Surfboard guides
Pick the right board for your level and waves
Skill progression guides, board-type explainers, and a 300+ board catalog to search and compare — for surfers everywhere — spot guides and provider listings grow as professionals join from each region.
Quick routing
Start here
Match your situation to a guide or live tool on Sticks.
Progression
Guides by skill level
Four guides from first session to advanced equipment.
Matching surfing technique guides for each level — pop-up, duck dive, cutback, and more.
Rookie
Never surfed before
Safety, lessons, and your first board.
Read guideBeginner
Post-lessons, building consistency
Volume, first fibreglass board, and progression.
Read guideIntermediate
Performance shapes and maneuvers
Stepping down in length and refining technique.
Read guideAdvanced
High-performance and step-ups
Elite equipment, bigger waves, and custom options.
Read guideShapes
Guides by board type
Shortboards, fish, longboards, grovelers, guns, and more — when each shape fits your waves.
Live on Sticks
Research tools
Search, compare, and narrow down catalog boards — all available today.
Deep dives
Featured guides
Buying decisions, anatomy, and when custom makes sense.
Best surfboard 2026
How “best board” depends on who’s riding — and when custom makes sense.
Read guideLocal shaper vs big brand
Cost, fit, and when a local build beats off-the-rack.
Read guideSurfboard anatomy
Nose, tail, rocker, rails, and fins — what each part does.
Read guideStep-up guide
Sizing and shape when your home break gets heavy.
Read guideMarketplace
Going custom or need local help?
Browse listings by region worldwide — strongest coverage in NZ and Australia today. Contact providers directly through Sticks.
Answers
Common questions
Quick answers before you dive into a full guide.
What surfboard should a beginner buy?
Start on a soft-top or foamie with enough volume to paddle and stand easily. Our rookie and beginner guides cover safety, lessons, and when to move to fibreglass.
How do I choose surfboard volume?
Match volume to your weight, fitness, and wave type — more volume for learning and small waves, less as you progress. Use the skill assessment and surfboard anatomy guide, then compare specific models in the catalog.
Should I buy a catalog board or go custom?
Off-the-rack works for many surfers; custom makes sense when you know your local waves and want a shape tuned to them. See our local shaper vs big brand guide, then browse shapers in your region on Sticks.surf.
Where are these guides written for?
Sticks.surf is open worldwide. The board catalog and skill guides apply anywhere; regional examples and service listings are strongest in New Zealand and Australia today.
Can I compare specific surfboard models?
Yes. Search the catalog for 300+ boards from brands like Lost, Pyzel, and Firewire, add boards to compare, and view specs side by side.
Ready to narrow it down?
Search 300+ catalog boards, compare your shortlist, or browse local shapers in your region.