Dreaming of catching your first wave but are overwhelmed by surfboard options? You’re not alone—especially if you’re an adult between 21 and 85 just starting out. Whether you’re a 20-something craving a new adventure or a 40 to 80-something checking surfing off your bucket list, picking the right board can make or break your first paddle out. That’s where I come in. This post is all about helping you as a beginner find the best starter surfboards for adults. Ones that are affordable, easy to ride, and ready to grab just about anywhere, even online. Let’s break down what makes a board beginner-friendly and check out the best options for you.
What Makes a Surfboard Beginner-Friendly for Adults?
Not all surfboards are created equal, especially when you’re new and in that adult age range. For starters, you’ll want something stable—think longer boards, like 7’6” to 9’. These give you more surface to stand on, which is clutch when you’re still finding your balance. Material matters too—foam boards (aka soft-tops) are forgiving when you inevitably wipe out, and they won’t ding up as fast as fiberglass. Volume is another biggie—higher volume means more buoyancy, making it easier to paddle and catch waves.
Now, age plays a role here. At 25, you might crave adventure and not mind a few spills. At 45, you’ll probably appreciate not face-planting on day one. Either way, a beginner-friendly board keeps it fun, not frustrating. With that in mind, here are my top picks you can snag right now.
During the first couple months of my surfing life, I had been renting 7′ generic soft top boards from a local surf shop and only had a little luck catching waves. I didn’t know very much about surfing, but I knew I wanted to rip on short boards. When I mentioned to the surf shop owner I wanted to get my own board he said “I know you want to carve waves on short boards, but you got to learn to walk before you can run.” He then suggested a list of started boards very similar to the one below. I am SO happy I got a 9′ soft top as my first board. From then on catching waves was much easier. Riding them was a different story, but I was glad I did it an have looked back in regret for 1 second.
Top 5 Starter Surfboards For Adults
1. Wavestorm 8’ Classic Foam Surfboard
- Why It’s Great: This is the gold standard for beginners—super stable, affordable (around $200-$250), and a favorite for newbies of all ages.
- Who It’s For: Perfect for 20-somethings on a budget or 40-and-over-somethings wanting a forgiving ride.
- Pros: Comes with a leash and fins; easy to paddle. Cons: Not the best quality
- Where to Get It: Grab it on Amazon—tons of colors to match your vibe! Check out Wavestorm surfboards now!
2. Wave Bandit Easy Rider 9’0
- Why It’s Great: Slightly upgraded foam design with a sleek look—great for progressing past your first session.
- Who It’s For: Bigger/ Taller 21 to 85-year-olds who might stick with surfing long-term.
- Pros: Durable; great for small waves; Super high quality. Cons: Pricier than basic foam boards, no leash included
- Where to Get It: Available on Amazon with solid reviews. Check it out here!
3. Odysea Log 8′ Surfboard
- Why It’s Great: Max stability, plus a soft top to keep you safe when you tumble.
- Who It’s For: Anyone 21 to 85 nervous about balance—this thing’s a floating sidewalk.
- Pros: Easy to catch waves; under $500. Cons: Bulky to store.
- Where to Get It: Catchsurf.com
4. Modern 7’ Soft TopSurfboard
- Why It’s Great: Shorter and lighter, Soft-top and hard bottom. Perfect for shorter and smaller surfers
- Who It’s For: 21-30 crowd or smaller-framed folks easing in.
- Pros: Quality; easy to carry; can take multiple fin options. Cons: Less stable for bigger adults.
- Where to Get It: Global Surf Industries
5. Rock-It 8’ Big Softy Soft Top Surfboard
- Why It’s Great: Solid foam build with a bit of flair—good value for dabbling or diving deeper.
- Who It’s For: All ages in the 21-85 range wanting a reliable starter board.
- Pros: Lightweight for a soft-top; decent price; Solid reviews. Cons: Leash sold separately.
- Where to Get It: Order it on Amazon—great bang for your buck. Get all the info on this board here at Amazon.com
Quick Tips for Choosing Your Adult Starter Surfboard
So, how do you pick? Go for length if you’re wobbly, foam if you’re crash-prone, and match your budget to your commitment level. At 21, you might grab the cheapest option to test the waters. At 45, maybe invest a bit more for comfort and durability. Renting first is smart if you can, but these Amazon picks are safe bets for owning right off the bat. Now you’re set to choose—here’s how to get rolling.
Starting the surfing process in my 30s, I quickly found I needed stability under my feet in the waves. Starting with a board that was too short was holding me back. My advice would be to get something a little longer and wider. Anything you can do to make your surfing process easier especially at the beginning will help. Check out our post on beginner surfboard size to help you get a good of the size of surfboard you need to really get going.
Conclusion
Starting surfing as an adult between 21 and 45 is all about finding the right board to build confidence. These picks are your shortcut to standing up on that first wave—stable, affordable, and ready to ship fast. Pick your favorite from the list, grab it on Amazon, and hit the beach. Got questions? Drop a comment—I’ll help you out! I’ve seen newbies of all ages shred it with these boards—your turn’s next.
FAQs About Starter Surfboards for Adults
Q: Do I really need a foam board as an adult beginner? A: Not always, but they’re the safest bet. Foam boards are softer (less ouch on wipeouts) and more stable, which is huge when you’re learning. Fiberglass is trickier to balance and pricier to fix.
Q: What size surfboard should I get for my age? A: Age isn’t the rule—weight and height matter more. That said, 7’6” to 9’ works for most 21-45-year-olds starting out. Heavier or taller? Lean toward 9’. Lighter? 7’6” could do.
Q: Can I surf year-round with these boards? A: Yup! These are all-season picks—pair them with a wetsuit (also on Amazon) for colder months. They’re built for small to medium waves, perfect for beginners anywhere.
Q: How much should I spend as a beginner? A: Aim for $250-$550. You’ll get a solid foam board that lasts without betting the farm. Cheaper ones (like the Giantex) work if you’re just dabbling.
Q: Where do I start after I get my board? A: Find a beginner-friendly beach with small waves—think Waikiki or San Onofre. Paddle out, practice popping up, and don’t stress the falls. You’ve got this!
