Surfboard Buying Guide 2025

Embarking on your surfing journey is an exhilarating time, and having the right surfboard can make all the difference. Beginners, in particular, progress much faster when using boards designed specifically for learning. However, with so many options available, choosing the perfect board can feel daunting.

This guide will introduce the best surfboards for beginners, highlighting why they are well-suited for newcomers, as well as offer recommendations for those with more experience looking to upgrade, making sure you find a board that matches your skill level and ambitions.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Surfboard

Here are some important factors to keep in mind when making you’re buying a surfboard:

• Size: Larger boards offer increased stability and are generally easier to balance on, making them ideal for beginners who are still mastering the basics.

• Volume: Boards with higher volume are more buoyant, which helps you stay afloat and catch waves with ease. A higher volume board also comes with extra forgiveness by giving you more time to react.

• Materials: Options like soft-top boards or epoxy boards are known for their resilience against wear and tear, making them perfect for those who are just starting out and may inadvertently bump, drag, or knock their board.

• Shape: Wide, longer boards offer superior stability, making them easier to balance on. Boards with rounded noses help with paddling and catching waves, allowing you to get into position more easily.

• Progression: If you're planning on surfing regularly, choose a board that is versatile enough to grow with you.

What are the different types of surfboards?

Foam board

Foam boards, often favoured by surf schools, are the go-to choice for beginners. Designed for durability, they can withstand heavy use while offering a safer, softer surface to fall on. 

Their high buoyancy makes it easier to paddle, balance, and catch smaller waves. Additionally, they provide an affordable entry point into surfing, allowing newcomers to develop their skills before committing to a more specialised board.

Mini mal

The mini mal is a fantastic choice for beginners eager to advance their skills. With its generous volume, this board offers excellent paddling power, making it easier to catch waves and maintain stability. 

While shorter than a traditional longboard, it still provides a forgiving ride, helping new surfers gain confidence. Its more compact size also improves manoeuvrability, allowing for smoother turns and better control.

Longboard

Longboards embody the classic, laid-back style of surfing and are an excellent choice for beginners. Thanks to their length, volume, and impressive glide, they offer exceptional stability and make standing up far easier. 

These boards are designed for smooth, flowing rides rather than quick turns, allowing surfers to cruise on smaller waves. While ideal for those just starting out, longboards are also favoured by experienced surfers looking to enjoy more mellow riding conditions.

Funboard

Funboards strike a balance between manoeuvrability and stability, making them a great choice for a wide range of surfers. Slightly shorter than a longboard, they provide enough buoyancy to catch waves easily while allowing for more responsive turns. 

Their versatility makes them perfect for beginners looking to challenge themselves in varied conditions and for more experienced surfers who want a reliable, all-purpose board which performs well on different wave types.

Fish

Fish surfboards mark the transition to shorter, more responsive boards, offering increased manoeuvrability and a lively feel on waves. Their wide, full shape provides ample volume, enabling fast paddling and easy wave-catching. 

Once up and riding, fish boards generate impressive speed, making them a favourite for surfers who enjoy a flowing style. Although, with their added responsiveness comes reduced stability, so they’re best suited to those ready to refine their balance and control.

Shortboard

Shortboards are designed for surfers looking to push their skills to the next level. With their compact shape and lower buoyancy, they offer substantial manoeuvrability, allowing for sharp turns and dynamic movements on waves. 

That said, their reduced surface area makes them more challenging to ride, requiring greater skill and balance. Geared towards steeper, more powerful waves, shortboards are ideal for knowledgable surfers ready to take on more technical conditions.

Gun

When towering waves are charging towards you, there’s only one type of surfboard built for the job - the gun.

Designed for tackling the most powerful surf, its long, narrow shape allows for maximum control and speed, helping you drop into and outrun the biggest waves in the ocean. Built for experienced surfers, a gun is the ultimate board for those willing to take on a challenge.

 

What surfboard accessories do I need?

Having the right accessories can improve both your performance and safety while surfing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Surfboard fins: Most surfboards come with removable fins, and there are several fin setups to choose from. A single fin requires you to use your rails for turns. Twin fins loosen up the board. The thruster (three-fin) setup offers a balance of speed, stability, and control. Quad fins generate excellent speed and hold, while also allowing for a clean release during turns.

• Surfboard leashes: A leash is essential for safety, keeping your board close and preventing it from drifting into others after a wipeout. As a general rule, choose a leash length that matches your board.

• Surfboard wax: Wax is applied to the deck of the surfboard to provide grip, preventing you from slipping while paddling or riding waves. The type of wax you need depends on water temperature.

• Surfboard tailpads: While wax offers grip, some surfers prefer the added security of a tailpad (traction pad). Tailpads give rear foot control, making it easier to generate powerful turns and land aerial manoeuvres.

How to care for your surfboard

Taking proper care of your surfboard not only guarantees it performs at its best, but also helps extend its lifespan. Here’s how to keep it in top condition:

• Store it properly: Direct sunlight can damage the outer layer of the board, weakening it and causing cracks which lead to deterioration. Always store your surfboard in a cool, shaded area.

• Rinse after each session: Saltwater can cause significant wear over time, so always rinse your board with fresh water after each session.

• Avoid riding into the sand: When you hop off in deeper water, it prevents unnecessary pressure on the fins, reducing the risk of damaging or dislodging them.

• Repair damage promptly: Ignoring cracks or dents can lead to more serious damage down the line. If your board gets damaged, repair it as soon as possible.

• Use a surfboard bag: When transporting your surfboard, always use a surfboard bag. It helps protect your board from dings, scratches, and impacts, keeping it safe while you're on the move or storing it.

We hope that this guide has helped you narrow down your surfboard options and given you some practical purchasing tips, whether you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer. 

At Longsands, we provide a wide selection of surfing apparel and gear. Our range includes everything from joggers, trousers, and shorts to t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, beanies, caps, vests, backpacks, and jackets, along with a variety of essential accessories. Enhance your surfing experience today, and best of luck!