Choosing your first surfboard is one of the most important steps in learning to surf, especially in North Devon where conditions vary day to day. The right board helps you catch more waves, progress faster and enjoy your sessions from the start. For most beginners, volume and stability matter far more than performance. A longer board with plenty of volume paddles easily and gets into waves earlier, which is ideal for beaches like Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde. Foam surfboard

Foam surfboards, often called foamies or soft tops, still get written off as beginner boards. In places like North Devon, where conditions can change by the hour and perfection is never guaranteed, that mindset means missing out on a lot of very good surfing. A foamie is not just something you learn on. It is a practical, fun and surprisingly useful board that earns its keep in any quiver, whether you are new to surfing or have been surfing the North Coast for years. 1. More