Which wood is better for shaping my first surfboard balsa or bamboo?

Balsa wood is generally better for shaping your first surfboard due to its lightweight and ease of manipulation, making it ideal for beginners. It has a good strength-to-weight ratio and can be shaped easily with basic tools. Bamboo, while strong and durable, is more challenging to work with and requires more advanced skills for shaping. If you're just starting out, balsa is the more user-friendly option.