Surfboard Gear Guide

There’s something about the call of the ocean that surfers can’t resist. The roaring waves, the freedom of gliding towards a sandy beach, and the thrill of catching the perfect wave. But before you dive in, remember that having the right gear is as important as reading the waves. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just getting started, having the essentials makes the difference between a great day on the water and a wipeout. From boards to wetsuits, here’s our guide on the surfing essentials you need to make the most of your experience in the water. 

How to Choose a Surfboard

Selecting a surfboard that matches your skill and the types of waves you’ll be riding is the most important thing to remember when choosing a surfboard. Beginners typically start with a larger, more stable board, while advanced surfers might opt for a shorter, more maneuverable board.

For beginners, it’s critical to avoid a shortboard. You’re considered a beginner if you’ve never surfed or surfed only a handful of times. It’s possible to progress quickly, but as with most adrenaline-chasing sports, it takes hundreds of hours before you’re an expert. 

As a beginner, you need a long, thick, wide surfboard. It will be easier to paddle into waves and stand up. A long, thick, and wide surfboard has more volume, which means it has more buoyancy. The added width gives you more stability, making it easier to pop up and stand.

Your beginner's board should be at least 1 foot taller than your height. Or for kids, at least 2 feet taller than their height (for children aged 7-12). Soft-top surfboards are the best option for kids. Longer boards are easier to catch waves with.

Don’t worry about the tail shape or number of fins when looking for a board. This is more critical once you’re an intermediate surfer. Thrusters (three fins), quads (four fins), and single fins are all great setups for beginner surfboards.

Consider a surfboard that works well in the types of waves where you’ll be surfing. A funboard is a great all-around surfboard design for beginners that works well in most conditions (small to head-high surf) and makes catching a wave easy. A funboard will be ideal for bigger waves because it will be easier to control and duck dive than a longboard. Our Nomad soft top is a ‘funboard’ style board for athletic beginners looking for a maneuverable board.

Another ideal beginner surfboard design is a longboard surfboard (9-12 feet long). Our Coronado soft top longboards are perfect for beginners. Longboards work well in small waves as they have a large amount of volume. A longboard is essential during inconsistent summer conditions, as seen in seasonal surf spots like the American East Coast. However, even popular surf destinations like California and Hawaii will have perfect small-wave days for your longboard.

Funboards, longboards, and soft-top surfboards are all great beginner surfboard designs. For more info, check out our guide to Choosing A Surfboard For Beginners.

Surfing Gear 

Besides your board, here is the surfing equipment you need before getting in the water. 

• Leash: A sturdy leash keeps your surfboard attached to your ankle, preventing it from drifting away or knocking yourself or someone else out after a wipeout. Ensure the leash is the appropriate length for your board. Your leash should be at least as long as your surfboard, or slightly longer if your board is between sizes. 
• Surf Wax: Wax is crucial for maintaining grip on your board. Apply it to the deck before getting in the water to prevent slipping, and better stability and control of your board
• Fins: Fins improve your board's stability and maneuverability in the water. Choose fins that match your board and surfing style for optimal performance. All our ISLE surfboards come with fins so you don’t have to worry if you’re just getting started. Below are a few commonly used fin setups. 
• 2+1 Fin: best for beginners and intermediates as you get more control. Our Coronado includes a 7” single fin plus 2 small side bites
• Thruster: probably the most common setup of 3 uniformly-sized fins, this setup allows for more stability and maneuverability. Our Nomad comes with a thruster fin setup
• Quad Fin: allows for speed but with more control than a twin setup, and is great for surfing small waves. Our Nugget comes with a quad-fin setup
• Towel: Dry yourself and your board after a surf session. To maintain your board, make sure you rinse off the salt water and wipe off excess sand and moisture before storing it in your bag
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply it generously, especially on exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands. And make sure you reapply following the instructions on the label

If you’re a regular surfer, we recommend the following kit to store and transport your surfboard. 

• Surfboard Bag: A surfboard bag is essential to protect your board during storage and transport. Look for padded bags to shield your board from dings and scratches.
• Car Rack: A surf rack mounts on your car to securely transport your surfboard. Ensure it’s installed correctly to prevent any damage or loss during travel.
• Storage Rack: If you’re a regular surfer, consider a storage rack at home to keep your surfboard safe when you’re not using it. This can prevent damage and extend the life of your board.

What to Wear Surfing

A wetsuit or a rash guard protects you from cold water and chafing. You’ll want a wetsuit (thickness based on water temperature) for cooler waters and a rash guard for warm water conditions or additional sun protection.

Water temperature guide:

• 75°F+ (24°C+): No wetsuit needed, try a rashguard instead 
• 72-77°F (22-25°C): Springsuit (shorty), 1-2mm
• 65-72°F (18-22°C): 2-3mm full suit
• 58-63°F (14-17°C): 3-4mm full suit
• 52-58°F (11-14°C): 4-5mm full suit
• 43-52°F (6-11°C): 5-6mm full suit + boots/gloves
• 42°F and below (5°C and lower): 6mm+ full suit + hood, boots, gloves.

There are also different types of wetsuits based on lengths and cuts. You’ll want a full-length wetsuit for cold-weather or winter surfing, but you can get away with a springsuit (shorty) once the weather starts to warm up. 

Also, consider the type of breaks you’re surfing. If it’s a large reef break, you might want to consider boots and gloves even if it’s not cold water to protect your hands and feet. 

Tips for Beginner Surfers

The first rule for beginner surfers is to follow Surf Etiquette 101. Remember that respecting the local surf community is essential to your comfort and enjoyment in the water. Plus you need to keep yourself and others safe when in the water. We also recommend watching our Surf Collection Playlist on YouTube to see our surfboard reviews, how-tos, and surfing lessons in action. 

Before heading out, read the local Surf Report For The Best Riding Experience and figure out What's The Best Time Of The Day To Surf. 

Depending on the type of waves you’re surfing, check out How to Paddle Out in Big Surf or Everything You Need To Know About Surfing Small Waves.

If you’re craving a surf camp or a big trip to immerse yourself in surfing, we’ve written a guide to the Best Places to Surf in the world plus guides to the best places to surf in California and Mexico. 

As with any sport, preparation is key, and surfing is no exception. With the correct essentials, you’ll be ready to tackle the waves and soak up every moment. The ocean can be wild and unpredictable, but the joy of surfing isn’t only found in the perfect wave, but in everything it took to get you there.