What Board Should I Ride? Welcome to our Guide...

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

      1. Start with volume and stability
      2. Surf regularly in smaller, forgiving waves
      3. 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. Contact us

      🎯 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 grab a board? Shop Surfboards