How to Choose the Right Surfboard Size for Your Skill Level

Choosing the right surfboard is one of the most important steps in learning how to surf. The right board makes surfing easier, safer, and way more fun — especially for beginners. Whether you’re renting a board in Weligama or buying your own, understanding board size and volume will help you choose the perfect board for your skill level.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about selecting the best surfboard size.

🌊Why Surfboard Size Matters

A surfboard with the right size helps you:

Paddle faster
Catch waves easier
Stand up more consistently
Stay balanced
Progress faster

A board that is too small will make you struggle.
A board that is too big may slow down advanced progression — but is GREAT for beginners.

🏄‍♂️Surfboard Size Guide for Beginners

If you’re just starting out in Weligama, you should use a big, stable surfboard.

Best beginner board size:

➡ 8’0 to 9’0 soft-top
➡ 50–70 liters volume

These boards are forgiving, floaty, and perfect for learning.

Why beginners should start with a big board:

✔ Easier to balance
✔ More stable when standing
✔ Catches waves early
✔ Safe soft-top material
✔ Faster progress

This is why all surf schools in Weligama use 8–9 foot boards.

🏄‍♀️Intermediate Surfboard Size Guide

If you can already:

Paddle confidently
Catch green waves
Make small turns
Control speed

You can move to a funboard.

Best intermediate board size:

➡ 6’8 to 7’6
➡ 35–50 liters

These boards allow you to:

✔ Practice turns
✔ Improve timing
✔ Catch more challenging waves
✔ Build speed

They are more responsive but still have stability.

🏄Advanced Beginner Surfboard Progression Steps

Here is a realistic board progression for most surfers:

Step 1 → 8’0–9’0 Soft-Top

Learn the basics:
✔ Standing
✔ Balancing
✔ Catching waves

Step 2 → 7’0–7’6 Funboard

Improve technique:
✔ Trimming
✔ Turning
✔ Catching green waves

Step 3 → 6’6–6’10 Mini-Mal / Hybrid

Perfect for stronger paddlers:
✔ Faster movement
✔ Sharper turns

Do NOT rush this step — too many surfers choose a small board too early.

🪼Important: Do NOT Choose a Shortboard Yet

Shortboards (5’10–6’4) are for advanced surfers.

Most beginners should avoid:

High-performance shortboards
Fish boards
Low-volume boards
Narrow shapes

These boards make surfing unnecessarily hard.

🏝️How to Choose a Surfboard in Weligama

If you’re a complete beginner:

➡ Choose an 8’0 or 9’0 soft board
➡ Higher volume = easier waves
➡ Softer = safer and more confidence-building

If you’re intermediate:

➡ Choose a 7’0–7’6 funboard
➡ Look for 35–50 liters
➡ Try a few shapes to see what fits your style

At our surf school, we help students pick the perfect board for their level and body type.

🧮Quick Surfboard Size Formula (Simple Version)

You can also follow this easy formula:

Beginner:

Board = Your height + 2 feet
Volume = Body weight × 1.8

Intermediate:

Board = Your height + 1 foot
Volume = Body weight × 1.4

⭐Conclusion

Choosing the right surfboard size makes surfing:

✔ Easier
✔ Faster
✔ Safer
✔ Way more fun

Beginners should always start with bigger boards, while intermediate surfers can transition to funboards when ready.

If you’re in Weligama, our instructors can help you choose the perfect board for your lesson or surf coaching session.