off: more volume = more lift
- Unbeatable durability: no dings, shock-resistant
- Confidence in the line-up: no stress with other surfers
- More waves caught = faster progression
Resin/epoxy board
- More responsive
- More fragile (frequent dings, repairs)
- Less error-tolerant
- Reserved for surfers with a good foundation
Zeus tip: For beginners, foam is the essential choice. 95% of our beginner customers leave with a soft top and progress twice as fast.
3. Understand volume (the factor that changes everything)
Volume (in liters) determines the buoyancy of your board. It's pure physics, not marketing.
How it works:
- More liters = more buoyancy = more stable = easier to row and stand up.
- Too little volume = you sink = exhaustion = zero waves
- Right volume = comfort + confidence + rapid progress
Volume guide according to your weight (beginner)
| Your weight | Recommended volume | Zeus models |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50kg | 45-55L | Progress 6'6 |
| 50-65kg | 55-65L | Progress 7'0, Fuego 7'0 |
| 65-80 kg | 65-80L | Progress 7'6, Rosa 7'6, Temper 8'0 |
| 80-95 kg | 80-100L | Progress 8'0, Temper 8'0 |
| 95-120 kg | 100L+ | Progress 8'0, Burger |
| Over 120 kg | 125L+ | Big Burger 8'0 (125L), Big Burger 9'0 (138L) |
Zeus golden rule: When in doubt, take 10L more. If your board is too big, you'll surf anyway. A board too small will gather dust.
Minimum length: At least 7'0 feet to start with. The longer the board, the more stable it is for learning to take off and read waves.
4. Select the right shape
Longboard (9'0 and +)
- Maximum stability
- Ideal for learning the basics and positioning
- Perfect for small, soft waves
Funboard/Mini-Malibu (7'0 to 8'6)
- Perfect balance between stability and maneuverability
- Enables rapid progress
- Versatile for different conditions
Shortboard (6'6 and under)
- For experienced surfers only
- Too technical for beginners
- You'll spend your time paddling without catching waves
Zeus tip: A foam funboard or mini-malibu is the winning combo for your first sessions.
5. Avoid the 3 fatal mistakes
Mistake 1: Kelly Slater syndrome
"I want a 6'0 shortboard like the pros."
Result: 0 waves caught, total frustration, board sold after 2 sessions. The pros have been surfing since childhood. You're just starting out. Accept it and choose the right board.
Mistake 2: Questionable second-hand boards on Marketplace
"I found a board for 80€, is that okay?"
Result: waterlogged board, heavy as lead, impossible to surf. You save 200€ but lose 6 months of progress. Bad calculation.
Mistake 3: Ignoring weight and volume
"I'm 90 kg but I'll take a 7'0 with too little volume because it's stylish."
Result: The board sinks beneath you. You row three times harder than the others for nothing. After three sessions, you give up out of exhaustion.
Zeus tip: Take your time and choose according to your real profile. Your first board determines whether you'll love surfing or give up.
6. Our Zeus recommendations
For children (up to 12 years) :
For teens and older children:
For adult beginners:
Funboards/Mini-Malibus (versatile) :
- Fuego 7'0
- Rosa 7'6
- Temper 8'0
- Progress 7'0, 7'6, 8'0 (also suitable for adults)
Longboards (max stability, all levels) :
For taller riders (95kg+) :
- Progress 8'0
- Burger ( from 7'0 to 8'6)
- Big Burger 8'0 (125 L) for 110kg+.
- Big Burger 9'0 (138L) for 130kg+
Zeus tip: Not sure what to choose? Take our online quiz to find your perfect board in under 5 minutes.
7. Keep your first board (pro tip)
Even when you progress to a second board, keep your first Zeus.
What's the point?
- On days when you have a big session or complicated conditions, you'll be glad to have an easy, reassuring board again.
- Hangover? Fatigue? Your first board will be your ally
- Even the most experienced surfers keep a bulky board for the toughest days.
- A well-maintained Zeus board lasts a minimum of 5 to 10 years.
- You can lend it to beginner buddies later on
Zeus tip: Your first board is like your first love. It's a keeper.
8. How do you know if you've made the right choice?
After your first 3 sessions, you should notice :
- Good sign 1: You're able to stand up on 6-8 waves out of 10 attempts (not necessarily long waves, but at least you're able to stand up).
- Good sign 2: You come out of the water smiling, not exhausted and frustrated.
- Good sign 3: You want to get back in the water quickly
Bad sign:
- You spend all your time underwater, rowing in a vacuum.
- The board feels unstable, even on small foams
- You get frustrated after every session
If you have the wrong signs, your board is probably unsuitable (too short, not enough volume). Contact us, we'll help you find the right one.
6-point checklist for your first board
- Are you a beginner? Foam board, minimum length 7'0, volume adapted to your weight
- Shape? Longboard or mini-malibu for stability and rapid progression
- Volume? If in doubt, take an extra 10L. See the weight/volume chart above
- What to avoid? Shortboards, boards that are too small, second-hand boards, resin boards for beginners
- After purchase? Keep your first board, even as you progress
- Validation? 3 sessions to know if it's the right board
Ready to surf your first real waves?
With these tips, you'll have everything you need to choose the right board. No more excuses: head for the water. o you still have doubts about the exact model? The Zeus team is here to guide you. We'll get back to you in less than 24 hours.
Need some personal advice? Write to us on the chat
