Most beginner surfboards are longboards. You’ll find lots of types and sizes of longboards but most beginner boards tern to be “foamies” that forgiving when trying to catch a wave.
Most of the surf boards you see beginners and groups of surf lessons using tend to be longboards. As the name suggests longboards are long! They also give a rider more volume on the surfboard than most shortboards. The size and volume makes longboards much more forgiving when trying to learn to surf. They’re much more fun for beginners because you can paddle faster with them and ultimately end up catching more waves with them. So here we’ve put together a list of the best longboard for beginners, enjoy!
WHAT IS A LONGBOARD SURFBOARD?
Longboards are the very first type of boards used in standup surfing. These traditional surfboards tend to use a single fin and have a rounded nose.
The length of longboards tend to range from 270cms to 430cms or just 90cms longer than the surfer. You’ll often have your height measured before renting or being given a longboard for your surf lesson.
Longboards tend to fair well on waves that are just too small to ride with a shortboard due to a combination of the boards buoyancy and share volume. Longboards have become popular for skilled surfers who have the ability to surf a wave whilst standing with their toes on the nose of the board.
They maybe less manoeuvrable than a shortboard but they are perfect for beginners looking for something that’s a forgiving and fun ride.
WHY BUY A LONGBOARD?
Lets be honest struggling to catch a wave isn’t much fun, you want to see some progress when you’re out in the water. The best way to start catching waves as quick as possible is with the right surf board. For beginners, that is a longboard. Most beginner longboards are also “foamies” so are much safer when you’re bailing into the waves and wiping out. Overall, you’ll have much more fun learning on a longboard.
Once you’ve learnt to ride waves, longboards can be challenging if you’re aiming to “hang ten” with your feet on the front nose of the surf board. Longboards are easy to learn the basics with but difficult to master too.
THE BEST LONGBOARD FOR BEGINNERS
SOFTECH SOFTBOARDS BOMBER
Softech is owned by Australian Surf Hardware International who is known for the surf brands FCS, Hydro and Gorilla. The Bomber is one of the boards belonging to Softech’s Performance Series. The board has a tapered tail shape and a longboard shape at the front, making it a great board to catch and ride waves. With the highest volume out of all the boards in the Performance Series it’s a forgiving board but also has a lot of speed.
Features:
- Length 5ft 10 inches, 6ft 4 inches, 6ft 10 inches
- Volume: 5’10”: 44L, 6’4″: 56L, 6’10”: 60L
- Double Stringer
- FCS II fin system
- Core 100% Waterproof X-Density EPS Foam Core
Buy the Softech Bomber
WAVESTORM 9FT ORIGINAL NEW MODERN
One of the most popular and recognised soft surfboard brand in the US, Wavestorm has created a foamie with modern design that is still faithful to its classic style. The 9ft original new modern board gives great flotation, drive and its extra length makes it easier to catch waves. This foamie has a weight capacity of 200lbs (90kgs) and a 3 fin system. Perfect for newbies.
Features:
- Length 9ft
- Width 24″
- Thickness 3.5″
- Weight 16.8 lbs
- 4mm EBS- IXL Elastomer Barrier Skin
- Superior Grade EPS Core (Expanded Polystyrene) core with 3x epoxy set marine-ply stringers HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) High Impact Bottom
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) High Impact Bottom
- 3 x 4.5” bolt-thru fin set
- Reinforced fin-plug inserts with water barrier Silica rings, Complimentary
- Wavestorm Swivel PE leash
- Textured Traction Pad
Buy the Wavestorm 9FT ORIGINAL NEW MODERN
ODYSEA CATCH SURF LOG
Odysea catch surf log or “the log” is a foamie that promises fun, long rides and catching waves with ease! As with most logs, it floats pretty well and has plenty of safety features you’d expect from a board that’s favoured by beginners. It’s not all caution and safety though, the board is also a lot of fun not just for newbies but for surfing veterans too. The log is also available in 7′, 8′ and 9′ lengths.
FEATURES:
- Length: 7ft, 8ft, 9ft
- Board Stinger: 3 Stringer
- Board Slick: HD PE, Board Mesh: None
- Board Core: Combo Core
- Stiff Dual Composite Core.
- Triple Wood Stingers!
- Durable HDPE Slick Bottom with Bumper-Tail.
- Old-School PE Deck with Throwback Design.
- Soft-Performance Tri-Fin Set with Leash Plug.
- Designed by Catch Surf in San Clemente, California, USA.
Buy the Odysea Catch Surf Log
SOUTH BAY BOARD CO. VERSE
The South Bay Board Company’s Verve is long, wide and forgiving… just what you want from a surfboard when you’re a beginner. They may not be a household name in surfing but they’ve produced a great foamie board for those looking to learn. The verse has a super wide tail that gives great stability and at 8 ft it catches plenty of waves.
Features:
- Length 8ft
- Width 23″
- Thickness 3″
- Rounded Out Nose & Tail Shapes For Extra Stability Combined With Performance
- Full Length Double Concave On Bottom Deck For Added Speed & Fin Performance
- Surfboard Leash
- Surfboard Traction Pad
- Surfboard Paint Pens
- 8′ Surfboard Bag
Buy the South Bay Board Co. Verve
There you have it, our favourite range of soft top longboards to buy. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you did, please give it a share!
