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Step 1
Select a shortboard, known in the industry as a thruster, if you want to make quick turns and learn tricks. Look for a surfboard that's between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 10 inches in length and up to 20 inches in width. The M4 from Al Merrick and the NX1 from JC Surfboards are some of the more popular shortboards among the pros.
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Step 2
If you want to ride big waves and do fewer tricks, select a longboard, also called a Malibu or Mal, and look for one that's roughly 9 feet in length. Most longboards have single fins and are up to 24 inches wide, which makes them slightly less agile in the water, but they provide greater balance for riding big waves.
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Step 3
Choose a "Fish" if you're looking for a fun and highly portable surfboard for riding small, flat waves. These boards are usually wider than traditional shortboards, they're around 4 feet 8 inches in length and feature twin fins with split tails. The Fat Burner from Webber is a great choice for riding a variety of waves while the Lost round nose is an excellent option if you want a 6-foot board.
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Step 4
Pick up the mother of all boards, the gun. Most guns measure over 8 feet, with the bigger models measuring more than 12 feet in length. Select one of these mega boards if you want to ride legendary big waves.
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Step 5
Ask your surf instructor for suggestions. He may be able to lead you to the perfect beginner surfboard. It's always a good idea to start out with a used board until you learn the basics. You can also test out different boards at many different local surf shops.
