How to Choose the Right Surfboard: A Complete Surfboard Buying Guide for Beginners & Intermediate Surfers

Choosing the right surfboard can feel overwhelming — especially with so many shapes, sizes, constructions, and specs to compare. Whether you are planning your first surf lesson in Punta Mita, catching mellow waves in Sayulita, or progressing your skills at San Pancho, your board plays a huge role in how fast you improve. This surfboard buying guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms, from surfboard volume charts to rocker, tail shapes, and board types explained.

Let’s dive into how to choose the perfect surfboard for your skill level, body type, and wave conditions.

1. Beginner Surfboard Selection & Basics

For new surfers, the main goal is stability, safety, and wave-catching ability. The best beginner surfboard is almost always a long, wide, high-volume board that helps you stand up fast and feel confident.

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How to choose the first surfboard for an adult beginner

Adult beginners should start with a soft-top longboard between 8’–9’6’’. Soft-tops protect you from impacts, offer more buoyancy, and make small waves easier to catch — perfect for learning at mellow beach breaks like Punta Mita or Sayulita.

What size foam board should a beginner get?

Most beginners do best with a 9-foot foam board. If you’re lighter than 60 kg, an 8’ may work. If you’re above 85 kg, go 9’6’’. More length and width = more stability.

Longboard vs funboard for beginner surfers

• Longboard (9’–10’): Best for complete beginners

• Funboard (7’–8’): Better for those who already stand up consistently and want more maneuverability

Funboards are great transitional boards but usually not ideal for day-one surfers.\

Soft-top vs hardboard for learning to surf

• Soft-top: Safer, more forgiving, more stable → best for lessons

• Hardboard (fiberglass/epoxy): Faster and more responsive → good after you have basic control

@image haydenshapes

Factors to consider when buying a used surfboard

If you’re thinking about buying a used surfboard in Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita, check:

• Signs of water damage (dark spots or weight imbalance)

• Repaired dings (should be sealed and smooth)

• Delamination bubbles

• Even deck pressure dents are normal, but avoid soft, “mushy” spots

2. Understanding Volume, Dimensions & Rider Stats

The most important factor when choosing surfboards today is volume, measured in liters.

How to calculate the right surfboard volume

A simple formula: Beginner volume = body weight (kg) × 1.8 to 2.2Intermediate volume = body weight × 1.3 to 1.7

Surfboard volume chart by weight and skill level

• 60 kg beginner → 50–60 L

• 75 kg beginner → 65–80 L

• 85 kg beginner → 80–95 L

• 60 kg intermediate → 35–40 L

• 75 kg intermediate → 40–50 L

• 85 kg intermediate → 45–55 L

High-volume boards catch waves more easily — perfect for Mexican beach breaks.

Best surfboard length for my height and weight

While volume is king, length still matters:

• If you’re under 5’6’’ → 8’ to 8’6’’ for beginners

• If you’re between 5’7’’–6’ → 8’6’’ to 9’

• If you’re taller/heavier → 9’ to 9’6’’

Does surfboard width matter for stability?

Absolutely. Width increases stability. Aim for:

• 22’’–23’’ for beginner longboards

• 20’’–21.5’’ for funboards

• 19’’–20’’ for shortboards

The role of surfboard rocker in wave catching

Rocker = the curve of the board.

• Low rocker: Faster paddling, better for small waves (Punta Mita, Sayulita)

• High rocker: Better for steep, powerful waves (San Pancho on bigger days)

3. Board Types & Progression

As you improve, you may want to move from a longboard to a funboard, hybrid, or shortboard.

When to transition from a longboard to a shortboard

You're ready when you can:

• Catch waves unassisted

• Angle your takeoff

• Perform basic turns

• Generate speed down the line

Most surfers transition around 6–12 months of consistent surfing.

Guide to shortboard volume for intermediate surfers

Intermediate shortboards typically run:

• 28–35 L for light surfers

• 35–40 L for average weight surfers

• 40–45 L for heavier surfers

Choosing the right Fish surfboard for small waves

A Fish board shines in small, mushy surf — like summer waves in Sayulita or Punta de Mita. Look for:

• Wide template

• High volume

• Swallow tail

• Twin or quad fins

What is a funboard, and who should ride one?

A funboard is the perfect middle ground:

• More maneuverable than a longboard

• More forgiving than a shortboardIdeal for progressing adults after mastering the basics.

Hybrid surfboard vs shortboard performance

Hybrid surfboards blend stability and performance. Choose one if you want:

• More volume than a shortboard

• Better performance in small surf

• A forgiving but fast ride

Intermediates love hybrids for Mexico’s playful beach breaks.

4. Choosing Boards Based on Wave Conditions

Your surfboard must match the waves you’re riding.

Best surfboard for small, weak waves

For mellow surf (like Punta Mita or Sayulita most days), choose:

• Fish

• Hybrid

• High-volume funboard

• Longboard

How to choose a surfboard for steep, fast waves

For stronger surf (San Pancho, winter swells):

• High rocker shortboard

• Step-up board

• Narrow template for control

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Understanding surfboard tail shapes

Tail shapes affect speed and maneuverability:

• Squash tail: Versatile, good for all conditions

• Swallow tail: Great for small waves and Fish boards

• Pin tail: Maximum control in steep waves

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How to choose the right surfboard fins (thruster vs quad)

• Thruster: More control, better for tighter turns

• Quad: More speed, great for down-the-line surfing and small waves

• Twin: Fast and loose, perfect for Fish boards

Epoxy vs fiberglass surfboard construction pros and cons

Epoxy:

• Lighter

• More durable

• Better float– Stiffer feeling

Fiberglass:

• Smoother flex

• Better for powerful, steep waves– More fragile

Wrap-Up: Choosing the Perfect Surfboard

Choosing a surfboard is about understanding your level, matching your body stats to the right volume, and picking the board that suits the conditions you’ll surf the most. Whether you're catching your first waves or dialing in faster turns

, the right surfboard makes the learning curve faster and more fun.