One of the most crucial decisions faced by a surfer or potential surfer is to choose which board to ride. Your stability, speed, and success in the water all depend on it. For a beginner just getting a taste of the waves or an advanced surfer huddled inside barrel after barrel the right quality surfboard changes everything.

With so many shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from, buying surfboards can be daunting: where do you start? Fear not–this guide gives a step-by-step breakdown on selecting the right sort of surfboard for your level of ability.

1. Start by Assessing Your Skill Level

Your experience levels will decide what type of board is best for you. A newcomer to surfing won’t learn faster with boards designed for professionals – and vice versa.

Beginners: Need a board that will stay stable on top rather than tending to wobble or throw them into the water.

Intermediate surfers: Should look for boards with more speed and manoeuvrability.

Advanced surfers: Can discover quality performance-designed boards that are built for control and accuracy.

Each person should honestly assess his or her own level of skill before buying a new board.

2. Understand Surfboard Types

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all surfboard. Each type serves a particular purpose, depending on what you want to achieve and the conditions of the sea.

At a glance, the most common kinds are

Soft-top boards. Ideal for beginners. They’re light, strong, safe and help the new surfer to learn without worrying about falling down or injuring themselves.

Longboards. Ideal for smooth rides in small waves. Their length (8 – 10 feet) makes paddling easy and adds stability.

Funboards (or Mini Mals). These are perfect for intermediates coming off a longboard and going to shortboards. They can take care of intermediate surfing with their balance and manoeuvrability.

For serious surfers who want to ride fast in high performance situations- as well as being able to put the board through quick turns when it’s overhead-

Fish boards. Short, wide and quick, they’re great for the intermediate surfer in small surf conditions.

If you’re not sure, start off with a Funboard or Soft-top board before advancing to more exotic ones.

3. Consider the Right Size and Volume

On the surfboard you choose, the size and volume count as much as its shape does.Volume (normally in liters) defines how buoyant a board is. More volume equals easier paddling, smoother wave-catching and more floatation.Length and width are related to the board’s stability- the longer and wider it is, the easier it is to stand up on.

This is a general rule of thumb:

For novices, boards of around 8–9 feet long with plenty of volume are recommended.

Intermediate surfers can try 6–8 foot boards which give more control.

Highly-skilled surfers may choose 5–6 foot shortboards when they need maneuverability and speed.

Look up volume charts or use the online calculators provided by surf vendors to find a board that suits your weight and ability.

4. Choose the Right Material

There are many different materials surfboards can be made from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks:

For example:

Foam boards, they suit better to beginners′ skill levels, soft and safe but durable.Then there is Epoxy types, very light and buoyant, ideal for many sorts of surfer especially in its ability to cope with even the sans souci expert.

Fiberglass boards stand out by virtue of their traditional feel as well as technical prowess; best suited to surfers who have already experienced the ropes and want something more precise in handling.

If you are just beginning, then an epoxy or foam board is an excellent choice. Both materials are strong enough compared to the budget packages for learning but flexible enough to react significantly faster than glass fibre boards.

5. Match the Board to Your Local Surf Conditions

You choose boards in great part by the waves you usually surf.

Longboards and fishboards are suitable for small, gentle waves that make paddling easy.

Funboards or shortboards are appropriate for medium waves.

In rough surf, high-performance shortboards offer control and responsiveness to steer you through the waves.

Since the configuration of waves on which you spend the greatest amount of your time riding is determined by your local waters, whether or not a board is suited to them is of course very significant.

6. Don’t Forget the Fins and Leash

The fins on a surfboard determine how it will turn and cling to the wave’s face. Beginners should begin with three fins, a setup that provides great stability; experienced surfers can try single-fin setups, twins, quads, or more.

A leash is indispensable anywhere people surf. Water crowds out any other reliable way to keep control of your board if you bail out. A tight leash usually means kinder treatment for you in-terms of accidents (and bruises) in crowded lineups.

7. Get Expert Advice Before Buying

Before you buy your board, stop off at a good surfshop or consult experts over the internet. Based on your height, weight, training and your specific surf locations experts can tell you what really helps -to have your own surfboard.

Surf shops like Australia’s Natural Necessity Surf Shop can offer tailor-made advice, a selection of samples to try out, and all styles of boards best suited for beginners.

Ride Smarter with the Right Board

Find a board that helps you surf better by taking into account your requirements and getting the experts’ opinions. If you’re riding with confidence and style, then no matter what the wave, you can have a go at any of them