Beginners Surf Equipment
38 commentsThe best thing to do if you are an absolute beginner is borrow your gear if you have surfing mates or hire some gear. If you are a newcomer to surfing, you want to forget about getting a nice little smart-looking board, an expensive wetsuit, and all the accessories. There are two good reasons why. The first reason is that you might not like surfing, and a new board and wetsuit are not cheap. The second reason is that the best board for a beginner is not small and sleek.
Big Surfboards Rule
When it comes to beginner boards, bigger is better—as big as you can carry. Understand? You should be aiming for at least an 8' board but preferably one over 9'6''. If you can get a foamy, then that's even better. (Check out our surfing terms if you don't understand some terms being used throughout Surfing Waves), A big foam board (see soft top surfboards) will ensure that you catch the waves easily and that you don't get hurt as you spend your days falling off and onto your board. Size does matter!
We go into a little more information on our surfboard for beginners page. If you are looking to buy a surfboard, then have a read of the surfboard buying guide and second hand surfboard guide.
Good Wetsuits Rule
If you are keen, and surfing is definitely something that you're going to delve deeply into, then pick one using the wetsuit guide, making sure it's within your budget. Have a chat with local surfers to find out just what sort of suit you'll need. If you're lucky, you'll not even have to get one, and instead you can buy yourself 20 pairs of boardshorts. But if you'll be surfing in cold water, you'll want to make your surf as comfortable as possible; a good wetsuit will ensure that you can stay in the water as long as the waves are good. Check out our guide to buying a wetsuit.
Other Equipment
So you have your board and wetsuit (if you need one), but what other equipment do you need? Well, the only other thing you really need is a surfboard leash, and if you don't know what one is, it's explained in full details here. (Here's how to choose the right surfboard leash). Oh, and you'll need some surf wax (unless your surfboard already has a surfboard traction pad).
Any other surfing equipment is almost optional and not essential. Take a look around our surf shop to view the items that are available. The good thing about surfing is that once you have the initial equipment, the rest is free - no green fees, court hire, or extra cost. (Ok, maybe you'll need petrol to the beach!)
I love surfing. Love,Lani
this is very good!
Shud I get a traction pad or a wax for my fishboard?
I prefer a traction pad for the back foot, but many prefer wax. It's really up to you.
If you are a beginner, perhaps think about a more suitable board than a fish.
my 25 year old son wants to have a go at wind surfing i know were to get lessen from ,but we dont drive and he wants to know if there are any trailer like you can use in canoeing
never stop surfing
Thanks this has realy helped me i real want to learn to surf no pro but good to impress thanks
this is awesome
im a begginer and my board is 7.2 i had no probs
I'm a snowboarder, but now that I will no longer be in the north where I can snowboard, and I live 5 minutes from the ocean, I'm picking up surfing :)
i love surfing!
i already have decent balance, i skateboard and wakeboard pretty well and i'd love to start surfing. would i still need to start out riding a 9ft board?
i have a question sort of like the last comment. I do surf but i feel like my board is too big, i got a mini-longboard about 7.5 feet, and i can get up etc, its just i feel like i dont have any controll when i'm up. I skate, skimboard, and snowboard, but for some reason surfing is so hard to me, ( I am on the east coast in southern NC) But i'm looking at getting a new board and want to get a short board, any suggestions?
wow im not a biginer
This is a great sight. I am 54 years old and just beggining to surf. Wish me luck. Rhonda
I thik i should start on ashort board.
I want to learn how to surf. In eighth grade they offer it instead of regular P.E. I want to try it out. This website really helps, thanks!
How do you know how thick ure wetsuit has to be?
It doesn't really matter how thick it needs to be, but if you are surfing in the winter you are going to need a thick wetsuit and in the summer a thinner one, it depends on whether you get cold quickly and how seriously you want to take it.~in reponse to hanna
I have never surfed before so what do I need surf wax or traction pad which is better
And I'm only 12
this is a pretty strange website but i like it, it really helps!!!! Hey surfer girl im only 12 too but sorry i like traction ads but alot of people like wax so i geuss its reallyjust up to you but dont be scared i know you said you where only a beginer but surfing is really fun and i really hope you enjoy it i love it and if want to know of a surfing miracle and an amazing story about god, surfing and persurvirence looke up bethany hamilton or watch the movie soul surfer its what made me want to become a surfer and i really like it!
busted!!!
I can not wait until my first surf session in a few days!
Longboards are easy to nose dive on.
i love surfing! :-) <3333 xx
Yours sincerely,
Bethany Hamilton
were are good places to surf?
awesome!!!!!!!!!;]
I lv surfing since i was a little boy
Where are the best waves at in California i live in Huntington Beach and i dont go to the beach much
i know a great surfer @Bali. An Aussie guy who taught me how to Surf! i highly recommend him :)
Thank your all!
I am a beginner. Wish me luck!
This is the best info I have read , I only just started a couple of days ago, and by far the most help full .
Love surfing and never give up
Hi there!
Thanks for the article!
Need your advise!
I am beginner - I'll have plenty of days to surf - Perth, Australia - I planned to attend some school to learn to serf using foam board.
And I wanted to buy one (not foam) for myself:
I am 1.83 meters / 6 feet tall and my weight is 85 kg / 187 pounds.
I was thinking about these:
1. Would these fit me?
2. Do you know about the quality of these?
3. Would you suggest these?
4. What does "soft" mean? Is it "foam"?
Thanks a lot in advance!
I love surfing ..thanks for information..
Hey guys and girls i hav learnt to surf on a six foot soft top really helpful!!!!
i vvvvvvvvvvvvv like surfing!!!!
i am from Hb!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi I'm Jill and I am from the northern part of the US and I am not around any oceans and I am 13 years old and my passion is to learn how to surf and become a pro surfer as I grow up and get older. I love surfing I watched soul surfer the movie and its based on a true story and it inspires me so much!!!! I would love to learn how to surf!
Surfing is cool but I am never going to do it.