So it's time to purchase your first surfboard after taking a lesson or a surf camp. Here are some things that you should know before spending a small fortune to get that new or used surfboard. First is that the sales staff at your local surf shop may make the best call, even though they do not know what you did in the water. Little new surfers tend to go to their knees before feet. Huh, this poses a problem for proper position on the board, so a slightly longer board than arms length overhead should be used. If you can pop right to your feet you can adjust the length down just a little.