#1 - Choose a Board with More Volume

You often hear about shortboards, funboards, and longboards—the most obvious difference being their length. However, for beginners, volume is the key factor.

But what is volume? It’s the combination of length, width, and thickness, measured in liters. The more volume a board has (the more liters it contains), the better it floats. A well-floating board makes it much easier to catch waves, which is exactly what you want when learning to surf.

Our advice: If you're just starting, go for a board with at least 40-50 liters of volume. Make sure the volume is evenly distributed from the nose to the tail to improve paddling. Over time, as you gain experience, you’ll be able to adjust your board’s volume to match your skill level.

#2 - Get a Board with Enough Length

Besides volume, the length of your board plays a big role. A longer board will help you paddle faster and provide more stability when standing up, as it has a larger surface area in contact with the water.

Our advice: A funboard (between 6'4" and 8'0") is an excellent choice for beginners.

#3 - Pick a Board with Less Rocker (the Curve from Nose to Tail)

The rocker refers to the curve from the nose to the tail of the surfboard. A flatter rocker makes paddling easier and increases your chances of catching waves. A board with a more pronounced curve slows you down in the water, making it harder to paddle.

#4 - Choose a Durable Board

Since this is your first surfboard, you’ll likely be learning the ropes—how to transport it from your car or on public transit, how to handle it in the water, and how to avoid hitting rocks. Chances are, you’ll drop it more than once. Make sure it’s solid! Ask your surf shop or shaper for a board with thicker lamination to improve durability.

Our advice: Avoid boards that feel fragile to the touch. Your first board should be sturdy and long-lasting.

#5 - The Best First Board for La Vague à Guy

If you're learning at La Vague à Guy, we recommend a 7-foot board with a volume of 45 to 55 liters (a funboard-style board). At a minimum, go for a 6’4" board with 40 liters of volume. Anything smaller will struggle in the slow-moving current, making it difficult to catch the wave or stay upright.

#6 - The Best Board for Habitat 67

At Habitat 67, you can start with a smaller board because the current is stronger, making it easier to control once you're standing. We recommend a minimum of 6’2" to 6’4" in length, either a funboard or even a longboard.