What Gear Do I Need to Start Surfing?

A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Feeling the call of the ocean is an almost primal instinct. You see surfers gliding across the waves and think, “I want to do that.” But then comes the big question: Where do I even start? The world of surfing can seem complex, full of technical gear and strange jargon. But don’t worry! We’re here to clear up all your doubts.

The truth is, you don’t need a garage full of boards or the latest tech to start surfing. What you do need is the right equipment for your level—gear that guarantees safety and, above all, fun. To start surfing, you’ll need a surfboard (preferably a softboard or funboard), fins, a leash, wax to keep from slipping, and a wetsuit (depending on the water temperature). Optionally, you might need booties, a hood, and gloves if it’s cold.

In this complete guide, we’re going to break down each of these items. We’ll explain what they are, what they’re for, and how to choose the right ones for you. We want your first experience in the water to be incredible, safe, and the start of a new passion. Let’s dive in!

Essential Gear: The Absolute Must-Haves

Before you jump in the water, there are a few items that are absolutely essential. These are non-negotiable, as your safety, comfort, and ability to learn correctly depend on them.

The Surfboard: Your First Great Ally

Choosing your board is, without a doubt, the most important decision you’ll make as a beginner. A common mistake is wanting to start with the short, pointy board your favorite pro surfer uses. Big mistake. Those boards are for experts, and if you start with one, the only thing you’ll achieve is frustration.

To begin, you need a board that makes things easy for you. And what does that mean? You need stability and buoyancy.

• Recommended Board Type: For beginners, the undisputed champions are softboards (also known as foamies) or funboard/evolutional boards.

  • Softboards: These boards have an EPS foam core and are covered with a soft, foam-like material. They are the safest option. You will fall many times, and your board will hit you (and you will hit it). The soft material minimizes the risk of injury. They are also very stable and have excellent float, which makes paddling and standing up much easier.

  • Funboards/Evolutionals: These are fiberglass or epoxy boards, but they are larger, wider, and thicker than shortboards. They offer a bit more maneuverability than a softboard but are still very stable. They are an excellent choice if you want a board that will last as you progress beyond your first waves.

• Volume is Key: Forget about length as the only measurement. The most important factor is volume, measured in liters. The more volume, the more buoyant the board will be. And more buoyancy makes it easier to paddle, catch waves, and stand up. In fact, before making a big investment, a great idea is to sign up at a surf school in Tenerife South, where they will not only teach you the technique but also provide the right equipment for you to try out and decide what works best for you.

The Fins: Your Board’s Steering Wheel

The fins are those “wings” on the bottom rear of the board. Their function is crucial: they provide direction and stability. Without them, the board would just slide sideways uncontrollably.

As a beginner, you don’t need to get complicated with exotic fin setups. Most beginner boards come with a “thruster” setup (three fins of the same size), which is the most versatile and stable. Softboards usually come with their own plastic or rubber fins, which are much safer in case of impact. Don’t worry about this at first; the board you choose will come with the appropriate fins.

The Leash: Your Lifeline

The leash is the cord (usually made of elastic urethane) that connects the board to your ankle. This piece of gear is 100% mandatory for two fundamental safety reasons:

1. For you: When you fall (and you will), the leash keeps the board from being swept away by the waves. In rough seas, your board is your best flotation device. Losing it could put you in a very dangerous situation.

2. For others: A loose board is a projectile. It can hit other surfers or swimmers and cause serious injuries. Using a leash is an act of responsibility. Safety is the cornerstone of surfing, a principle that any good surf school in Tenerife South will instill in you from the very first minute on the sand.

How to choose the right leash? The general rule is that the leash should be about the same length as your board, or slightly longer. If your board is 7 feet long, get a 7-foot leash. Make sure it has good swivels on both ends to prevent it from tangling.

Wax: Grip for Your Feet

The surface of a surfboard is very slippery, especially when wet. Surf wax is a special wax applied to the deck of the board (where you place your feet and chest) to create a tacky, non-slip surface.

Not all waxes are the same. They are made with different hardness levels based on water temperature:

• Basecoat/Tropical: For very warm water (24°C / 75°F and up).

• Warm: For temperate water (19-24°C / 66-75°F).

• Cool: For cool water (14-19°C / 57-66°F).

• Cold: For very cold water (below 14°C / 57°F).

Using the correct wax is important for it to work properly. Applying cold-water wax in a tropical climate will cause it to melt into a mess. Find out the water temperature where you’ll be surfing and choose accordingly.

The Wetsuit: Your Second Skin

Unless you’re surfing in the tropics, you’ll need a wetsuit. Its job isn’t to keep you dry, but to keep you warm. It does this by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit. Your body heats this water, and the neoprene, an insulating material, prevents you from losing that heat.

Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and is usually indicated with two or three numbers (e.g., 3/2 mm). The first number refers to the thickness on the torso, and the second to the limbs.

• 5/4 mm or 4/3 mm: For very cold water (winter conditions).

• 3/2 mm: The most versatile, perfect for spring, autumn, and even cool summers.

• 2/2 mm or a “shorty” (short sleeves and legs): For summer and warmer waters.

If you’re thinking of starting out, one of the best investments is getting proper instruction; taking surf lessons for beginners in Tenerife South will always ensure you have the right gear for the day’s conditions, so you can focus only on having fun.

Useful Accessories That Make a Difference

Beyond the essential gear, there are other accessories that, while not strictly necessary for your first day, will greatly improve your experience and comfort.

Cold Water Protection: Booties, Hood, and Gloves

If you’re brave enough to tackle cold waters, these accessories will become essential. Most of your body heat is lost through your head, hands, and feet. Good neoprene booties will not only keep you warm but also protect your feet from sharp rocks.

What to Wear Under a Wetsuit: Swimsuit or Rash Guard

This is a very common question. You should wear a swimsuit or bikini under your wetsuit. The key is to choose something comfortable and simple. Avoid bikinis with knots, bows, or metal details, as the pressure from the wetsuit and friction against the board can make them very uncomfortable or even painful. A simple swim brief or a sports-style bikini is the best option.

Rash Guard or UV Shirt: Your Sun Shield

A rash guard or a shirt with ultraviolet (UV) protection is a great ally. In the summer, you can wear it instead of a wetsuit to protect yourself from the sun and from rashes caused by the wax and board on your chest and stomach. On cooler days, you can wear it under your wetsuit for extra comfort and warmth.

The Board Bag: Protecting Your Investment

Your surfboard is your treasure. A board bag will protect it from dings and scratches during transport. It will also keep melted wax from getting all over everything, especially the inside of your car. There are sock-style bags (lighter) and padded bags (for travel and more protection).

Post-Surf Basics: Towel and Flip-Flops

It seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people forget them. A good towel (a poncho-style one is even better for changing easily) and a pair of flip-flops to avoid the cold, dirty pavement of the parking lot are the perfect way to end a good session.

Frequently Asked Questions for Future Surfers

Now that you know the gear, it’s normal to have other questions about the learning process. Here are the answers to the most common ones.

How long does it take to learn to surf?

This is the million-dollar question, and the answer is: it depends. It depends on your physical fitness, balance, learning ability, and, most importantly, how often you practice.

Generally, in a good beginner’s course, most people manage to stand up on a whitewater wave during their first or second day. From there, the road is long and exciting. Catching unbroken “green” waves and starting to turn can take several months of consistent practice. The learning curve is much faster with the right guidance; taking proper surf lessons for beginners in Tenerife South can give you a solid foundation to progress safely.

What is the hardest part of surfing?

Although from the shore it might look like standing up is the hardest part, most surfers agree that two things are much more complex:

1. Paddling: You will spend about 90% of your time paddling. Paddling efficiently to get past the breaking waves and to catch them is exhausting and requires technique.

2. Reading the ocean: Understanding where waves will break, where the best spot to wait is, and which wave to choose is an art that only comes with hours and hours in the water.

Do I need to know how to swim to surf?

YES, ABSOLUTELY YES. Surfing is a water sport, and the ocean is an unpredictable environment. You will fall, waves will tumble you, and your leash could break. Knowing how to swim and stay calm underwater is non-negotiable. It is an essential safety requirement.

What should I eat before surfing?

Surfing requires energy. Ideally, you should eat something light but nutritious an hour or two before getting in the water. A piece of fruit (a banana is perfect for its potassium), a bowl of oatmeal, yogurt, or some nuts are all excellent choices. Avoid heavy, greasy, or large meals, as they can cause indigestion and sap your energy. And, of course, stay well-hydrated by drinking water before and after your session.

With the right gear and the right mindset, you’re more than ready to take your first steps in this incredible sport. Surfing is much more than gliding on a wave; it’s a connection with nature, a constant challenge, and an endless source of fun. And remember, the best investment at the beginning is always good instruction. The options are varied: from completely personalized attention with private surf lessons that speed up your progress, to fully immersive experiences like a surfcamp in Tenerife South, which can make all the difference in your progress and safety.

See you in the water!