Looking to embark on an exhilarating surfing adventure in 2023 and in search of the best beginner surfboards to ride those initial waves? Your quest begins here, as we delve into the top versatile choices that this year has to offer. Whether you’re a surfing novice eagerly anticipating your first ride or a seasoned enthusiast seeking an upgrade, 2023 promises an exciting array of options to elevate your surf game. So, grab your wetsuit, wax up your board, and let’s explore the world of beginner surfboards that awaits you.
Top 5 Best Beginner Surfboard In 2020
- Best Choice Products Surfing Surf Beach Ocean Body Foamie Board Surfboard
- Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surfing Surf Beach Ocean Body Foamie Board
- Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board
- XTERRA Boards 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Beginner Surfboard In 2020
WAIT! Now you have known that finding out a right surfboard is the very first thing you need to do.
But what if you have had no clue about factors to consider? We’ve outlined some of the things coming with choosing the best beginner surfboard.
Make sure to check out our suggestions with carefulness!
Types of Surfboards
It is not easy to master surfboarding. If you are new to this activity, there is no better choice than soft and foam surfboards.
Compared to classic surfboards, they are more affordable and much easier to control. With them, novice riders will have fewer risks of getting hurt.
Your Surfing Skills
OK, I’ve got it! You have a little, or even no, experience surfing. Now, the question is: “What should you do to get further in your surfing journey?”
At this stage, I will recommend you to invest in a good surfboard. It might not be the most expensive model out there. But it has to be built with beginners in mind.
That way, it can last for many years to come. Also, it can stay durable when you practice your surfing skills.
Your Height and Weight
I do not need a board which barely supports me in the water. Neither do any beginners out there. Sinking into the water again and again is so embarrassing.
How to avoid this shameful moment? There is no better choice than choosing a board that can handle our weight without sacrificing its stability.
Surfboard Basics
The volume of a surfboard can determine how buoyant it is. The lighter you are, the less buoyant your surfboard needs to be. They use liters to measure the buoyancy. Ideally, a surfboard is approximately 60 liters.
The width of a surfboard tells us how stable it is. The narrower your surfboard is, the less stable it will be when you ride it on the waves.
How about the length? Some might think that it is much easier to handle a short surfboard? But for beginners, it is not that case.
Surfboard’s Price
If it is your first time moving into the surfboard market, you will be overwhelmed by the wide variations. The best surfboard for beginners is a significant investment.
Thus, like shopping for other products, you should set your budget. Don’t spend hours seeing the models out of your range!
We will get what we pay, though. The more you pay, the longer your surfboard will stay with you. So, why not wait for a while until you can afford a board from a reputable brand?
List Of The Best Beginner Surfboards In 2020
To save you much time shopping around, here are the top 19 models that make the best beginner surfboard list for 2020.
SBBC Surfboard 8’ Verve Soft Top Surfboard
Why is the Gold Coast 8’Verve Surfboard the best surfboard for beginners? Its slightly small size (96 x 23 x 3 inches) gives us much maneuverability without compromising stability.
The reasonably rounded nose rocker makes it less maneuverable. But, it prevents the surfboard’s front end from dipping into the ocean.
The “croc skin” foam top deck provides enough grips for the newbie to learn to stand on it. South Bay Board Company used smooth polyethylene to make the bottom to help surfers quicker glide through the water.
Your purchase will come as a whole package with a long-lasting board, an 8’ board leash, and three screw-in fins. With them, beginners can fix any chips on their surfboards.
California Board Company CBC Surfboard, 5-Feet x 8-Inch
The California Board Company CBC Surfboard is one of the most popular choices among beginners.
This short surfboard meets the requirements of both beginners and advanced riders. The 100% waterproof EPS core helps it work perfectly in any weather condition. Additionally, it offers utmost buoyancy.
The white and aqua-striped models are appealing to all fashion-conscious teenagers. And the shorter body makes it much easier to handle.
Three layers of wood stringers keep this versatile surfing board stiff even on the roughest waves.
A new blue tri-fin system with nylon screws is for optimal control and stability. Meanwhile, the attached neoprene traction pad promises greater grip.
Unfortunately, a large amount of foam makes it hard to turn the board. Also, it has a smaller bearing capacity than other models on our list (only 8.8 pounds). Considering its lightweight (only 6.5 pounds), though, it is still a good choice.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surfing Surf
The Giantex 6′ Beach Ocean Body Foamie Board brings kid and adult beginners further in their surfing journey. The EPE core and EPS deck give newbie added protection in case they fall off their boards.
The firm HDPE bottom skin provides ample space to support surfers and enhances stiffness. Also, it helps increase board speed.
The lightweight and durable foam top offers a robust floatation. That way, it provides a little bit heavier rider with optimal control.
To help this board work in any weather conditions, they equip it with a five fin setup. You can adjust the number of attached fins according to the conditions.
California Board Company Surfboard (7-Feet)
The California Board Company Surfboard (7-Feet) is the best value for your money. The top and bottom are entirely covered with impressive graphics.
The molded wood stringers and waterproof-resin cover preserve its good condition all year round. Meanwhile, the well-designed shape performs well even when your little ones have passed the beginner courses.
For added durability, flexibility, and convenience, the California Board Company used the high-density wood to make three molded built-in stringers.
Moreover, the surf leash keeps surfers attached to their board while they are out in the ocean. The tri-fin system maximizes the board’s speed and control.
THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard
The THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard is where engineering meets technology to help paddlers experience the enjoyment at its fullest. That’s why it is the best beginner surfboard!
Thanks to the EPS core, this model is lighter than others at the same size. The soft foam deck saves us much time waxing our board before gliding across the water.
THURSO SURF paid much attention to stability and traction. Novices can have the maximum gliding enjoyment with ease.
Liquid Shredder 70 FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board
Are you looking for a mid-budget surfboard with a great-quality performance? Then, you are in the right place.
This product by Liquid Shredder comes with an official 90-day non-Commercial use Warranty from the manufacturer. The anti-slip texture protects surfers even when it rains.
Moreover, it has almost all features expected at the best surfboard for beginners. It is not only easy to handle but also convenient and reliable.
Beginners will find it much easier to control than traditional boards.
NOTE: This Liquid Shredder model has a too low weight limit. Beginners more than 140 pounds will have a hard time handling this surfboard.
Also, some surfers complain about the boring one-color design. If it came with a more stylish design, it could fit more styles.
Best Choice Products Surfing Surf Beach Surfboard
This model by Best Choice Products is the best surfboard for beginners as long as they are learning how to surf. The slick high-density polyethylene materials and foam top deck make it last for a long time.
The high-density EPS foam core and superfast PP hard slick bottom add better grips and stiffness. That way, it encourages young surfers to start learning to surf.
The Best Choice Products Foamie Board Surfboard is not the coolest one in the ocean. But it can help us with all the first-time mistakes that newbie might have.
SBBC 7′ Soft Top Surfboard
To help beginners truly have fun surfing on water, South Bay Board Company packed their 7’ Soft Top Surfboard with a ton of great features.
The IXPE foam-textured top deck allows beginners to grip on with ease. If they fall off their boards, the soft top reduces potential pain and inflammation.
Additionally, the reinforced hard plastic bottom helps them skim across the waves without difficulty.
The tri-fin construction for added stability and control makes the paddle-out process easier. The fish-shaped tail helps those with almost no experience achieve a high-quality surfing performance.
Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board
The Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board is the best surfboard for beginners, especially tiny children.
From eye-catching soft EPE desk to slick polypropylene bottom, all features are designed with kids in mind.
This Liquid Shredder surfboard is more for adult beginners. The boring one-color design cannot make your little ones stand out among crowds. Fortunately, what it lacks in appearance, it makes up for with its moderate price.
BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard
All beginners will find the BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard an astounding entry-level model. You can feel it right after being out in the ocean.
The knock-resistant materials make it a little bit heavier yet 30% more durable than its brothers. It has three different sizes to fit different body frames.
The tri-fin system ensures a fantastic surfing ride in any water condition. Even after hours of surfing fun, the stability-focused board still offers ultimate stiffness. That’s what surfers praise most.
North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard
The North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard is a quite budget-friendly option for beginners. The durable foam top and free traction pad encourage them to have fun playing on the water.
They combine the EPS core with EPE deck for a stable construction. The durable foam top offers better grip. The free traction pad and removable fins help riders transport with ease.
This North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard comes with a 6-feet leash. It means that all beginners have to do is to get out on the water right away. The two-color design makes them an eye-catcher.
California Board Company Foam Surf Board, 9-Feet
The 9-feet California Board Company Foam Surf Board is the best surfboard for beginners. It helps those who are still learning surfing’s steep curve.
The high-quality materials slick bottom and 100% Waterproof EPS Core give beginners much confidence from their first time.
Too much foam makes it difficult to turn. But, the right amount of foam is for added grips. The eye-catching design also gives peace of mind if you are playing with others.
Your purchase consists of three fins and a PU surfboard leash.
BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard
The BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard is great for beginners who want to experience small waves. What kids love most about this model is its fun shape and cool paint details on it.
Eye-popping graphics aside, the cushy foam deck promises the maximum enjoyment this summer. The thruster twin fin setup makes it the most stable surfboard in the market.
Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard, Brushed Graphic
Have you ever seen people learning surfing lessons? Then, you might have already seen this board by Wavestorm. It is the best budget surfboard option for beginners.
The soft EPS foam core gives beginners a chance to get in touch with their soul – on the water. The traction pad helps them stay upright in the event of deck collision. Three marine-ply stringers reinforce the EPS foam core.
The soft foam construction gives it a lightweight feel. Also, it makes it much easier to transport.
What makes the Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard different from others at its range? It is the blue and white pinstripe graphics that can withstand direct sunlight.
Rock-It 5’8″ Albert Surfboard
Those riding the small waves for the first time consider the Rock-It 5’8″ Albert Surfboard as a perfect choice.
Also, I love how environment-friendly this surfboard by Rock-It is. They used recycled EPS foam to make the closed cell core. Not only is it waterproof, but it also does support beginners weighing up to 175 pounds.
Additionally, three safety fins and the fiberglass cloth under soft top enhance stability and durability.
Rock-It 4’11” CHUB Surfboard
Another model by Rock-it on our list of the best beginner surfboard is the 4’11” CHUB Surfboard. Despite the disappointing rider weight limit, it has so much more to make it more attractive.
With added grip and enhanced durability, it pleases beginners looking for a bit of outdoor excitement in their shore break.
The 6oz fiberglass cloth under the soft top enhances the density and gives it a rigid feel. Twin dual stringers help propel beginners across the water without difficulty.
As a plus, the unique design with gray zebra print slick bottom can attract riders of all levels.
SBBC Surfboard 8’8 Heritage Soft Top Surfboard
The SBBC 8’8 Heritage Soft Top Surfboard is the best classic long surfboard for beginners. Its size and well-designed board give those tackling the waves for the first time maximum enjoyment.
Built with adult beginners with large frames in mind, this board by South Bay Board Company can handle up to 260 pounds.
It is packed with luxury features living up to South Bay Board’s reputation.
The croc-textured IXPE foam adds more grip support. Two 6oz layers of waterproof resin enhance the sturdiness and rigidity. And the rounded nose shape is built for added stability.
Your purchase comes with three fins, free 9’ leash, and foam surfboard.
Buy it on Amazon.com
XTERRA Boards 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The XTERRA Boards 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Premium SUP is designed with a focus on water adventure.
Learning to surf is tough on our bodies. Fortunately, the XTERRA Paddle Board has a lot of luxury features to reduce the risk of injury. For example, the adjustable aluminum paddle, stiff EPS core, and bundle components.
Moreover, the easy-to-use pump makes it easy to bring this stand-up paddle board anywhere you want.
A lot of riders complain about the prohibitive price tag.
Try to think positive, though! It comes with a 2-year limited warranty – much longer than other products on our list. It means that you will not waste time getting familiar with a new surfboard every 2 or 3 months.
How dare XTERRA offer this long warranty? Because they use the military grade drop stitch material to fully cover their product.
Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board 4’8″ Custom Surf Style
The Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board received a lot of positive comments for its durability and flexibility.
The ethylene-vinyl acetate traction pad provides for better grips. The dual concave base ensures a faster and more responsive ride.
The unique interchangeable F4 Quad fin setup makes it a surfboard to grow with your little ones. They can use it from the first surfing lessons until they become veteran paddlers.
NOTE: If you do not have basic surfing knowledge, this model by Driftsun is not a good choice.
Children might find it a little challenging to customize the fin setup. It’s better to help them do it for the first time.
Which Surfboard Will I Choose?
See also: Best Longboard Surfboard Brands for 2023
Having the right equipment is crucial for enjoying water surfing to the fullest. There’s no need to spend precious time searching for the ideal surfboard for beginners.
Out of the nineteen models reviewed above, which one should you pick?
My top recommendation for my fellow surfers would be the Liquid Shredder 70 FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board. Its unmatched stability and exceptional surfing performance make it a standout choice.
Moreover, it proves to be even more forgiving and supportive in the event of a deck collision.
Now that you know my preferred choice, what about yours? Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment in the box below!
