A Beginner’s Guide to our boards — by Summer vibes
Ready to commence your journey with a foamie or start directly with a fibreglass surfboard? This guide helps you choose the right board for faster and easier progression.
🌊 Why Size & Volume Matter
Surfboards are faster and more responsive than softboards, but less forgiving. That’s why volume and board shape are key for beginners.
More volume = better float = easier paddling = more waves.
Start with a board that helps you stand up confidently, not one that punishes every mistake.
📏 Beginner board Size Chart
| Your Ability | Recommended Board | Suggested Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I've never stood up |
Softboard 7' and up
|
Same as your weight (in Litres) | |
| Just standing, almost turning |
Softboard 7' and up or Surfboard 7' and up |
10% less than your weight | |
| Confidently turning |
Softboard 6' and up or Surfboard 6'6' and up |
25% less than your weight | |
| Ripping |
Softboard up to 7' or Surfboard up to 6'6 |
50% less than your weight |
✅ Which Surfboard Type Is Right for You?
Shortboards /Fish
- Less floaty, very easy to turn
- Pointy nose prefers hollower waves
- Great for barrels / fast turns / ripping
Funboards / Eggs
- Quite floaty yet still easy to turn (and duck dive)
- Great for smaller surfers, and for mid-level surfers looking to progress
Mini‑Mals (7'0–8’0)
- Round nose = Stable, easy to paddle
- Smooth ride, works in most conditions
- Moderately easy to turn, but prefer trimming along the wave
Longboards (8’0+)
- Best for introductory surfers finding their feet OR for mature cruisers to paddle past the pack
- Perfect for mellower / slower waves like point breaks
✅ Which board Type Is Best for Kids?
Grom Shortboard Surfboard (under 5'6")
- Lightweight and small enough to carry, but still floaty and easy to turn for kids into their mid-teens
- Great for smaller surfers as they progress - can turn aggressively, and will take to the air, but still quite forgiving
Smaller Softboard (under 6'6")
- For a safe & fun option for the younger introductory surfer
- Rounder nose = Stable, easier to paddle than a surfboard
- Smoother ride, works in most conditions
- Will start to teach turns, as well as trimming along the wave
- Perfect for the family - small enough to put into the boot for on the roof or the kids on a summer's day yet floaty enough if the bigger kids (and mum & dad) want to catch a few in the Shorey.
Bodyboard (under 40')
- Want to get them into the water, but not interested in the perils of standing? Maybe a bodyboard is the fun option
- Very small so will fit into the car boot
- Very fun - float in the pool, slide on the beach or rip in the Shorey - so many options!
🚀 Smart Progression Plan
- Start with volume and stability
- Surf regularly in smaller, forgiving waves
- Gradually size up waves and down board once you’re catching green waves and turning
Need help finding your match? Just reach out — we’ll match you with the perfect surfboard.
🎯 Final Advice from Summer Vibes
- Size up, not down
- Volume and, therefore, foam is your friend
- All of our boards are built to perform. As you progress, the board will be ready to respond.
🛒 Ready to shop our surfboards?
