Buyers Guide First Surfboard Buyers Guide Back to blog Starter Surfboards, Kids Boards and Surfing Packages Guide Choosing your first board, or one for your wife or kids can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be! Kids first, start kids up to 12 years old on a soft surfboard, because it's soft it doesn't hurt (so much) when they fall on it or it bumps them in the surf, this helps build confidence and makes them feel more comfortable in the sea. Softboards are sized for 5' 6 upwards and we recommend something around 6' to 6' 6 for kids of average size up to 12 years old, over that they'll probably want to step up to something in the 7' range. It's important that the board you choose has enough float to make paddling and surfing fun but is not too big to be hard to control in the white water and relatively easy to carry. Our top seller for kids is the CALIFORNIA BOARD CO. 6' 2 Sushi Fish, for bigger kids it has to be the ALDER Delta Stringer 7' both these boards come with a leash and are ready to surf, or something from the OSPREY range, great value for money and a quality product. If you're looking for the next step on for your kids then a more solid board is the answer. The epoxy or moulded boards from CORTEZ, BIC or TORQ respectively give a more positive ride and are the first step to riding the face of the wave and starting to turn the board. We list the suitability of each size for the weight of the surfer on each product so you can easily work out what's suitable. After that it's all about budget and colours. The right choice of first surfboards for adults depends on a number of factors, weight, height, fitness and how often you're likely to go surfing, without this info it's hard to give an accurate guide! We list the weight ranges on each of the boards on our website to help you narrow the choice. The tough part is finding the balance between a board that gives you enough volume to help float you and make paddling and wave catching relatively easy whilst not getting a board that is so big you have no hope of turning it, or probably even carrying it!! 90% of people fit into the size range of mini mal (rounded nose) boards from 7'2 to 8'6. Go any shorter than this and paddling will be hard work and any bigger and you'll be exhausted by the time you get to the water. A typical example is a chap who is 13 stone, 5' 10 not as fit as he once was, but not bad who will get in the surf for 2 weeks on summer holiday and then probably every 6 weeks or so outside this period. We'd recommend something in the 7' 6 to 8' range. The next decision to make is on budget. Entry level moulded boards from BIC are the biggest sellers, the CORTEZ and TORQ epoxy boards are a more refined shape and construction meaning they're lighter and offer greater chance for progression (epoxy is a hard outer shell around a foam core that is machine produced). On from there are the SEASTIX and BLUEDOT range of PU boards (PU means polyester construction, a foam core layer if glass and sealed with resin). These are a step on from the CORTEZ and TORQ boards again offering far more refined shapes and construction and a further potential to advance your wave riding. The moulded and Epoxy boards are undoubtedly harder wearing and tougher than PU boards but the compromise is always durability versus performance...hope that helps a little any questions please email us on [email protected] or call on 01243 674250 Why not check out some of our starter surfboard reviews... The Torq Mod Fun Surfboard Bic 7'3" Minimal Surfboards The Blue Dot Minimal Surfboard Bic 6'7" Surfboard Back to blog