Board recommendations for beginners — 2025 guide

Jamie TrewinAdmin·12d ago

Getting a lot of questions about this so thought I'd start a thread. For complete beginners we generally recommend: 8ft+ foam board, wide nose, flat rocker. Avoid anything under 7ft until you can confidently catch green waves.

Tom Nance·#1·10d ago

Second-hand foam boards are fine as long as you check the deck for waterlogging — squeeze it and see if any water comes out.

Maia Hale·#2·10d ago

What about second-hand? Good idea for a beginner who isn't sure they'll stick with it?

Dan Voss·#3·10d ago

Second the Softech. I started on one three years ago and it's still the best beginner progression board out there.

Sian Pascoe·#4·10d ago

The Softech ODYSEA is what we use in coaching and beginners respond really well to it.

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