Finding the perfect surfboard to help you progress quickly is no easy task for beginners. Between technical jargon, different shapes, sizes, and materials, the surfboard market can quickly become intimidating.
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The best boards for beginners
For beginners, a softboard is the ideal choice. Here's why:
- Safety : Fully covered with EVA foam, it significantly reduces the risk of injury
- Stability : Wider and thicker than a traditional board, providing more volume and buoyancy
- Accessibility : Easier to maneuver to catch your first waves
- Durability : Shock resistant (if good quality)
What size should you choose according to your profile?
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For an adult beginner surfer:
- Average Build : 7' to 8' board (210-240 cm)
- Person over 80 kg : 8' to 9' board (240-270 cm) with a volume of 65-75 liters
- Large size (100 kg+) : XXL model like the Zeus Burger
Recommended shapes for beginners
Beginners should focus on:
- Funboard : Versatile and stable
- Mini-malibu : Easy to maneuver while maintaining stability
- Longboard : Excellent buoyancy and maximum stability
Quality criteria to monitor
To ensure the durability of your foam board:
- Presence of fiberglass reinforcements
- Stringers (wooden or fiber slats) to stiffen the structure
- EPS core quality (density and assembly)
- Details like fin boxes and leash plug
Top 5 boards to get started quickly
- Zeus Progress (5'6 to 8'0 range) - Ideal for small budgets
- Zeus Burger - For adults weighing 100 kg and over
- Zeus Fuego 7'0 - All-purpose board for adults
- Zeus Rosa 7'6 - Bestseller evolutionary category
- Zeus Temper 8'0 - With its 72 liters of volume
Investing in a quality board (€300-500) is essential, because unlike traditional boards, softboards are difficult to repair.
Progress after the first waves
Once you have mastered the basics, you can progress to:
- Slightly shorter boards
- Models with less volume
- Shapes with a more pronounced rocker and a thinner tail
For intermediate surfers, models like the Dolce 7'0 or the Mamba 6'6 offer an excellent compromise between stability and maneuverability.
In short, to get started surfing, choose a quality foam board that's suited to your size and has enough volume to ensure stability and buoyancy. Choose wide, stable shapes like the Funboard or Mini Malibu to maximize your progress and enjoyment from your first sessions.
This article is part of our comprehensive guide to surfing for beginners. Discover our other resources to delve deeper into every aspect of your newfound passion.
