Ultimate Surf Blogs Ultimate Surf Blogs
First Fibreglass Surfboard? MUST READ First Fibreglass Surfboard? MUST READ
Why Mid-Length Boards Are Perfect for Beginners and Beyond
Summer is in full swing, and the waves are buzzing with new surfers eager to dive into the sport. As a surf shop staffed by passionate surfers, we've noticed a recurring trend: beginners underestimating the importance of starting with the right board. Let’s talk about why mid-length boards are not just beginner-friendly but also versatile, high-performance options for surfers at any level.
The Big Misconception
It’s natural for new surfers to want to jump straight onto a shorter board, assuming it will make them look more skilled or that it’s the only way to achieve sharp turns and stylish manoeuvres. But here’s the truth: a shorter board is not your friend when you’re just starting out.
Shortboards are equipped with small fins, making them inherently unstable for paddling and popping up. This instability leads to slower paddling speeds, fewer waves caught, and ultimately, a lot of frustration. And as we always say, if you’re not catching waves, you’re not surfing.
Why Mid-Length Boards Shine
Many beginners think that mid-length boards—like a 7'6" model—aren’t maneuverable. We’re here to bust that myth. As seasoned surfers who ride and test all kinds of boards, we can confidently say mid-lengths offer fantastic performance. With proper technique, time in the water, and an understanding of how to use the board’s rails and fins, you can carve amazing turns on a mid-length board.
In fact, some of the most legendary surfers, including Kelly Slater, have embraced mid-length boards. If the greatest of all time is riding them, you know they’re anything but "dumb boards." Modern mid-lengths are designed for high performance, making them perfect for a huge variety of waves—exactly what beginners need to progress.
All you have to do is look up on YouTube some examples below:
- Harley Ingleby MOE
- Harley Ingleby MID6
- Slater Designs BOSS UP
- Creative Army HUEVO
The Journey Is in the Technique
Learning to surf is as much about developing your skills and fitness as it is about choosing the right equipment. Mid-length boards offer the stability and paddling power that beginners need to build confidence in the water. With a more forgiving design, they allow new surfers to focus on the essentials: paddling, popping up, and catching waves consistently. Once those fundamentals are mastered, maneuvering and advanced techniques naturally follow.
Trust the Experts
At our shop, we’re not just salespeople; we’re surfers who put our gear to the test. We ride everything—from shortboards to mid-lengths and beyond. Our collective experience means we can guide customers to the right board for their needs. But we’ll admit, convincing beginners to trust us can be tricky. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but our advice is always grounded in experience and a genuine desire to see our customers succeed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to surfing or looking to level up, don’t overlook the potential of a mid-length board. They’re stable, versatile, and surprisingly high-performance. The key to surfing success isn’t about the shortest board; it’s about the right board.
So next time you’re in the shop, chat with us about mid-lengths. We’ll share our personal experiences and help you find the board that will take your surfing to the next level. Remember, every great surfer started somewhere, and the right board can make all the difference.
x Your team @ Ultimate
Churrr
Why Mid-Length Boards Are Perfect for Beginners and Beyond
Summer is in full swing, and the waves are buzzing with new surfers eager to dive into the sport. As a surf shop staffed by passionate surfers, we've noticed a recurring trend: beginners underestimating the importance of starting with the right board. Let’s talk about why mid-length boards are not just beginner-friendly but also versatile, high-performance options for surfers at any level.
The Big Misconception
It’s natural for new surfers to want to jump straight onto a shorter board, assuming it will make them look more skilled or that it’s the only way to achieve sharp turns and stylish manoeuvres. But here’s the truth: a shorter board is not your friend when you’re just starting out.
Shortboards are equipped with small fins, making them inherently unstable for paddling and popping up. This instability leads to slower paddling speeds, fewer waves caught, and ultimately, a lot of frustration. And as we always say, if you’re not catching waves, you’re not surfing.
Why Mid-Length Boards Shine
Many beginners think that mid-length boards—like a 7'6" model—aren’t maneuverable. We’re here to bust that myth. As seasoned surfers who ride and test all kinds of boards, we can confidently say mid-lengths offer fantastic performance. With proper technique, time in the water, and an understanding of how to use the board’s rails and fins, you can carve amazing turns on a mid-length board.
In fact, some of the most legendary surfers, including Kelly Slater, have embraced mid-length boards. If the greatest of all time is riding them, you know they’re anything but "dumb boards." Modern mid-lengths are designed for high performance, making them perfect for a huge variety of waves—exactly what beginners need to progress.
All you have to do is look up on YouTube some examples below:
- Harley Ingleby MOE
- Harley Ingleby MID6
- Slater Designs BOSS UP
- Creative Army HUEVO
The Journey Is in the Technique
Learning to surf is as much about developing your skills and fitness as it is about choosing the right equipment. Mid-length boards offer the stability and paddling power that beginners need to build confidence in the water. With a more forgiving design, they allow new surfers to focus on the essentials: paddling, popping up, and catching waves consistently. Once those fundamentals are mastered, maneuvering and advanced techniques naturally follow.
Trust the Experts
At our shop, we’re not just salespeople; we’re surfers who put our gear to the test. We ride everything—from shortboards to mid-lengths and beyond. Our collective experience means we can guide customers to the right board for their needs. But we’ll admit, convincing beginners to trust us can be tricky. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but our advice is always grounded in experience and a genuine desire to see our customers succeed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to surfing or looking to level up, don’t overlook the potential of a mid-length board. They’re stable, versatile, and surprisingly high-performance. The key to surfing success isn’t about the shortest board; it’s about the right board.
So next time you’re in the shop, chat with us about mid-lengths. We’ll share our personal experiences and help you find the board that will take your surfing to the next level. Remember, every great surfer started somewhere, and the right board can make all the difference.
x Your team @ Ultimate
Churrr