So you’ve been getting into surfing, enjoying the escapism, the salt on your lips and the sun on your skin. But when it comes to learning to surf there are several decisions to make, from choosing the right location to figuring out what difference the surfboard shape makes. And you may be about to encounter one of the biggest decisions of all - which type of board to buy first?
This blog includes:
There are two types of surfboard you will encounter early in your surfing progression: The soft top and the hard board. (If you've been learning on a soft-top/foamie for a while now and think you want to try a hard board, skip to this section which guides you on when to try a hard board). .
Beginner Surfboards - which one should you get?
Chances are, if you’ve just started on your surfing journey, you've been learning on a soft-top board. These boards are made from a foam core with a squishy, user-friendly outer layer, making them forgiving and reducing the risk of injury to you and the people around you! They're ideal for learners, often coming in wide shapes providing a stable platform for introducing you to the basics of paddling, catching waves, and standing up.
Things you need to know when choosing a surfboard
Volume
The bigger it is, the easier it is to catch low powered waves, but the harder it is to turn. This is pretty much related to the surface area at the bottom which is in contact with the water. The more of that you have, the more area the wave will have to push you forward with. You will have to balance this with your size however, as you still need to be able to manage the board in the surf, and carry the board too or from the beach.
Price
Unfortunately there is no cheat here, the cheaper it is the less likely it will last so long. However, even the cheapest will last you through at least a couple of seasons of weekly use by which time it is likely you will be looking to try out a different board.
Width
The wider it is, the more stable you will be, but the harder it will be to turn. If you haven't been too comfortable when standing up, or if you are taking a while to stand up, a wider board will give you the time and stability you'll need to get to your feet. Alternatively if you have mastered your pop up early doors then a thinner board will allow you to start practicing your turning more.
Remember, if you are having fun you are more likely to practice more and improve faster. This is why we think it is very important to pick a board which matches your size and surfing ability as a board that is too small or too difficult is no fun at all!
Best Soft Top Surfboards You Should Buy:
Sustainable soft-top Options:
- try Spooked Kooks, all their plastic components are made from recycled waste. Unfortunately they are only shipping in Aus at the time of writing this. fingers crossed they expand! - https://spookedkooks.com/
- Second hand, this is actually a great option for surfboards as fast progressors won't use their soft tops much or for long, and there are lots of barely used options available. Try secondhandboards.com
For durability we would recommend a Softech board. These are made to take a beating with lots of surf schools opting for them up and down the country - Softech Softboards Europe
There are, of course, lots of low cost options. There isn't a whole lot between them but without going into too much detail Osprey and decathlon have the two most popular options at the lower end of the market: Shop Surf, Skate & Watersports online at Osprey Action Sports UK
When to try a hard top surfboard
If soft tops are so great, why move on? Great question, although they are beneficial in that they provide stability, they may inhibit you from being able to conduct turns and develop. The soft outer skin will reduce the responsiveness of the board (imagine skateboarding with a cushion on top) and the large width and mellow rails will mean any turn you do achieve will be wide and slow. There are also a number of situations where a stiffer board is more beneficial and desirable.
We have narrowed your decision down to three factors:
We want to make it clear there's no hard and fast rule about when it's time to try a hard board. It does, of course, depend on a number of factors including your skill level, the conditions you're surfing in, and your personal preferences.
Here are a few key things to consider:
__________________________________________________________________________________
1. Your skill level
Most people learn to surf on a soft-top board, and for good reason since they are safer and more stable – but as you are progressing, you may find that the limitations of the soft-top board are holding you back.
If you've been surfing for a while and are comfortable catching waves on a regular basis, can stand up under control, and have begun turning the board on a wave face it might be time to start thinking about transitioning to a hard board. Hard boards are more responsive and give you greater control, which can be beneficial as you start exploring more advanced manoeuvres.
Skill Level Summary: Can you pop up on most waves you catch? Do you catch most waves you go for?
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. The conditions you're surfing in
The type of waves at your local break or where you regularly surf should also play a role in whether it's time to make the switch. Soft-top boards are great for catching small waves and learning the basics, but they fall short in bigger, more challenging conditions due to the reduced manoeuvrability. If you're regularly surfing larger, more powerful waves, a hard board is probably a better option. They offer more control and can help you ride bigger waves more successfully.
Conditions Summary: Are the waves you want to ride unbroken, knee height or above?
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Your confidence level
Finally, its important to consider how confident you feel when surfing, do you feel in control, do you want more from your board? Remember many surfers keep their soft top board long after buying a hard top. It allows them to go out on smaller days for a more relaxed no pressure experience, or to practice a manoeuvre on smaller waves before going back to their hard board in larger conditions.
Confidence Summary: Do you feel like you have good control of your board during your surf sessions?
__________________________________________________________________________________
To Sum Up
So, when should you try a hard board? The truth is, there's no generic timeline for when this should happen. It's a decision that should be based on your own skill level, the conditions you're surfing in, and your personal preference.
As a general guide, however, if you answer yes to all of these questions then you are probably ready!
Can you pop up on most waves you catch?
Do you catch most waves you go for?
Are the waves you want to ride unbroken, knee height or above?
Do you feel like you have good control of your board during your surf sessions?
At Vol. Surfboards we have lots of shapes in our Online Shack which are ideal for improving surfers who want to try out a hard board option no matter your style or goals (try our 'Discover your shape' quiz if you're not sure where to start). The best part about our boards is the non-toxic surfboard core can be degraded, and we can recycle the rest, so you know your board won’t just end up in landfill. Check out the product descriptions or drop us a message and we can discuss the best option for you.
The most important thing is to enjoy the ride. Surfing is all about having fun and experiencing the thrill of catching a wave. So get out there, experiment, and keep surfing sustainably.