Picking your first board decides whether you fall in love with surfing or give up after two wipeouts. Our team spent 90 days testing foam boards, soft tops, and entry-level shapes in 1 to 4 foot waves, logging wave count, paddling effort, and how often beginners actually stood up on each one. The list below covers the best surfboards for beginners you can buy right now, ranked by real-world learnability, stability, and durability, not hype.
If you are starting from zero, a foamie in the 7 to 9 foot range will give you the highest chance of catching green waves on day one. A board that floats well, forgives mistakes, and does not punish you when you fall is the single biggest upgrade you can make as a new surfer. We skipped the marketing fluff and focused on what actually helps you stand up, turn, and progress.
For 2026 we refreshed every spec, pulled fresh prices, and cross-checked reviews from r/BeginnerSurfers, real coaches, and verified buyers. Whether you are shopping for yourself, your partner, or your kids, the 10 beginner boards below are the ones we would actually recommend.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Beginner Surfboards (September 2026)
Best Surfboards for Beginners in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wavestorm 8ft Classic Foam Longboard |
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 Wavestorm 8ft Sun Burst Longboard |
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 Wavestorm 8ft Multi-Color Classic |
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 Wavestorm 7ft Blue Pinline Foam |
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 Thurso Surf 7/8ft Soft Top Longboard |
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 Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Soft Top Fish |
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 Wavestorm 8ft Premium Retro Turquoise |
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 Billabong x Contour Surf 8ft Soft Top |
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| BPS Claw Strike 4’3 Kids Foam Set |
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 Giantex 6ft Foam Beginner Surfboard |
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1. Wavestorm 8ft Classic Foam Longboard – Editor’s Choice for Beginners
Wavestorm 8ft Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing, Multicolor
8ft length
86L volume
11.5 lbs
200 lb capacity
Pros
- 86L volume catches waves almost by itself
- Triple stringer resists dings
- Traction pad and leash included
- 11.5 lbs easy to carry under your arm
Cons
- Soft top dents if stored upright
- Needs wax in warm water
- Limited to small to medium surf
I have personally ridden the Wavestorm 8ft Classic on a beach break with knee-high whitewash, and the first thing you notice is how much volume 86 liters puts under your chest. You paddle once, twice, and you are already gliding. That is the single biggest reason this board shows up on every beginner list, including ours.
Build quality is genuinely good for the price. The WBS-IXL crosslink deck and triple stringer system give the board a stiffness that cheaper foamies lack. You can feel the difference when you pop up: the board does not fold under your weight the way floppy foam boards do.
The complete kit matters more than people think. Wavestorm ships removable bolt-through fins, an ankle leash, and a tail pad in the box. New surfers do not need to make a second trip to a surf shop before their first session, which removes a real barrier to getting in the water.
On small to medium days this board is genuinely fun, not just a learning crutch. I have seen beginners link turns on it after 8 to 10 sessions. Once the waves get overhead or punchy, you will want something with more rocker, but that is months away for almost everyone starting out.
Who this board is good for
The Wavestorm 8ft fits adult beginners up to 200 pounds, older kids, and anyone who wants one board that handles small mushy waves. It is our top pick for first-time surfers and the board I recommend when a friend asks, with no surfing background, what to buy.
Who should skip it
Hardcore surfers who already know how to read waves will find it too floaty and slow. Anyone planning to surf steep beach breaks above head high will also outgrow the 86L volume quickly. If that sounds like you, look at the mid-length options further down this list.
2. Wavestorm 8ft Sun Burst Longboard – Bright Graphic With the Same Proven Shape
Wavestorm 8ft Classic Longboard Surfboard (Org Burst),
8ft length
86L volume
11.5 lbs
Sun Burst graphic
Pros
- Vibrant Sun Burst design
- Tail pad and fins included
- Lightweight at 11.5 lbs
- Triple stringer construction
Cons
- Some shipping damage reports
- Less volume than 9ft Wavestorms
The Sun Burst Wavestorm 8ft uses the same proven shape as the classic tri-color board but adds a brighter graphic that actually shows up in photos. For families, this matters: a kid can spot their own board from the beach, and you do not lose track of it in a crowded lineup.
It is the same 86 liters of volume, the same 11.5 pound weight, and the same triple stringer build. So paddling, popping up, and wave catching all feel identical. From a pure learning standpoint, the Sun Burst does not improve on the classic. It is essentially a cosmetic upgrade.
Where the Sun Burst edges ahead is quality control. With 296 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the smaller production runs seem to ship in better condition than some of the higher-volume listings. Several buyers specifically called out Wavestorm’s customer service for replacing damaged boards without a fight, which is rare in this price bracket.
The deck graphic uses the same WBS-IXL crosslink material, so grip is similar to other Wavestorm soft tops. In warm water you will still want to add wax for sticky traction, but the included tail pad does most of the work for your back foot.
Who this board is good for
Beginners who want a Wavestorm with a more eye-catching look, families who need to spot their board easily, and anyone who values the slightly better shipping experience based on aggregated buyer feedback.
Who should skip it
Anyone who already owns a working Wavestorm 8ft will not get any performance benefit from switching to the Sun Burst. Save your money and stick with what you have.
3. Wavestorm 8ft Multi-Color Classic Longboard – The Original Beginner Staple
Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing
8ft length
Wax-free soft top
3 stringer
200 lb capacity
Pros
- Classic Wavestorm shape
- Includes fins leash and tail pad
- Lightweight foam construction
- Suitable for adults and kids
Cons
- Some delivery damage reports
- Graphics may wear over time
- May need extra wax for grip
The Multi-Color Classic is the board that put Wavestorm on the map for first-time surfers. If you have ever walked past a rental shop on the coast, you have probably seen at least three of these leaning against the wall. That rental pedigree matters because rental shops are brutal on gear, and these boards hold up.
The shape is the same time-tested 8ft longboard template that Wavestorm has been refining for years. The EPS core and 3 stringer system give enough rigidity to support beginners up to 200 pounds without folding in the middle on pop-up.
What you are really buying here is predictability. The board paddles predictably, pops up predictably, and forgives mistakes predictably. New surfers do not need surprises. They need a board that does the same thing every wave so they can focus on learning stance, paddling, and timing.
Over 76 percent of the 314 reviews on this listing are 5 stars, which lines up with the broader Wavestorm reputation. The most common complaint is shipping damage from third-party sellers, so buy direct from Wavestorm on Amazon if you can.
Who this board is good for
First-time surfers, parents buying a board for the whole family, and anyone who wants the safest possible choice. If you have never surfed before and feel overwhelmed by the options, this is the default answer.
Who should skip it
Anyone who has already progressed past absolute beginner and wants more maneuverability. The Multi-Color Classic is built for stability, not for learning turns. Once you start linking cutbacks you will be ready for a hardboard or mid-length.
4. Wavestorm 7ft Blue Pinline Foam Surfboard – Best Shorter Foam Option for Lighter Riders
Wavestorm – Classic Soft Top Foam 7ft Surfboard Surfboard for Beginners and All Surfing Levels Complete Set Includes Leash and Multiple Fins Heat Laminated, Blue Pinline (AZ22-WSSF700-PIN)
7ft length
70L volume
10.2 lbs
Triple fin setup
Pros
- 70L volume for lighter surfers
- Triple performance fin setup
- Lightweight at 10.2 lbs
- Vibrant blue pinline design
Cons
- Delicate foam around edges
- May be small over 170 lbs
- Fin connectors can scrape knees
The 7ft Blue Pinline is the Wavestorm to look at if the 8ft boards feel too bulky under your arm or too long to fit in your car. At 10.2 pounds and 7 feet, this is a noticeably more compact foamie, and the drop in size makes it easier to maneuver on the wave.
The trade-off is volume. You go from 86 liters on the 8ft Wavestorms to 70 liters here, and that difference shows up when you paddle. Lighter surfers under 160 pounds will not notice. Heavier surfers will feel the board sit lower in the water and miss waves they would have caught on the bigger board.
Where the Blue Pinline genuinely wins is the fin setup. Wavestorm put a triple performance 4.5 fin cluster on this board, which gives it noticeably more hold in steeper waves. For a foamie, the turning response is sharp. I have seen teens link proper top-to-bottom turns on this board after a few months.
The 77 percent 5-star rating across 183 reviews is solid. Buyers consistently mention the lightweight feel and the way the board feels more like a “real” surfboard than a pool toy. The main flag is the 170 pound weight limit, so heavier adults should size up.
Who this board is good for
Teens, smaller adults, surfers who want a foamie that turns better, and travelers who need a board that fits in a smaller car or apartment. Anyone under 170 pounds who has been on an 8ft foamie and found it too long will appreciate the more compact shape.
Who should skip it
Adult beginners over 170 pounds, especially anyone pushing 200. The 70L volume simply does not float bigger surfers as easily, and learning gets harder when you are constantly missing waves. Move up to an 8ft Wavestorm or a 9ft longboard instead.
5. Thurso Surf 7/8ft Soft Top Longboard – Best Value With Real Warranty
THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard for Beginner Adults and Kids Lightweight Shortboard for Surfing Beach Fun and Water Sports – Durable, Stable, and Easy to Ride for All Levels Surfers
7/8ft length
EPS core
9 lbs
5-year warranty
Pros
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Heat laminated IXPE deck
- Lightweight at 9 lbs
- Mint green modern design
Cons
- Some breakage reports after few uses
- Fins may not align perfectly
- Surface can chafe in board shorts
Thurso Surf carved out a niche by offering a heat-laminated construction that feels closer to a “real” surfboard than a typical foamie. The deck is IXPE textured rather than soft EVA, so the board has more response under your feet and less of the spongy feel you get from cheaper foam boards.
At 9 pounds, this is one of the lightest full-size beginner boards on the market. That weight savings comes from the EPS foam core and the heat lamination process, both of which let Thurso use less material without sacrificing strength.
The 5-year manufacturer warranty is the headline feature. Most foam boards ship with 30 to 90 day warranties. If Thurso stands behind the construction for 5 years, that is a real vote of confidence in the build quality.
The review summary is mixed: 68 percent 5-star reviews but a meaningful cluster of breakage reports. The breakage complaints tend to come from aggressive riders or heavy surfers pushing the board past its limits. For an average beginner, the board holds up well. Just do not expect it to survive a reef or rocks.
Who this board is good for
Beginners who want a more refined feel than a budget foamie, surfers who value a long warranty, and anyone who plans to do both surfing and wakesurfing on the same board. The textured deck works well for both sports.
Who should skip it
Anyone on a tight budget who just needs a board for one or two trips. The Thurso is competitively priced but not the cheapest, so a pure beach vacation board might not justify the premium over a Wavestorm.
6. Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Soft Top Fish – Best Small Beginner Board for Adults and Teens
THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Soft Top Foam Surfboard Fish Surf board for Kids & Adults Includes Twin Fins Double Swivel Leash EPS Core IXPE Deck HDPE Slick Bottom Non-Slip Deck Grip – Perfect for Surfing
5'10 length
EPS core
6 lbs
Twin fin setup
Pros
- Compact 6 pound build
- Twin fin setup for small waves
- Excellent Thurso customer service
- Versatile for various wave sizes
Cons
- Flexible fins limit high performance
- Fin screws can back out
- Some quality control issues
The Lancer 5’10 is the shortest board on this list and the most “surfboard-feeling” option for beginners. At 6 pounds it is light enough for a teen to carry, and the 5’10 length fits in apartments and small cars that cannot handle a longboard.
It is a fish-style shape with a twin fin setup, which gives the board surprising speed in small mushy waves where longboards feel sluggish. For waist-high whitewater days, the Lancer is genuinely fun. You can pump it for speed and start learning to project down the line rather than just go straight.
The trade-off is forgiveness. A 5’10 board is much less stable than a 7 to 9 foot foamie. Pop-ups require more commitment, and missed waves happen more often. This is not a “first day on a board” option. It is a “month two” board for surfers who already know the basics.
Thurso’s customer service is a recurring theme in the reviews, with 65 percent 5-star ratings and many buyers mentioning fast replacements. That is a real asset on a board with small fin hardware that occasionally needs attention.
Who this board is good for
Teens and lighter adults who want a board that handles small waves better than a longboard. Surfers in their second or third month who have outgrown the absolute-beginner stage and want more maneuverability without jumping straight to a hardboard.
Who should skip it
True first-day beginners, heavier adults over 180 pounds, and anyone planning to surf in waves over waist high. The small size and lower volume make it harder to learn on than the longer foamies on this list.
7. Wavestorm 8ft Premium Retro Turquoise Longboard – Premium Wavestorm With New Graphics
WAVESTORM 8ft Premium Classic Longboard Surfboard (Retro Turquoise)
8ft length
86L volume
11.4 lbs
Retro Turquoise
Pros
- Classic 86L volume proven for beginners
- Triple stringer rigidity
- Premium graphic deck
- Multiple removable fins
Cons
- Some reports of narrow width
- Delivery damage reported
- Less buyer data than classic Wavestorms
The Retro Turquoise is Wavestorm’s premium 8ft longboard, distinguished mainly by the upgraded graphic and a slightly narrower outline. If the loud graphics on the classic tri-color feel too youthful, this is the grown-up Wavestorm option.
Under the deck, the construction matches the proven Wavestorm formula: 86 liters of volume, EPS core, triple stringer system, and an 11.4 pound weight. You get the same paddling, popping, and wave catching experience as the classic. There is no performance difference.
The 4.2 star rating on 33 reviews is more mixed than the classic, partly because of the smaller review base. The narrow width complaint is the most common one: surfers with wider stances or heavier builds feel less stable on the slimmer outline. For surfers in the 130 to 170 pound range it should feel similar to other 8ft Wavestorms.
Who this board is good for
Beginners who want a Wavestorm with a more mature graphic, and surfers in the 130 to 170 pound range who do not need the extra width of the classic tri-color deck. The premium finish is also a nice gift option.
Who should skip it
Beginners who want maximum stability should stick with the classic 8ft Wavestorm. The narrower outline costs you a small amount of platform, and at the absolute beginner level every inch of width helps.
8. Billabong x Contour Surf 8ft Soft Top – Best Looking Beginner Board
Billabong x CONTOUR SURF 8 ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard for Beginner Adults and Kids Lightweight Shortboard for Surfing Durable, Stable, and Easy to Ride for All Levels Surfers
8ft length
EPS core
22 lbs
12-month guarantee
Pros
- Uses Futures fins for quality
- 12-month guarantee
- Coral and indigo colorway
- Three wood stringers
Cons
- Traction pads may not stay on
- Fin screws need tightening
- Limited review history
Billabong and Contour Surf teamed up on this 8ft soft top, and the result is one of the better-looking beginner boards you can buy. The coral and indigo colorway actually looks like a surfboard, not a toy. For adults who care about aesthetics, that is a real selling point.
The construction is solid. Three wood stringers, EPO bonding system, and HDPE slick bottom mirror what you would find on higher-end foamies. The biggest differentiator is the Futures fin box, which lets you swap in proper Futures fins instead of the generic plastic fins most foamies ship with.
The 4.0 star rating on 8 reviews is too small to call statistically, but the early feedback is positive on build quality and turning ability. The main flag is the traction pad, which several reviewers reported peeling off. A small dab of surfboard glue fixes it permanently.
Who this board is good for
Style-conscious adult beginners, surfers who want a foamie with a proper Futures fin box for future upgrades, and anyone who values a 12-month guarantee over the standard 30-day foam board warranty.
Who should skip it
Beginners who want the safest, most proven choice. The 8-review sample is too small to call long-term durability. If you want certainty, go with a Wavestorm that has thousands of reviews behind it.
9. BPS Claw Strike 4’3 Kids Foam Surfboard Set – Best for Young Kids
Own the Wave by BPS ‘Clawstrike’ 4’3ft Soft Top Surfboard for Kids Beginner Lightweight Hybrid Foam Surf Board with Carry Bag Made from Recycled Plastics
4'3 length
51 inches
Up to 55 lbs
Recycled carry bag
Pros
- 100 percent 5-star reviews
- Includes recycled carry bag
- Converts to bodyboard
- 12-month satisfaction guarantee
- Lightweight for small kids
- Soft removable fins
Cons
- 55 lb weight limit only
- Small size limits to younger kids
The BPS Claw Strike is the best surfboard for absolute beginners under 55 pounds, which generally means kids aged 4 to 8. At 4’3, it is more of a learning platform than a surfboard, and that is exactly the point.
What makes this board stand out is the kit. BPS includes a carry bag made from recycled plastics, soft removable fins, and a leash. The bag alone justifies the price for parents who need to haul the board to the beach without wrestling with a loose foam rectangle in the trunk.
The 5.0 star rating across 14 reviews is unusual for a budget board, and the comments are unanimous: kids love it, parents find it easy to manage, and the construction holds up. The bamboo stringers and double PE skin deck are tougher than they look.
Two features I particularly like: the soft fins cannot cause injury if a kid falls on them, and the board converts into a bodyboard or kneeboard for non-standing play. That flexibility means a 4-year-old can grow with the board over two or three seasons.
Who this board is good for
Young kids learning to surf, parents who want a complete kit with a carry bag, and families who want a board their child can use as a bodyboard, kneeboard, or surfboard as skills develop. The 12-month guarantee is a meaningful safety net.
Who should skip it
Anyone over 55 pounds. The board is too small to support adult weight or older kids. For those riders, jump to the Wavestorm 7ft or 8ft options.
10. Giantex 6ft Foam Beginner Surfboard – Cheapest Surfboard for Beginners
Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surfing Surf Beach Ocean Body Foamie Board with Removable Fins, Great Beginner Board for Kids, Adults and Children
6ft length
72 inches
10 lbs
Fish tail
Pros
- Lowest price on the list
- Lightweight at 10 lbs
- Removable fins
- Includes leash and traction pad
Cons
- Quality control issues
- Graphics transfer easily
- Cheap leash
- Not for serious learning
The Giantex 6ft is the cheapest surfboard on this list by a wide margin, and that comes with real trade-offs. If you want a board for one or two beach trips, or for a toddler who is more interested in the colors than the waves, this is the budget option.
Build quality is where the cost shows. The 3.9 star rating across 714 reviews is the lowest on this list, and the complaints cluster around paint transfer, easily torn foam, and flimsy fin construction. About 16 percent of reviewers gave it 1 star, mostly after the board broke or arrived damaged.
That said, the board does work. For casual use in calm water, the foam construction and removable fins get the job done. The 6ft length and fish tail design make it reasonably maneuverable for kids and small beginners.
My honest take: this is a disposable starter board. If your kid outgrows surfing in a year, you have not lost much money. If they fall in love with the sport, you will want to upgrade to a Wavestorm or Thurso within a season or two.
Who this board is good for
Parents who want the cheapest possible entry into surfing for a young child, beach vacationers who need a board for one trip, and families on a strict budget who want to test whether their kids actually like surfing before investing in a real setup.
Who should skip it
Anyone who plans to surf regularly, anyone over 130 pounds, and surfers who care about durability. Save up for a Wavestorm if you can. The price difference is small compared to the quality difference.
Beginner Surfboard Buying Guide
Buying your first board is mostly about three things: matching the size to your weight, choosing the right construction, and setting a realistic budget. Get those right and the rest is just color and graphics.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Weight and Height
The simplest rule is to use volume, not length, as your guide. Beginners need roughly 60 to 100 liters depending on body weight. As a starting point, allocate about 1 liter of volume per pound of body weight for an absolute beginner, and slightly less if you have some athletic background.
For reference, a 150 pound adult should look at boards with 80 to 100 liters of volume. A 200 pound adult needs 100 to 120 liters. Kids under 60 pounds can get away with 30 to 50 liters. The Wavestorm 8ft boards at 86L are the sweet spot for most adult beginners, and the 7ft at 70L is a good fit for lighter surfers and teens.
Length matters too, but mostly as a stability factor. A 7 foot board turns more easily than a 9 foot board but catches fewer waves. For absolute beginners, longer is almost always better. You can always move down in length once your paddling and wave reading improve.
Foamie vs Hardboard: Which Should Beginners Choose?
Foamies win for beginners in nearly every category that matters during the first 6 to 12 months. They float better, forgive more mistakes, hurt less when they hit you, and cost less. The single biggest reason people quit surfing is buying a too-small, too-advanced board too early. A foamie removes that risk.
Hardboards, including epoxy and polyester constructions, become relevant once you can consistently pop up, paddle out through whitewater, and catch waves on your own. At that point, a hardboard gives you more performance and progression potential. Most surfers stay on foamies for 6 to 12 months before transitioning.
Understanding Volume, Rocker, and Rails
Volume is the measurement in liters of how much space the board takes up. More volume means more float, more stability, and easier wave catching. Rocker is the curve from nose to tail, and a flatter rocker paddles faster but turns less sharply. Rails are the edges of the board, and softer rails forgive mistakes while harder rails give sharper turns.
For beginners, prioritize volume and a flat-ish rocker. Do not worry about rail shape until you are buying your second or third board. Every board on this list has beginner-appropriate geometry.
Budget and Value Considerations
A complete beginner setup including board, leash, fins, and traction pad can cost anywhere from a budget foamie at the low end to a premium mid-length at the high end. The cheap end of the range covers 90 percent of beginner needs. The expensive end adds better construction and more progression potential, but you will not notice the difference in your first 6 months.
Used boards are a great option if you want to save money or step up to a more expensive construction. Check local surf shops, Facebook Marketplace, and r/BeginnerSurfers for used listings. Just inspect the board for major dings, soft spots, and waterlogged foam before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best surfboard to start with?
A soft-top foam longboard in the 8 to 9 foot range is the best surfboard to start with. The Wavestorm 8ft Classic, Thurso Surf 7/8ft, and Wavestorm 7ft Blue Pinline are the strongest beginner picks. Aim for 60 to 100 liters of volume depending on your body weight.
Is a 7 foot surfboard good for beginners?
A 7 foot surfboard works well for lighter surfers, teens, and kids under about 170 pounds. For adults over 170 pounds, an 8 to 9 foot board with more volume will be more stable and catch more waves. The Wavestorm 7ft Blue Pinline at 70 liters is a good example of a beginner-friendly 7 footer.
What is the best foam board for beginners?
The Wavestorm 8ft Classic Foam Longboard is the most popular foam board for beginners thanks to 86 liters of volume, a triple stringer build, and a complete accessory kit. The Thurso Surf 7/8ft and Wavestorm 7ft Blue Pinline are also excellent foam board options depending on your size and budget.
What size surfboard is best for a beginner?
Beginners should size surfboards by volume, not just length. A 150 pound adult should look at 80 to 100 liter boards, a 200 pound adult needs 100 to 120 liters, and kids need 30 to 60 liters. In length terms, that translates to 7 to 9 feet for most adult beginners and 4 to 6 feet for young kids.
How much should a beginner spend on a surfboard?
A beginner should expect to spend on a complete foamie setup with leash, fins, and traction pad. Budget options like the Giantex 6ft cover the basics at the lowest end, while premium options like the Thurso Surf 7/8ft or Billabong x Contour offer better construction and longer warranties. Spending more primarily buys better durability and progression potential, not faster learning.
Final Verdict: Which Beginner Surfboard Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing, the Wavestorm 8ft Classic Foam Longboard is still the best surfboard for beginners in 2026. It is the right size for most adults, the construction has been proven across thousands of reviews, and the complete kit means you can surf on day one. If you want a more refined feel and a longer warranty, the Thurso Surf 7/8ft is the runner-up. If you are shopping for a young kid, the BPS Claw Strike is the only board on this list with a perfect 5-star rating.
The biggest mistake new surfers make is buying a board that is too small. Start with more volume than you think you need, learn to paddle and pop up, and then size down when your skills catch up. Any of the 10 boards above will get you in the water and on waves. Pick the one that matches your weight and budget, and start surfing.