Firstly, we recommend choosing a board that you love aesthetically. Sporting does not mean giving up on its beauty. Generally, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. We generally recommend the 10'6" as a starter size for beginner level paddlers. The 10'6" is our smallest size board, it is easy to control, maneuver, but is not as fast as our longer boards. Our longest board at 11'6" is recommended for people who are generally taller or heavier in stature. You will find balancing on this longer board easier, but will be a little more difficult to make sharper turns.