Best Longboard for Beginners Surf
For beginners venturing into surfing, longboards are often the best choice due to their stability, ease of use, and ability to catch waves effectively. This introduction explores the advantages of longboards and highlights key factors to consider when selecting one for your surfing journey.
Advantages of Longboards for Beginners
Longboards typically range from 8 to 12 feet in length, providing a larger surface area that enhances buoyancy and stability. These features are crucial for beginners who are still mastering balance and paddling techniques.
- Stability: The extended length and width of longboards make them more stable than shorter boards, allowing novice surfers to stand up and maintain balance more easily.
- Ease of Catching Waves: Longboards have a higher buoyancy, which facilitates catching waves, especially smaller ones that may not be suitable for shortboards. This means beginners can spend more time riding waves rather than struggling to catch them.
- Forgiveness: The larger size of longboards provides a more forgiving platform, making it easier to recover from falls and maintain confidence while learning.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Longboard
When selecting a longboard, several factors should be taken into account:
- Size: A good rule of thumb is to choose a longboard that is about 3 feet taller than the surfer’s height. For example, a person who is 5’6″ should consider a board around 8’6″ to 9’0″.
- Material: Beginners often benefit from foam or soft-top longboards, which are safer and less likely to cause injury during falls. These boards are also more durable and easier to handle.
- Volume: Higher volume boards provide better floatation, making it easier to paddle and catch waves. This is particularly important for beginners who are still developing their paddling strength.
- Tail Design and Fin Setup: The tail shape and fin configuration can influence the board’s performance. A rounded tail and a single fin setup are generally more forgiving for beginners.
By understanding these advantages and considerations, beginners can make informed decisions when selecting their first longboard, setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable surfing experience.
1. FLOW Surf Skates Cruiser Skateboard with Carving Truck
- Brand: FLOW Surf Skates
- Color: Orange
- Age Range: Adult
- Deck Length: 29 Inches
- Deck Width: 9.75 Inches
- Item Weight: 3.2 Kilograms
- Material: Wood
- Load Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 66 Millimeters
- Wheel Material: Urethane
Ride the Waves on Concrete with FLOW Surf Skates
- Urban Surfing: Inspired by the ocean yet crafted for city streets, FLOW Surf Skates blend the thrill of surfing with the freedom of skating. Bring the essence of surfing to your urban environment with a board that’s perfect for both smooth sidewalks and bustling cityscapes.
- Concrete Surfing: Master your surf maneuvers even on flat days or simply enjoy a skate session around town. FLOW Surf Skates transform any paved surface into your personal wave, offering the ultimate ride for urban surfing enthusiasts.
- FLOW Tech: Our innovative surf skate truck mimics the sensation of riding a surfboard. Featuring an internal spring mechanism, it delivers sharp, fluid carving and effortless pumping. Plus, we stand by our tech with a lifetime guarantee on the spring—if it breaks, we’ll replace it!
- Customizable Ride: Tailor your ride to perfection with adjustable truck spring tension. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, you can fine-tune the tension to match your size and riding style, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride every time.
Transform your city streets into a surfing playground with FLOW Surf Skates, where the waves meet the pavement for an unparalleled skateboarding experience.
Pros:
- Surfing Simulation: Effectively replicates the surfing experience on flat ground.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly design with adjustable truck tension.
- Portability: Compact size allows for easy transport and storage.
- Stability: Wide deck provides a stable platform for beginners.
- Durability: Constructed with durable materials for long-lasting use.
Cons:
- Limited Performance: Might not be as responsive or maneuverable as high-end surfskates.
- Truck Flexibility: Adjustable truck tension might not offer the same level of customization as other brands.
- Wheel Size: Smaller wheels might limit speed and stability on rough terrain.
2. WAVESTORM 8ft Premium Classic Longboard Surfboard
- Size: 8 Feet x 22.5 Inches x 3.25 Inches
- Color: Blue Lime Turquoise
- Brand: WAVESTORM
- Material: Foam
- Product Dimensions: 96″ L x 22.5″ W
The WAVESTORM Foam Surfboard combines classic design with modern features to enhance your surfing experience. Featuring a robust EPS core and a three-stringer system, this board ensures durability and strength while maintaining a lightweight profile. The soft WBS-IXL (Water Barrier Skin) crosslink top deck and rails provide excellent grip and protection against the elements, while the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) slick bottom skin reduces drag for smoother rides. The exclusive new color graphic art deck adds a stylish touch, making it stand out on the waves.
With dimensions of 8 feet by 22.5 inches and a thickness of 3.25 inches, the board offers a stable platform suitable for surfers of all levels. Weighing just 11.5 pounds and boasting a volume of 86 liters, it combines buoyancy with ease of handling. Included with the board are multiple removable bolt-through fins, an ankle leash, and a traction pad, providing all the essentials for a secure and enjoyable surfing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your gear, the WAVESTORM Foam Surfboard is designed to deliver performance and style on every wave.
Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for learning to surf due to its stability and buoyancy.
- Durability: Foam construction is resistant to damage.
- Lightweight: Easy to transport and handle.
- Affordability: Generally more affordable than traditional fiberglass surfboards.
- Included Accessories: Comes with essential accessories like fins and leash.
Cons:
- Performance Limitations: May not be suitable for experienced surfers or large waves.
- Flex: Less flexible compared to fiberglass or epoxy surfboards.
- Durability Concerns: Foam construction might be less durable in high-impact conditions.
3. Catch Surf Odysea 8’0″ Log Surfboard
- Material: Composite, Polyethylene, Wood
- Board Style: Hybrid
- Length: 8’0″
- Fin Box Layout: Thruster/Tri
- Fin Compatibility: Catch Surf Hi-Perf
- Tail Style: Squash
- Bottom Shape: Flat
- Rail Type: Soft
The Catch Surf Odysea 8’0″ Log Surfboard is a perfect blend of classic design and modern performance, crafted to enhance your surfing experience. With a length of 8 feet, this board provides exceptional stability and buoyancy, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned surfers looking for a reliable ride. The hybrid construction combines composite materials, polyethylene, and wood, ensuring durability while keeping the board lightweight and responsive.
The Odysea features a thruster/tri fin box layout, compatible with Catch Surf Hi-Perf fins, which offers excellent control and versatility in various wave conditions. Its squash tail and flat bottom shape deliver smooth turns and speed, while the soft rail type provides a forgiving edge for a more comfortable ride. Whether you’re catching your first waves or carving up the surf, the Catch Surf Odysea 8’0″ Log Surfboard delivers a stylish and high-performance option for every session.
This hybrid surfboard expertly combines composite materials, polyethylene, and wood to create a versatile and durable ride. Measuring 8 feet in length, it is designed to balance stability with maneuverability, making it suitable for a wide range of surfing styles. The board features a thruster/tri fin box layout, compatible with Catch Surf Hi-Perf fins, which provides excellent control and responsiveness in various wave conditions.
With a squash tail and a flat bottom shape, the board offers a blend of speed and smooth turns, while the soft rail type ensures a forgiving edge for easier rides. Ideal for surfers seeking a board that performs well in multiple scenarios, this hybrid surfboard delivers both performance and comfort, allowing you to tackle the waves with confidence and style.
Pros:
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of wave conditions and surfer abilities.
- Performance: Offers a good balance of speed, maneuverability, and stability.
- Durability: Composite materials provide strength and resilience.
- Floatation: Adequate volume for easy paddling and wave catching.
- Customization: Thruster fin setup allows for adjustments to suit different conditions.
Cons:
- Weight: Might be heavier than some performance shortboards.
- Maneuverability: Might not be as responsive as shorter, more specialized boards in high-performance conditions.
- Price: Can be more expensive than entry-level foam boards.
4. Wave Bandit Easy Rider 8’0, Green
- Size: 8’0″
- Color: Green
- Brand: Wave Bandit
- Item Weight: 7 Pounds
- Material: Foam
Wave Bandit and Catch Surf are essentially two sides of the same coin, with Wave Bandit serving as the more budget-friendly option under the Catch Surf umbrella. While Catch Surf is a brand known for its high-quality surfboards, Wave Bandit offers a similar experience at a more affordable price point. The main differences lie in the construction details: Wave Bandit boards feature two wooden stringers compared to Catch Surf’s three, and they use screw-through fins rather than fin boxes. Despite these differences, the board dimensions are largely similar, and both brands share a strong following, with Wave Bandit even gaining recognition from surf vlogger Ben Gravy.
As a beginner surfer, the choice between these two brands often comes down to personal preference and budget. Performance-wise, you likely won’t notice the difference between the three wooden stringers and two, or between fin boxes and screw-through fins, especially on a foam board. While the additional stringer on a Catch Surf board might offer slightly better durability, the Wave Bandit is still a solid choice, providing excellent value for its price. If you’re looking to save $50, the Wave Bandit is a great option. However, if you prefer a board with a slightly higher construction quality and a more recognizable brand, then Catch Surf might be worth the extra investment.
Pros:
- Affordability: Offers a budget-friendly option for learning to surf.
- Durability: Foam construction provides resistance to damage.
- Stability: Wider design enhances stability for beginners.
- Versatility: Suitable for a range of wave conditions and surfer abilities.
- Included Accessories: Comes with essential accessories like fins and leash.
Cons:
- Performance Limitations: Might not be as responsive or high-performing as fiberglass or epoxy boards.
- Durability Concerns: Foam construction might not withstand intense use or high-impact conditions.
- Flex: Limited flex compared to more advanced board designs.
5. Boardworks Froth – Soft Top Surfboard
- Size: 8′
- Color: Papaya
- Brand: Boardworks
- Material: Foam
- Product Dimensions: 96″ L x 23″ W
Created for fun and versatility, the Froth Foam Surfboard in striking papaya is designed to cater to surfers of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned rippers and even wake surfers. Its generous volume ensures a stable and buoyant ride, making it an excellent choice for those just starting out or looking to enjoy a relaxed session on the water.
The board features a lightweight yet durable construction, thanks to its soft EVA outer skin that wraps around a fully glassed EPS foam core. This design makes the board super user-friendly and enjoyable for all skill levels. Recognized by the Wall Street Journal’s Gear & Gadgets column as “game-changing gear,” the Froth surfboard combines innovative design with high performance. Whether you’re carving through waves or catching your first ride, this board delivers the quality and versatility you need to make the most of your time in the surf.
The Boardworks Foam Surfboard in vibrant papaya is a standout choice for surfers of all levels. Measuring 8 feet in length and 23 inches in width, this board offers ample stability and buoyancy, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced surfers. Crafted from durable foam, it combines lightweight construction with excellent floatation for a smooth and enjoyable ride on the waves.
With its eye-catching color and generous dimensions, the Boardworks foam surfboard provides both style and performance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a reliable board for your next surf session, this board delivers the quality and ease of use you need to enhance your surfing experience.
Pros:
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of surfers, from beginners to intermediates.
- Stability: Generous volume and width provide excellent stability.
- Durability: Foam construction offers resistance to damage.
- Lightweight: Easy to handle and transport.
- Buoyancy: Provides ample floatation for easy wave catching.
Cons:
- Performance Limitations: Might not be as responsive or high-performing as fiberglass or epoxy boards in larger waves or for experienced surfers.
- Flex: Limited flex compared to more advanced board designs.
- Durability Concerns: Foam construction might not withstand intense use or high-impact conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right longboard is a crucial step for beginners looking to embark on their surfing journey. Longboards offer unparalleled stability, buoyancy, and ease of use, making them an ideal choice for those new to the sport. By opting for a board that is appropriately sized, made from beginner-friendly materials, and designed with the right volume and tail configuration, novice surfers can enhance their learning experience and build confidence in the water.As you explore the waves, remember that practice and patience are key. With the right longboard in hand, you’ll find yourself catching waves and enjoying the thrill of surfing in no time. Embrace the adventure, and let your longboard be your gateway to the exhilarating world of surfing!
