Best Surfboards for Beginners: How to Choose Your First Board

Finding Your First Board

Choosing your first surfboard is one of the most exciting steps in your surf journey. It’s where the obsession begins — that perfect mix of foam, fins, and flow that’ll get you paddling out, catching your first green waves, and feeling the pure stoke of surfing. But with so many options, shapes, and styles out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

Whether you’re starting out in Malta’s mellow beach breaks like Ghajn Tuffieha or Golden Bay, or planning to surf abroad, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to find the best surfboard for beginners.

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What Makes a Good Beginner Surfboard

A beginner board needs to do one thing above all: make learning fun and easy. That means stability, buoyancy, and forgiveness are key. You want something that helps you paddle fast, pop up smoothly, and ride small waves without too much drama.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Volume Is Your Best Friend

Surfboard “volume” (measured in liters) determines how well the board floats. More volume = more stability and easier paddling. Beginners should aim for higher volume boards, typically between 50–80 liters depending on body weight.

2. Go Longer and Wider

Length adds paddle speed and glide; width adds balance. A good rule of thumb: your first surfboard should be at least 1–2 feet taller than you. Wide, rounded noses and fuller outlines make catching waves much easier.

3. Soft Tops Are a Smart Start

Soft-top surfboards are the go-to for beginners. The foam construction is durable, safer, and more forgiving when you wipe out. You’ll see brands like NSP and Torq making great beginner-friendly options that can handle both whitewash and small green waves.

4. The Right Fin Setup

For learners, a thruster (3-fin) setup is ideal. It offers control and stability without being too twitchy. Avoid single fins or twin fins until you’ve got your stance and turning dialed in.

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Types of Beginner Surfboards

Foam Boards (Soft Tops)

Best for total beginners. They’re buoyant, durable, and virtually indestructible — perfect for beach breaks and crowded lineups. Models from NSP and Torq are especially popular for their blend of safety and performance.

Mini Mals (7’0–8’6)

A mini malibu, or “mini mal,” is the next step up. Great for progressing beginners who want a more responsive board that still offers tons of stability. The Torq Mod Fun and NSP Elements Funboard are classic choices.

Longboards (8’6 and up)

Longboards are cruisers — all glide and style. Perfect for mellow surf days and those learning to trim and turn with flow. The Channel Islands Waterhog or NSP Protech Longboard can last you well beyond your beginner stage.

Hybrids and Funboards

Once you’ve mastered paddling and popping up, hybrid boards like those from Hayden Shapes offer performance with added volume. They’re ideal if you’re ready to transition to faster, more responsive surfing without sacrificing paddle power.

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What Size Should You Get?

Here’s a quick reference for picking your first board size:

Weight (kg)	Board Length	Recommended Type
45–60kg	7’0–7’6	Soft-top or Mini Mal
60–75kg	7’6–8’0	Mini Mal or Funboard
75–90kg	8’0–8’6	Longboard or Funboard
90kg+	8’6–9’0	Longboard

If you’re surfing smaller, slower waves (like Malta’s summer conditions), go for the longer end of the scale.

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Materials Matter

• Soft Foam: Safe, forgiving, and durable. Ideal for absolute beginners.
• Epoxy: Lightweight and strong — a good step-up option when you’re improving.
• PU (Fiberglass): Traditional and responsive, but fragile. Best left for intermediate and advanced surfers.

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Where to Buy Surfboards in Malta

If you’re based in Malta, you’re in luck. The island’s best surf shop — BoatSalesMalta — is your one-stop destination for everything surf.

BoatSalesMalta: The Home of New Surfboards on the Island

Located in San Ġwann, BoatSalesMalta is the place to get brand new boards from the world’s best brands:

• 🏄‍♂️ Channel Islands – Performance meets craftsmanship.
• 🌊 Torq – Durable, user-friendly boards perfect for beginners.
• 🌴 NSP – Reliable, buoyant shapes for learning fast.
• ⚡ Hayden Shapes – Sleek, modern designs for when you’re ready to level up.

But it’s not just about boards — they’ve got all your essentials too:

• Wetsuits for every season
• Leashes, fins, and surf wax
• BOMBA merch including wetsuit changers, tees, and accessories

If you’re looking for the best surfboards for beginners in Malta, this is the spot. Plus, their team knows local conditions inside out — they’ll help match you with the perfect board for Maltese waves.

Visit: boatsalesmalta.com

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Final Tips Before You Buy

1. Don’t Go Too Small Too Soon: Progress comes faster when you’re catching lots of waves.
2. Rent Before You Commit: Try different sizes to get a feel for what works.
3. Ask Local Surfers: Malta’s surf community is tight-knit — get advice from those already riding your local breaks.
4. Look After Your Gear: Rinse after every session, store it in shade, and keep wax fresh.

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The Start of a Lifelong Obsession

Surfing isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle, a rhythm, a connection with the ocean that keeps pulling you back. Getting the right beginner surfboard sets you up for years of progression and stoke. Whether you’re cruising small waves at St Thomas Bay or gliding Gozo’s Ramla Bay, the right board will make every paddle worth it.

So, if you’re ready to start, check out BoatSalesMalta — the only place in Malta where you can pick up brand new boards from Channel Islands, Torq, NSP, and Hayden Shapes — and join the local surf scene with style.

I recently picked up a gorgeous 6’10 Hayden Shapes stick, ready for single fin or triple fin selections with Futures fins. I went for a high volume, 42L, for those mellower days where some extra float will help. Boat Sales Malta have them in stock, or via order and I picked up a single fin, a leash, base wax and an air freshener for the bomba wagon too!