A beginning surfer has never purchased a board and will definitely need guidance. A common suggestion is the use of soft-surfboards whose foam materials make it easier on the learning process - they're not intimidating. Beyond that, egg shapes (shorter, more responsive version of a longboard), mini-mals and longboards are recommended.

Size	Height	Weight	Board Length	Width	Thickness
XS	5'0"-5'6"	45 - 60	7'0"-7'6"	20"	2.5"-2.75"
S	5'6"-5'9"	60 - 70	7'6"-7'9"	20"	2.75"-3"
M	5'10"-6'0"	70 - 78	7'10"-8'0"	21"	2.75"-3"
L	5'11"-6'3"	78 - 85	7'11"-8'3"	21"	3"-3.25"
XL	6'1"-6'6"	85 - 110	8'1"-9'6"	22"	3"+

Novice

A novice surfer has purchased one or two boards, yet still needs direction. A novice rider has the ability to ride the face of the wave and is beginning to try first turns. Hybrid (a cross between traditional shortboard and speed egg) and egg shapes are recommended in this class.

Size	Height	Weight	Board Length	Width	Thickness
XS	5'0"-5'6"	45 – 60	6'0"-6'6"	18.5"+	2.35"-2.65"
S	5'6"-5'9"	60 – 70	6'6"-6'9"	18.75"+	2.5"-2.75"
M	5'10"-6'0"	70 – 78	6'10"-7'0"	19.5"+	2.65"-3"
L	5'11"-6'3"	78 – 85	7'0"-7'6"	20"+	2.75"-3.25"
XL	6'1"-6'6"	85 – 110	7'6"-8'6"	20.5"+	2.75"-3.5"

Intermediate

An intermediate surfer will always insist on a more advanced board. They have a couple of years under their belt, are able to do turns with commitment and are looking for the next challenge. Stock boards (an all round performance board with general dimensions) from a surf shop are recommended.

Size	Height	Weight	Board Length	Width	Thickness
XS	5'0"-5'6"	45 - 60	5'4"-5'10"	17.5"-18"	2-2.15"
S	5'6"-5'9"	60 - 70	5'9"-6'1"	17.75"-18.25"	2.15"-2.25"
M	5'10"-6'0"	70 - 78	6'1"-6'3"	18"-18.5"	2.25"-2.35
L	5'11"-6'3"	78 - 85	6'2"-6'6"	18.25"-19"	2.35"-2.5"
XL	6'1"-6'6"	85 – 110	6'4"-6'9"	18.5"-19.5"	2.5"-2.75

Advanced

Advanced surfers generally have relationships with their local shapers and surf shops. Board dimensions are more specific in regards to the surfer's type of break, size of wave, style of surfing, experience and body size. In other words, they usually know what they want, be it a custom shaped board or a high performance stock board.

Surfboard Care Tips

Do not leave your board in direct sunlight > If you do, it will turn yellow
Use a bag or board sock to protect it from dings while transporting / storing
Rinse under fresh water after surfs if possible.
Remove fins for travel - especially on planes!
When packing for travel, pad bag with bubble wrap (or towels and clothes), especially along rails and tail of board.
Try not to wrap your leash around your fins - this can cause damage to your leash.
Check leash regularly for nicks which might cause it to snap - You don't want to be swimming in!
If a ding has cracked or broken through the fiberglass, let the board dry thoroughly before repairing / taking it to be fixed - Don't just cover it with a sticker and wax!