Finding Your First Surfboard
Nothing is more important to someone who is beginning to surf than having the right surf board. Those thin, narrow boards that the stars are riding may look exciting, but they are a disaster for those who are just starting to learn the ropes. Try not to spend too much on your first board because you are going to scratch it up quite a bit.
Remember that it’s not about looks, so ignore minor yellowing and small dings. Unless those dings show foam or any delamination because this should be avoided as much as possible.
You need to find a board that will give you good flotation and allow you to paddle easily with it. A good average size would be around 7 feet long and 19-21 inches wide and at least 2-3 inches thick. Of course this all depends on your size, so be sure you can comfortably carry and wield the surfboard in the water. It is common that a 120 pound surfer should look for a 6 feet 10 inch board while a 140 pounder might look towards a 7 feet 2 inch board. At 170 pounds, try to go above 7 feet 6 inches.
Don’t worry about the tail or number of fins that is on the board. For the first 3-6 months, you really will not be worried about turning or doing maneuvers, so whether your board is a swallow tail or a pintail or even if it only has one fin is quite pointless. Most companies make soft surfboards that are made up of a bodyboard-like material, and the fins are flexible. This will help prevent injuries while learning. This is a good way to get the kids up and riding without a ride to the emergency room.