Choosing the right surfboard can make a huge difference to your experience in the water. Whether you’re catching your very first wave, looking to progress your surfing, or simply wanting the most fun possible during your time at the beach, selecting the right board is key.

At  Shore Surf School, we offer a wide range of surf hire equipment in St Ives Bay, including softboards, hardboards, bodyboards, and SUPs to suit all ages, abilities, and wave conditions.

This guide will help you understand the differences between each type of board and which option is best for you.

Softboards – Best for Beginners

Softboards are the ideal choice for first-time surfers and beginners learning the fundamentals of surfing. Their soft construction, high buoyancy, and generous volume make them incredibly stable and easy to paddle.

Because they float well and catch waves easily, softboards help beginners build confidence quickly while maximising wave count and fun. They’re also more forgiving in wipeouts, making them a safer and more comfortable option for learning.

Best for:

• First-time surfers
• Families and children
• Nervous beginners
• Small to medium waves

Typical Sizes:

6’0” – 9’0”

Soft Top Surfboards – Progression & Performance

Soft top surfboards bridge the gap between beginner-friendly softboards and higher-performance hardboards. Featuring a slick hard bottom combined with a soft deck, they offer improved speed and responsiveness while still maintaining stability and confidence in the water.

These boards are perfect for surfers progressing beyond the basics who want to start turning more effectively and generating speed across the wave face.

Best for:

• Beginner to intermediate surfers
• Improving turns and control
• Fun all-round surfing
• UK beach breaks

Typical Sizes:

6’0” – 9’0”

Hardboards – Performance Surfing

Hardboards are designed for surfers seeking greater speed, manoeuvrability, and performance. Built using traditional fibreglass or epoxy construction, they are lighter, more responsive, and capable of sharper turns and faster surfing.

From user-friendly mini mals to high-performance shortboards, hardboards allow surfers to refine technique and progress their surfing further in a wide range of conditions.

Best for:

• Intermediate to advanced surfers
• Faster, steeper waves
• Performance surfing
• Experienced riders

Bodyboards – Fun for Everyone

Bodyboards are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the waves. Suitable for all ages and abilities, they’re lightweight, buoyant, and simple to use, making them perfect for families and casual beach days.

They’re especially good for children and beginners wanting a quick and fun introduction to wave riding.

Best for:

• Families
• Children
• Casual fun
• Smaller surf conditions

Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) – Explore the Coastline

SUPs offer a completely different way to enjoy the coastline, allowing you to cruise across calm water, explore hidden coves, and enjoy incredible views of St Ives Bay from the sea.

Thanks to their large, stable design, SUPs are accessible to beginners while still offering plenty of enjoyment for experienced paddlers.

Best for:

• Calm conditions
• Exploring the coastline
• Fitness and balance
• Relaxed sessions on the water

Which Surfboard Is Right For You?

Surf Hire in St Ives Bay

At Shore Surf School, we offer surf hire from our convenient locations near Gwithian and Godrevy beaches in St Ives Bay, Cornwall.

Whether you’re taking your very first surf lesson, hiring equipment for a family beach day, or chasing clean waves on a performance board, we’ll help match you with the right equipment for the conditions and your ability level.

Our hire range includes:

• Softboards
• Soft top surfboards
• Hardboards
• Bodyboards
• SUPs
• C-Skins wetsuits in 4/3mm and 5/3mm options

Ready to get in the water?