How to Choose the Right Surfboard for Your First Lesson

How to Choose the Right Surfboard for Your First Lesson in Malibu

Choosing the right surfboard makes learning 5× easier.Here’s how Malibu surf instructors match beginners with the perfect board.

The Best Boards for Beginners at Zuma Beach

✔ 8–9 ft Soft Top

Most stable, safest, easiest to pop up.

✔ Wide outline

Helps with balance.

✔ Rounded nose

Prevents pearling.

✔ Thick rails

Increase flotation.

This is why every top surf school in Malibu uses the same style board for all first-timers.

Why Not Use a Shortboard?

Shortboards are:

• unstable

• low volume

• too fast

• not beginner friendly

Use a large foam board to learn fast.

Choosing Based on Height & Weight

Malibu instructors use this formula:

• Under 120 lbs → 7 ft board

• 120–180 lbs → 8 ft board

• 180+ lbs → 9 ft board

Heavier surfers need more volume.

Internal Links

• “surf lessons in Malibu” → booking page

• “beginner surfboard guide Malibu” → homepage

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How to Choose the Right Surfboard for Your First Lesson in Malibu

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Learn how Malibu surf instructors choose the perfect beginner surfboard. Foam board vs hard board, sizes, shapes, and volume explained.