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There a few steps you need to take when learning to surf.

1: Start with the right surfboard

2: 2nd learn to paddle

3: Getting past waves, by either rolling or duck diving

4: 4th catch that first wave

5: And finally how to pop up, or stand up

In this article we will cover the first step, how to choose the right surfboard. Most people like to go out and buy the best looking, and stylish board possible, but these are normally not for beginners.

You can get yourself a brand new surfboard after you got your balance on a big old board. So the first thing to look for is size, you want something with plenty of flotation. If the board is to small it will also sink and create more drag when paddling, the bigger the board, the more flotation you will have, and the bigger you are, the more flotation you will need.

I suggest starting out on a big board first, you will be able to get your balance faster, and then move to a smaller board sooner. Look for something above 6ft 8inches long, 7ft to 8ft is a good starting size. If you intend to ride long boards then you can go much longer look for a Malibu up to around 12 ft.

Your first board can have all the dings in the world, it doesn't matter. You don't need to worry about how it will affect the board, you won't be doing any turns or tricks. While dings don't matter, or what the board looks like, you don't want any foam showing through, or the fiberglass cracked or peeled off. If this is the case you will want to repair it with some resin. Water will soak into the foam and weigh the board down.

Whatever board you buy, remember it should be at least 2-3 inches thick and at least 19-24 inches wide. You don't want a board built for maneuverability, tricks and turns, because they are lighter and require more skill to ride. So don't worry about the shape or number of fins.

Most importantly when you get your first board is to get a leg rope. You might hear horror stories of the board getting dragged under then getting pulled back towards you like a bungee and knocking you out, but this will only happen in huge swell, which I hope you will not be tackling when learning to surf.

A leg rope is essential for any beginner, and even the pros should have one. You see the ocean is a treacherous place, you may be a strong swimmer in a pool, but the ocean has hidden dangers. When you fall from your board, and you will fall, you wont have time to grab it before the wave takes it away, and you will be stuck without flotation.

Even the strongest of swimmers, will use up a lot of energy and time, trying to reach their board. The surfboard will be light enough for the waves to pick it up and move it away, however you will have to much drag in the water. Besides the obvious danger, of the sweep taking you into a rip, the hassle of swimming into shore will ruin any session, trust me you don't want to be stuck without a surfboard.

When choosing a leg rope, get something reliable and strong. Unlike your first board you want quality, this is your life saver. You can keep this, and transfer it to your new board once you get it, so don't worry about it being wasted on an old board. Also don't get something to long, the longer the rope the more tension it can build up to spring the board back at you with force. Stay under 8ft.

Now you should have a surfboard picked out, big, old, and cheap. So it's time to practice, read the next few articles in the series, then head out with your mates.