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How much should I spend on my first surfboard?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 16, 2026

An 8ft foamie should do most adults just fine, 9ft if you're rather large, 7ft for small women and 6ft for kids. Foamies are now a part of a lot of pro surfers quivers due to the mega fun times they offer and the PR from brands such as catch surf.

How much should you spend on a surfboard?

You should budget between $380 and $1000 USD for your surfboard. Since you are a beginner, there is no need to start with premium surfboards. You need to gain more experience first. At the end of the day, you may find out that surfing isn't your thing when you first try the sport.

How much is a beginner surfboard?

A beginner's surfboard may cost you between $380 and $1,030 or more. There's no need to purchase a professional or brand name surfboard at the beginning of your journey. You will only wear it out as you gain experience. You may even find that surfing isn't for you, so don't waste your money in the beginning.

What surfboard should a beginner get?

A minimal surfboard is what we recommend for most beginner surfers. It is the mid-range of surfboards lengthwise varying from about 7-8ft and about 2 5/8″ – 3” thick. The width of a minimal can vary to cater for the rider but typically they are about 20 1/2″-22 1/2” wide.

Is a 7ft surfboard good for beginners?

For kids under 12, something around the 7ft mark is ideal. If they're on the taller side, something around 6'6” or 6'2” in a fish surfboard. These are perfect for aiding progression in the early stages of learning. Choosing the right surfboard that has enough buoyancy or “float” helps in aiding paddling.

24 related questions found

How long should a beginner surfboard be?

If someone in a shop describes a board as 7'0" (sounds like "seven oh"), they simply mean the board is seven feet long. A good rule of thumb is to opt for a 7'0" beginner's board if you weigh under 70 kilograms, a 7'6" if you weigh 70-90kg, and an 8'0" if you weigh over 90kg, says Harry Mann.

Is a 6 foot surfboard good for beginners?

What size is a beginner surfboard? A good rule of thumb for beginner surfboards is to start with a longboard that is about 3 feet longer than your height. So if you're 5'6” to 6'0” tall, an 8'6” to 9'0” longboard would be pretty ideal.

Is surfing hard?

Before you start surfing, you must know this: surfing is one of the most difficult and complex sports in the world. Think about it. Not one wave is the same, so your playground is constantly changing. Elements such as wind, tides and swells are affecting the waves you surf differently every single day.

How long does it take to learn to surf?

Learning to surf requires between two hours and one month of practice. If you're struggling for more than two months to ride a wave, then there's something wrong with you. The first thing you'll need to master is lying and balancing on a surfboard - that could take you between half-an-hour and two or three hours.

Are Soft boards good for beginners?

As far as pros and cons, soft surfboards are generally much safer for the beginner surfer. With rounded, soft rails and more forgiving fins, it's harder for somebody that's just learning to surf to hurt themselves if they're riding a soft board. The boards are also extremely durable.

Is surfing a good hobby?

Surfing has many advantages. It keeps you fit and in shape, increases your balance and, when carried out in a tropic climate like ours in Phuket, it also gives you a nice tan, as a positive side effect.

Are catch surf boards good for beginners?

Fun board for everyone including beginner and intermediate/advanced surfers. Good for kids (smaller models) and very easy to surf and paddle. High quality and durable, makes small days super fun and increases your wave count. Will muscle through chop and bumps and catch basically anything.

Why are surfboards so expensive?

Surfboards are expensive because they are highly labour intensive items to make. 2. Quality shapers are few and far between. For a brand to charge a premium, they need experienced craftsmen.

What is the most expensive surfboard?

A designer has created the world's most expensive surfboard — costing wave-catchers a cool $1.3 million. The beautiful board, named 'The Rampant,' was created by New Zealand-based surfboard-shaper Roy Stuart.

How much do surfers make?

In 2021, the base salaries of the top pro surfers range from $200,000 per year to over $2 million, based solely on surf sponsorships. Most professional surfers earn in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

Is it too late to learn surfing?

Just like there is no age limit for surfing, there is no age limit for learning how to surf. It's never too late to start! Regardless of your age, learning how to surf can be achieved with enough time and determination.

Can you learn surfing at 50?

At our surf and yoga retreats, we teach all different types of students–from varied backgrounds, athletic abilities, ages, and temperaments–how to experience the freedom and joy of riding the waves.

How often should I surf?

Re: How often do you surf? At least two days a week, up to five days a week depending on what the waves are doing.

Do you need to be a good swimmer to surf?

So, do you have to be a good swimmer to surf? No, you don't have to be a good swimmer but it certainly helps. Since your board will float you, you really need to know how to paddle and control your surfboard.

Can a non swimmer surf?

So, the answer to the question "Is it possible to surf if you don't know how to swim" is yes, you need to learn to swim beforehand. Even if, technically, you can do it in a controlled, shallow water environment. In a way, it is like learning to walk before starting to run - one thing naturally precedes another.

What should you not do while surfing?

Try not to get in the surfer's line on the shoulder.

As you paddle back, you might find yourself in front of a surfer riding a wave towards you. You must try to avoid getting in his way, by either paddling for the whitewater, or further out on the shoulder if that is possible.

Is there a weight limit for surfing?

There are no official weight restrictions or weight limits in the sport of surfing. Surfboards are designed to provide float for surfers to successfully ride waves. For heavier surfers, it's as simple as riding a bigger surfboard.

Is an 8ft surfboard good for beginners?

In order to paddle with any sort of vigor and mobility, you will need a long, wide board. A surfboard in the 8-to-9-foot range is typically 22-24 inches in width, which is the perfect general size for beginners, and the kind of board you'll find on this list (for the most part).