Your First Board
Your first surfboard is just that that... a board that will get you into the waves and easily help you master the basics of paddling, getting into the waves, standing up and getting down the line. The mistake of many beginners is to want the same board the local ripper is using or their buddy that has surfed for some time. There is always a high demand for surfboards used by beginners so we recommend buying one, using it untill you feel ready to move on to a board that will give you more performance.
Your first board usually has trade in value so do not think of it as the end product but a tool to get you surfing. We always recommend buying a used board first until you master the beginnings of surfing; easily getting to your feet, and the care required for a piece of foam covered by fiberglass. Lets say you buy a nice used board to start with for around $175 versus a new board for $445. After spending a summer learning and honing your skills you trade that first $175 board for about $100. Not bad spending $75 to have a board to learn on. You will more than likely lose much more on the trade-in value of a new board if you decide to move on to a more high performance shape. Always remember your first board is to learn how to surf a wave rather than look cool on the sand.
Length
The most influential aspect of a surfboard's design, the length is a good place to start when considering what dimensions you will want in your first surfboard. For beginners looking to learn as quickly and as easily as possible, bigger usually means better. A longer board will offer easier paddling and more stability under it's rider's feet. Many first time surfboard buyer's, will find a board that is 18-24 inches taller than it's rider to be the easiest to learn on. However this may vary some depending on the weight of the surfer too.
Width
The width of your first surfboard will determine how stable it feels and how easy it is to control. A wider board will also offer beginning surfers a definite advantage in the smaller conditions, best for learning on. For this reason the width of a first board should be at least 19 inches or greater.
Thickness
The thickness of a surfboard directly affects how well it floats. More floatation means a smoother rider once standing and less fatigue from paddling. For most surfers a thickness of 2.5 inches is sufficient in a first board. However, since the proper thickness is mostly determined by the surfer's weight heavier surfers may benefit from a thicker board.
Template
The term template refers to a board's overall outline. A board with template that is wide throughout the nose, center, and tail of the board is best for a beginner. This will offer the rider a more forgiving feel and better overall balance. A fuller template will also make paddling much less difficult.
