Almond's Guide to
Your First Year of Surfing
New to Surfing?
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Learning to surf can feel overwhelming at first — and that’s exactly why we’re here. We’ve spent nearly 20 years helping surfers find their footing, build confidence, and develop a real relationship with the ocean, and we’re excited to be part of your journey. Below are our essential steps to becoming a well-rounded surfer within your first year:
Download the Free 'Your First-Year of surfing' Guide
Before you even paddle out, get the right foundation. We wrote this free guide to give you as strong of a head start as possible in your first year of surfing. It covers:
- How to choose your first surfboard
- What actually matters in year one
- How to build confidence in the water
- What slows most beginners down
The First Year Surfer's Bundle
If you want to remove guesswork entirely, this is the simplest way to start. The First Year Surfer’s Bundle includes all the essential gear you need to catch waves consistently and build real confidence:
- 8’0 R-Series Joy (our most user-friendly beginner board)
- Board bag
- Fin
- Leash
- All of our paperback guide books
- The 100 Waves in 60 Days Challenge card
Why the 8’0 R-Series Joy Is the Best Surfboard for Beginners
If you’re searching for the best surfboard for beginners, what you actually need isn’t a high-performance shortboard — it’s a board that helps you catch more waves, build confidence, and progress faster. For most new surfers, the best beginner surfboard prioritizes volume, stability, and durability over sharp turns or advanced performance. That’s exactly why we recommend the 8’0 R-Series Joy for your first year in the water.
Here’s what makes it one of the best surfboards for beginner surfers:
- Stability for building balance – A wider outline and generous volume help you stand up sooner and stay upright longer.
- Higher wave count – Extra volume means you paddle into waves earlier and more consistently.
- Beginner-friendly durability – The R-Series construction handles the inevitable bumps, drops, and learning moments.
- Room to grow – It’s not just a “starter board.” It’s a surfboard you can progress on for your entire first year.
The truth is, most beginners don’t struggle because they lack talent. They struggle because they’re riding a board that’s too small, too unstable, or too advanced.
If your goal is to actually enjoy learning to surf — and not just survive it — choosing the best beginner surfboard makes all the difference.
The Best Surfboard for Beginners
DURABLE. EASY TO RIDE. BUILT TO LAST.
The Complete R-Series Lineup
Every R-Series board is designed to make learning easier and more fun. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and built to help you catch more waves with confidence. Find the size and shape that feels right for where you are in your surf journey.
5'4 R-Series | Secret Menu
Fast, forgiving shortboard that blends easy paddling with smooth control.
Regular price
$399.00
Sale price
$399.00
Regular price
Unit price
6'4 R-Series | Pleasant Pheasant
Versatile mid-length built for easy wave-catching and smooth control.
Regular price
$449.00
Sale price
$449.00
Regular price
$599.00
Unit price
8'0 R-Series | Joy
Easy-gliding board designed to catch waves earlier and more often.
Regular price
$549.00
Sale price
$549.00
Regular price
$599.00
Unit price
9'2 R-Series | Surf Thump
Lightweight longboard built for effortless glide and easy cruising.
Regular price
$699.00
Sale price
$699.00
Regular price
Unit price
Tips & Articles to Help you on the Journey
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The Reason Most Surfers Quit
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The Best Surfboard for Beginner Surfers
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Read moreFirst Year Surfer FAQs
What surfboard should a beginner start with?
The best surfboard for beginners is one that makes catching waves easier — not harder. That means more volume, more stability, and forgiving construction.
For most adults, that board is the 8’0 R-Series Joy. It’s long enough to build balance, wide enough to paddle early into waves, and durable enough to handle beginner mistakes.
If your goal is to catch more waves during your first year, the 8’0 Joy is the board we recommend starting with.
What size surfboard should a beginner ride?
Most beginners progress fastest on a board between 7’6” and 9’0”, depending on their weight and comfort level.
The reason? Size equals stability and earlier wave entry.
The 8’0 R-Series Joy sits right in the sweet spot for most new surfers — large enough to build confidence, but not oversized to the point where it feels cumbersome.
If you’re unsure what size to choose, start with the 8’0 Joy. It removes guesswork.
Are soft top surfboards better for beginners?
For your first year, yes.
Soft top surfboards are typically better for beginners because they are:
- More forgiving when you fall
- More durable during learning
- Lower maintenance
The 8’0 R-Series Joy combines beginner-friendly durability with real surf performance, so you’re not “outgrowing” it after a few sessions.
Why am I not catching many waves as a beginner?
The most common reasons beginners struggle to catch waves are:
- Riding a board that’s too small
- Sitting too far inside or too far outside
- Paddling too late
- Not committing to consistent reps
In most cases, switching to a higher-volume board dramatically increases wave count. That’s why we emphasize starting on something like the 8’0 R-Series Joy rather than downsizing too early.
If you want to accelerate progress, consider the 100 Waves in 60 Days Challenge included in the First Year Surfer’s Bundle.
How long does it take to get comfortable surfing?
With consistent practice (2–3 sessions per week), most beginners begin to feel comfortable paddling and standing within 3–6 months. True confidence in different conditions often takes closer to a year.
Progress depends less on talent and more on:
- Equipment choice
- Wave selection
- Consistency
Our First Year Surfing Guide breaks down what to expect month by month so you can stay realistic and motivated.
Do I need lessons to learn how to surf?
Lessons can help during your first few sessions, especially for safety and positioning. However, long-term progression comes from consistent practice and riding the right board.
If you want structured guidance beyond a one-time lesson, our First Year Surfer’s Bundle includes printed guide books and the challenge card to help you stay on track.
What mistakes do most beginner surfers make?
The most common beginner surfing mistakes include:
- Choosing a board that’s too short
- Trying to turn before mastering wave entry
- Surfing waves that are too steep or powerful
- Surfing inconsistently
The biggest mistake? Prioritizing performance over wave count. In your first year, your goal should be simple: catch more waves.
What kind of waves are best for beginners?
The best waves for beginners are small, rolling waves with a soft shoulder — not steep, fast beach break peaks.
Look for:
- Waist-high or smaller conditions
- Longer breaking waves
- Sand bottoms
- Less crowded lineups