How to Choose the Best Beginner Surfboard for Kids
Choosing the right beginner surfboard for your child can make all the difference when they’re learning to surf. The right board will help them paddle easier, catch more waves, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun in the water.
But with so many different sizes and styles available, which surfboard should you choose?
At Manly Surf Guide, we recommend starting with a quality softboard that offers plenty of stability, flotation and durability. Here are our recommendations for choosing the right board for your child.
1. Best Entry-Level Beginner Board: Oasis Salty Grom
For kids just starting their surfing journey, our top recommendation is the Oasis Salty Grom.
Available in three sizes:
● 5’0 – Ideal for younger and smaller children.
● 5’6 – A great option for growing kids.
● 6’0 – Suitable for older and bigger kids.
With sizes to suit children from approximately 3–4 years old through to 12 years old and their early teens, there’s an option for a wide range of young surfers.
The Oasis Salty Grom is designed to make learning easier. Its forgiving shape and generous flotation help young surfers paddle, catch waves and find their balance while developing the confidence they need to progress.
Built to Last – Why Choose Oasis?
One of the biggest advantages of Oasis softboards is their exceptional durability.
Oasis boards are heat laminated, meaning the construction is designed to prevent the common problems associated with cheaper softboards, such as peeling and bubbling.
They’re built to withstand years of use, with an expected lifespan of 6+ years under normal use and care.
Oasis is regarded as one of Australia’s leading softboard brands, with boards used by more than 50 surf schools across Australia, including well-known operators such as Let’s Go Surfing at Bondi and Manly Surf School.
Another great advantage is their resale value. Because of their durable construction and popularity, Oasis boards tend to hold their value extremely well when it’s time to upgrade.
For parents, this means you’re investing in a quality surfboard that can last for years and potentially be passed down or resold as your child grows.
2. Ready to Progress? Introducing the Oasis Pro Soft
Once your child has mastered the basics, is confidently catching waves and wants to start turning and cutting across the green face of the wave, it’s time to consider stepping up to a more performance-oriented board.
This is where we recommend the Oasis Pro Soft.
The Pro Soft features a thinner, more refined shape with a slightly pointier nose, making it better suited to young surfers who are developing their technique and looking to take their surfing to the next level.
Upgrade Your Fins for Better Performance
One of the standout features of the Oasis Pro Soft is its FCS fin boxes.
Unlike basic softboards with fixed fins, the Pro Soft allows you to upgrade to proper aftermarket fins.
This gives young surfers the opportunity to improve their board’s performance, responsiveness and turning ability as their surfing progresses.
The Pro Soft is ideal for kids who are moving beyond simply catching waves and are starting to turn, generate speed and confidently surf across the face of the wave.
3. So, Which Board Should You Choose?
Our recommendation is simple:
Just starting out? Choose the Oasis Salty Grom. It’s a durable, stable and forgiving beginner board that will help your child develop confidence and enjoy learning to surf.
Already catching waves and starting to turn? Consider upgrading to the Oasis Pro Soft. Its refined shape and interchangeable fin system offer more performance as your child’s surfing improves.
Visit Manly Surf Guide
At Manly Surf Guide, we’ve been helping people get into surfing since 2008.
We stock a great range of beginner softboards, kids’ surfboards and performance softboards, including the Oasis range.
Whether your child is catching their very first wave or starting to develop their turns, we’re happy to help you find the right board.
Visit us at Manly Surf Guide, Brookvale, Sydney, or browse our range online.
Let’s get the kids surfing!
