Why matching your board to your level matters
The wrong board makes every session a battle. The right one? You’ll paddle easier, catch more waves, and progress faster.
Beginner: Go foamie or longboard
-
Volume is king. Look for 60–80 L.
-
Length: 8'–9' longboards or 7'–8' soft-top “foamies”.
-
Rocker: Flatter rocker = easier paddling and stability.
-
Why: Forgiving rails + soft deck = confidence while you learn.
Recommended gear
-
Board: Soft-Top 8'0 Hello-Foam
-
Leash: 9' Calf Leash – Tangle-Free
-
Fins: Tri-fin Beginner Pack (Flexible)
Tip: Start with mellow beach breaks, waist-high or less.
Intermediate: Funboard & mid-length magic
-
Volume: 40–60 L (depends on your weight & fitness).
-
Length: 6'8"–7'6" funboards, 7'0"–8'0" mid-lengths.
-
Why: Earlier entry than shortboards, tighter turns than logs.
Recommended gear
-
Board: 7'2 Mid-Joy Twin+1
-
Fins: Twin+1 Fiberglass Set (loose but drivey)
-
Wetsuit: 3/2 Chest-Zip Steamer (pick temp-appropriate thickness)
Tip: Try different fin setups—2+1 vs. thruster changes the whole feel.
Advanced: Shortboard performance (without punishment)
-
Volume: 28–38 L (aim ~liters ≈ your weight in kg ± 5 depending on fitness/wave power).
-
Outline: Slightly wider nose for paddling, squash/swallow tail for release.
-
Why: You’ll get the speed, rail-to-rail snap, and pocket control you want.
Recommended gear
-
Board: 5'11 Performance Groveller (for average days)
-
Fins: Carbon Thruster Pro Set
-
Traction: 3-Piece Arch Pad + 6' Comp Leash
Don’t forget fins, leash, and wetsuit
-
Fins: Softer = forgiving; stiffer = drive and hold. Match fin size to rider weight.
-
Leash length: Board length or +1' for longboards.
-
Wetsuit thickness:
-
24–20 °C → 2/2 spring suit
-
20–16 °C → 3/2
-
16–12 °C → 4/3
-
≤12 °C → 5/4 with boots/hood
-
Quick size guide (starting points)
-
55–70 kg beginner → 8'0 foamie, ~70–80 L
-
70–85 kg beginner → 9'0 longboard, ~80–90 L
-
70–85 kg intermediate → 7'2–7'6 funboard, 45–55 L
-
70–85 kg advanced → 5'10–6'2 shortboard, 30–35 L
FAQs
Q: Hardboard or soft-top for my first board?
A: Soft-tops are safer and more forgiving. Move to a hardboard once you’re consistently popping up and trimming.
Q: Twin, thruster, or quad?
A: Thruster = balanced control. Twin = speed/flow. Quad = hold in steeper/faster waves.
Q: What about durability?
A: EPS/Epoxy = lighter, more ding-resistant than PU/Poly; PU feels classic underfoot. Beginners should favor epoxy.
Ready to paddle out?
Start with the board that helps you catch more waves today, then upgrade as your skills jump.
Shop the curated kits: Beginner Foamie Kit, Mid-Length Progression Kit, Performance Shortboard Kit.
