π Why Choosing the Right Board Matters More Than You Think
If youβre learning to surf β or getting back into it β your board choice will either:
π fast-track your progress
π or hold you back for years
And Iβve seen both.
Iβve also experienced both.
π§ What Is the Best Surfboard for Older Women?
The best surfboard for older women isnβt the smallest or most advanced board.
π Itβs the one that helps you catch more waves, build confidence, and stay consistent.
That usually means:
- more volume
- easier paddling
- more stability
Because the reality is:
π more waves = faster progress
π My Experience: Starting on the Wrong Board
When I started surfing at 28 on the Gold Coast, I was put on a really small board.
Something around:
π 23 litres
The idea was:
- βthis is what you need to get goodβ
- βyouβll progress faster this wayβ
And in some ways⦠it did help.
What it helped with:
- better wave selection
- stronger paddling
- learning how to duck dive
- getting out in bigger conditions
But overall?
π It massively slowed my actual surfing progression.
Why?
Because I wasnβt catching enough waves.
And thatβs everything when youβre learning.
π The Real Problem Most Beginners Donβt See
Surfing isnβt learned paddling outβ¦
π itβs learned standing up and riding waves
If your board is too small:
- you miss waves
- you get less time on your feet
- your confidence drops
π Less waves = slower progress
π The Turning Point (What Changed Everything)
Years later, on my first trip to Indonesia, I switched to a board with more volume.
Not huge⦠just slightly bigger.
And everything changed.
Suddenly:
- I could paddle into waves easier
- I was catching more waves
- I had more time standing
- my confidence improved fast
π Thatβs when I realised:
The small board hadnβt been helping meβ¦
π it had been holding me back
π§ββοΈ Why Surfboard Choice Matters More for Women
As a surf coach, I see the same challenges come up again and again with women learning to surf.
The biggest ones are:
- upper body strength (paddling and pop-up)
- balance and stability
- flexibility when getting to your feet
If your board is too small, all of this becomes harder.
π The right board removes a lot of that struggle early on.
π§ The Big Question: What Do You Actually Want From Surfing?
Before choosing a board, you need to be honest about this:
π What kind of surfer do you want to become?
Do you want:
- easy, flowing long rides?
π longboard direction
Or:
- faster turns and performance surfing?
π shortboard direction
Thereβs no right answer.
But your board should match your goal.
π’ Longboards (Great β But Not for Everyone)
Longboards are:
- stable
- easy to paddle
- great for catching waves
They work best in:
- smaller, slower waves
- clean, rolling conditions
π If thatβs your style, theyβre perfect
But if your goal is to shortboard?
π staying on a longboard too long can slow your transition
Longboarding has it’s own special set of skill to hone in on. If this is your direction have a look here.
π΄ Shortboards (Harder, But Not the Enemy)
Shortboards:
- require more precision
- need better positioning
- are harder to paddle
Starting too small (like I did)?
π makes everything harder than it needs to be
But avoiding them completely?
π also doesnβt prepare you properly
βοΈ The Best Approach (From My Experience)
If you want to shortboard:
π donβt start on a tiny board
π donβt stay on a massive board either
Instead:
π Choose something slightly bigger than your goal board
This is where most advice gets it wrong.
You donβt need the biggest board possible.
π You need a board that still lets you learn real surfing skills like:
- paddling into waves
- positioning
- duck diving
Thatβs why going slightly bigger β not massively bigger β works best.
Think:
- mid-lengths
- funboards
- step-up in volume
This lets you:
- catch waves
- build confidence
- AND learn real surfing skills
π§ββοΈ What I See as a Coach (Especially With Women)
The biggest challenges I see are:
πͺ Upper Body Strength
- paddling
- popping up – i have a whole article on this.
βοΈ Balance & Stability
- staying on the board – get your mobility and flexibility sorted here.
- controlling movement
π§ Flexibility
- getting feet under you
- smooth pop-ups
π If your board is too small, all of this becomes harder
π Your Local Waves Matter More Than You Think
Your board should match where you surf.
Need help learning the basics of wave mechanics, have a look here. It will help you understand the waves where to position yourself and how to read the ocean better.
π How Wave Type Affects Your Surfboard Choice
Not all boards work in all waves.
π This is something most beginners overlook.
For example:
- smaller, softer waves β need more volume
- faster, punchier waves β need more control
A longboard in slow waves works perfectly.
But in steeper, faster waves?
π it can feel slow and hard to control.
π Choosing a board that matches your local conditions will speed up your progress massively.
Smaller, softer waves (like QLD)
π more volume helps
For a beginners guide to Aussie waves have a look here.
Faster, punchier waves
π too much board becomes harder to control
π A longboard in fast, steep waves?
Can feel:
- awkward
- hard to fit into the wave
πββοΈ What I Would Do If I Started Again
If I went back to 28 knowing what I know now:
π I wouldnβt start on a tiny board
π and I wouldnβt stay on a huge one forever
Iβd choose:
π something with enough volume to catch waves
π but small enough to develop real skills
Because the goal is simple:
π more waves + more time standing = faster progress
π§’ Simple Board Guide (Keep It Easy)
If youβre unsure, use this:
Beginner (confidence + wave count)
π higher volume
π easier paddling
Progressing (toward shortboarding)
π mid-length / funboard
π slightly reduced volume
Performance (later stage)
π shortboard or Longboard
π technical surfing
π Final Thought
The best board isnβt:
- the biggest
- or the smallest
π Itβs the one that lets you:
- catch waves
- build confidence
- and keep progressing
Because thatβs what actually makes you a better surfer.
β FAQ
What size surfboard should older women use?
Older women learning to surf should use a board with enough volume to make paddling and wave catching easier β without going so large that it slows long-term progression.
What is the best surfboard for beginners?
A board with more volume that helps you catch waves easily β but not so big that it stops your progression long term.
Should beginners start on a longboard?
If your goal is relaxed, cruising surfing β yes.
If your goal is shortboarding β use something in between.
Is a small board better for learning?
Not usually.
π It reduces wave count, which slows progression
What matters more: board size or skill?
At the beginning:
π board choice matters more than skill
How do I know if my board is too small?
If you:
- struggle to catch waves
- feel unstable constantly
- rarely get to your feet
π itβs probably too small
π INTERNAL LINKS TO ADD
- Pop-up article
- Older surfers article
- Comeback article
- Australia article
π₯ OPTIONAL NEXT STEP
This article sets up:
π βBest Surfboards for Beginners (Based on Your Goals)β
Thatβs your:
π° money article
π― perfect next move
If you want, Iβll build that next:
π just say βnext money articleβ
You have not enough Humanizer words left. Upgrade your Surfer plan.