Cornwall Water Sports

Surfing for beginners

Surfing for beginners

July 11, 2023

Surfing for beginners can seem like a daunting task. It’s not as simple as putting on a pair of trainers and going for a run, there is a little more involved when it comes to entering the water safely and with the correct equipment. Here at MAD Water Sports we understand this better than most, and we are here to help those looking to advance. Once you’ve mastered the art of riding a foamie and you’re a little more confident in the water, it’s time to purchase the board that is even more important than that first soft-top ride. The all important second board.

Beginner Boards 

Let’s start at the beginning. If you are new to surfing, but maybe you’ve had a few lessons already and you’re looking to buy a board of your own rather than a loan one, then a foamie is the way to go. There are a few things to consider when deciding which board to go for, but the one constant is that we recommend it be a soft-top. This means it’s made of foam rather than fibreglass, which is a much heavier alternative saved for those more experienced riders. With a foamie you’re looking at a high-volume board between seven to nine feet long, depending on your height and weight. 

Here at MAD Water Sports we have a great selection for you to choose from, and our expert team are always on hand to help you. So let’s dive in. 

TIKI Easy Soft Board

Our Tiki Easy Soft Board is a great entry-level board for those that are just starting out and looking to muck around in the white water to up their skills. 

Starting out surfing can be tricky, so the wide, thick, high-volume shape ensures catching your first waves is as easy as possible. And if you do happen to take a fall, you don’t have to worry about taking a knock.

 Tiki Easy Surfboard

SIC Darkhorse

The soft board revolution is on with the Darkhorse. Featuring a glass-wrapped EVA core and a wooden I-Beam, it makes it like no other softboard on the market. Highly engineered construction means equal parts performance and durability, making it the perfect board for beginners and families alike. This means that those trips to the beach only mean having to pack one surfboard that everyone can enjoy using! 

 
SIC Darkhorse


SIC Smuggler 

This red beast of a board delivers performance with extra soul. The tapered foil of the nose and tail, combined with the low, thin rails provides progressive performance and maximum manoeuvrability. There is a lot of jargon that goes with surfing, and it can be a lot to get your head around. Here at MAD Water Sports we try to help every customer on this journey, and that includes getting to know what’s what in the world of surfing language. This SIC Smuggler is great for gliding on those glassy waves, especially on the nose thanks to its subtle concave nose and accelerated tail rocker. This is a single-fin dream for those looking to up their game.  

 
SIC Smuggler 

FIREWIRE H Sweet Potato 

For those wanting to enter the short board game, in waves traditionally dominated by longboarders, then this board is for you. This high volume short board, with its deep double barrel concave allows you to make the most of those smaller waves, whilst feeling like you’re carving on something much narrower than it actually is! The new tail outline, in that classic swallowtail style, increases the manoeuvrability for some tighter pocket turns, even in gutless surf conditions! 

 

Firewire Sweet Potato


Tiki Mellowbird PU + Epoxy

Both of these boards showcase a classic design from the archives. Prior to the shortboard revolution, this design was state of the art when drop-knee cutbacks and hang tens were performance moves! 

Nowadays, this board is ideal for cruising and trimming in timeless style. Its teardrop concave in the nose allows the rider to gain speed, run out onto the face and then draw a long arc back into the curl and set up high for the next nose ride. It’s a great addition to the collection of any beginner or advanced surfer.

 
Tiki Mellowbird 

Accessories 

Now that you’ve chosen your dream board, why not kit yourself out with some surf-essential accessories? Our range of surf hangers means you can hook up your wetsuit and let it dry in the sun whilst you’re awaiting that much needed second surf of the day, without it getting covered in sand or gravel from those pesky car-park changes. 

If you are leaving your keys behind, we highly recommend that when surfing, you store them somewhere safe. So why not check out our key locks and pick one that suits you? No one wants to lose their keys down the back of their wheels when the post-surf chills take hold! Now that you’re kitted out with everything you need, it’s time to work out how to get your surfboard safely to the sea! Our range of roof racks and straps will ensure the safe travel of your prized possession, so even that classic mini can stick a longboard on the roof and be ready to go! 

Come and visit us!

As we’ve mentioned, surfing for beginners can be a minefield of information and potentially misinformed decisions, but that’s where we come in. Take a look at our online store, get a feel for what we have to offer, then pop down to our shop to speak to our expert team who can guide you through the process of upping your surfing game. We are always on hand to help you search for your dream board, and to kit you out with everything you need to score those perfect green waves this summer. We look forward to seeing you!