SURFBOARD DESIGN BASICS
When you decide to learn surfing it can be confusing trying to find the right board that will best suit you. You may end up getting the wrong board that may be too advanced for your needs.

The basic surfboard that you need to start to learn with is a board that is 1 foot or 12 inches taller than your height. This will help increase the chances of catching the waves (by being easier to paddle). The surfboard should be wider than 19½ inches and the wider it is the more stable it will be. Thickness is the next thing you should look for; the thicker it is the easier it is to paddle around as it gives you increased buoyancy. Trying to find a board with all these features can be hard when looking for your first board, as another factor is price, so I would suggest you consider a second hand board for starters.

Here are some measurements that will help you find the board that will help you enjoy more quickly the feeling of accelerating down the face of a wave which is the essence of surfing.
Weight (kg)
 Dimensions (feet and inches)
50
 6'5" x 19 1/4" x 2 1/2"
60
 6'8" x 19 1/4" x 2 1/2"
70
 6'10" x 19 1/2" x 2 1/2"
80
 7'0" x 20"x 2 5/8"
90
 7'2" x 21" x 2 5/8"
100
 7'4" x 22" x 2 7/8"

These dimensions give you the basics but you have the final decision!
The higher your surfing ability the more in tune you will be with the measurements that work for you.

If you can only afford one board you will have to choose one that will work in all wave conditions (from 2' to 6' on average), but once your ability increases you will find you will want a different board for different waves: a 'fish' for smaller waves and a 'gun' for larger waves. With a selection of different boards your confidence will keep you in the water all year round.