As you progress into your surfing expertise, you will transition from longboards to beginner soft tops, and eventually, a 6ft surfboard. This size is more inclined to perform tricks and stunts. However, finding the right 6ft surfboard may be difficult.
The 6ft surfboards are solid performers in the ocean. It doesn’t matter what range of conditions are there. These sticks still offer reliable performance characteristics that beginner to intermediate riders can enjoy.
We reviewed five of the best 6ft surfboards to help narrow down your search for your transition surfboard. These reviews, including other helpful topics, should ready you with shopping for your 6ft surfboard.
- Who Should Ride a 6ft Surfboard?
- Tips for picking the right surfboard
Table of Contents
Who Should Ride a 6ft Surfboard?
Any rider who feels like they’ve progressed one level higher in their surfing skills is ready to take on a 6ft surfboard. These are the riders who are prepared for a change and are looking for a surfboard to transition to after riding a longboard or funboard.
6ft surfboards are what you may consider true shortboards. They’re with less foam, so there is less volume. This volume makes it not easy for anyone to ride it. It isn’t as buoyant as a longboard and is, at most times, difficult to paddle.
With such caveats, 6ft surfboards remain an excellent option for many surfers, particularly for anyone whose skills are between intermediate and advanced levels. 6ft surfboards are the perfect size to maneuver on the wave face and sit in the wave’s pocket, combined with the stability of longer boards.
6ft surfboards are also perfect for smaller surfers. These sticks offer enough floatation for surfers within the 50 lbs to 180 lbs weight range. 6ft boards may be uncomfortable for anyone taller than 6ft to balance.
Top 5 Best 6ft Surfboards Reviewed
When you are ready to ride a range of conditions with a versatile surfboard, you are prepared to ride a 6ft surfboard. Picking the best 6ft surfboard can be a challenge. To help you not make a mistake, we picked five of the best 6ft surfboards that can hopefully narrow down your search.
- Giantex 6′ Surfboard – Best Overall
- South Bay Board Co. 6′ Surfboard – Best Hybrid Surfboard
- Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 6′ – Best for Grom
- California Board Company 6’2” Fish Surfboard – Best Value
- BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard – Best High-End
1. Giantex 6′ Surfboard – Best Overall
- Dimensions: 6’ x 20” x 3”
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Max Capacity: 200 lbs
- Material: EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) Deck, EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Core, PP (PolyPro) Bottom
One of the most popular choices among surfers who want to experience Stoke for the first time is the Giantex 6’ Surfboard, This 6ft surfboard is perfect for groms and beginners looking to catch their first waves on the beach.
This stick packs in enough volume to make it significantly more buoyant than the other surfboards of the same size. The volume it offers is perfect for beginners since it will be better at floating. Even if the rider weighs around 190 lbs, this stick won’t sink and buoy up nicely.
Soft tops like the Giantex 6’ Surfboard may feel slow and sludgy. This is because these boards are generally used to learn. And, while learning, you won’t need the speed-inducing features of more advanced boards.
This 6ft surfboard is as durable as any soft-top board can get. It is constructed out of high-quality HDPE and a slip PP bottom. This construction guarantees it will last you a long time as long as you remember to surf with care guidelines in mind.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slick HDPE bottom for better performance in the water | Length may be too short for some beginners |
| Reduces the risk of surf-related injuries | |
| It comes complete with leash and thruster fins | |
2. South Bay Board Co. 6′ Surfboard – Best Hybrid Surfboard
- Dimensions: 6’ x 22” x 2.75”
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Max Capacity: up to 200 lbs
- Material: EPS closed-cell foam core, 1 I-Beam Wooden Full-Length Stringer + Wooden body armor shell, with rugged Epoxy Bottom Deck
Most would say that the South Bay Board Co. 6’ Surfboard is a cheater board. This might be because it floats so well and paddles as if Poseidon himself is inducing your every move. Paddle power is excellent for this all-around surfboard.
It establishes force and execution to make it a savage and fierce surfboard you can ride. South Bay Board Co.’s formula for progress is well integrated into this surfboard. That and the customary fishtail allows you to pull off more excellent turns as you fly down the line, even without having enough shortboard riding experience.
This 6ft surfboard displays a solitary curve down its base, ideal for just about any ride, including modest and slowest days. It is one user-friendly surfboard with many options to help any beginner ride waves.
You will love how this surfboard has an easy-to-use handle for easy handling and transport. It is so convenient that you can be ready to paddle out in minutes once you are along the waterlines. In addition, this 6ft surfboard comes with fins that are easy to install and safe to use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth and fast through the water | Too buoyant for heavy riders |
| Rounded thruster noses | |
| Rugged rails for quick and clean transitions | |
3. Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 6′ – Best for Grom
- Dimensions: 6’ x 20” x 2.50”
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Max Capacity: up to 120 lbs
- Material: EPS core with a PP hard, slick, fast bottom
Liquid Shredder commits to competitive surfboards just as their riders commit to upping up their game in surfing. The Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 6’ allows for easy catching of waves with its narrow profile built for easy paddling.
This highly maneuverable 6ft surfboard is perfect for groms and beginners as they are specially designed for kids. Ideal for novice riders weighing up to 95 lbs who have a bit more experience out on the water and can ride with stability.
One important detail about this surfboard is it can only hold up to 120 lbs. So be sure to check your weight first before deciding on this surfboard. Its weight capacity doesn’t affect the board negatively. In fact, it remains very stable thanks to its high-quality materials.
The EZ-Slider is constructed with EPS foam blank for the core with a soft yet firm expanded polyethylene deck with a white polypropylene slick bottom for added speed. This construction makes this surfboard seriously fast and rigid.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Striking designs makes the board stand out | Limited weight capacity at 120 lbs |
| Best for kids and groms | |
| It comes with a 90-day non-commercial use warranty | |
4. California Board Company 6’2” Fish Surfboard – Best Value
- Dimensions: 6’2” x 22” x 3”
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Max Capacity: up to 175 lbs
- Material: High-Density Durable IXPE/XPE Deck with wood stringers and High-Density Polyethylene Slick Bottom
The 6’2” Fish from California Board Company is their version of foam surfboard treated with some brilliant updates. This 6ft surfboard is now fitted with a super-grippy EVA tail paid for the extra grip where you require it.
Well-known for their cheap but efficient surfboards, CBC offers this 6ft surfboard as an incredibly versatile stick that would pass as the ideal first surfboard for youngsters looking for a well-made and stable platform to learn on and progress.
Unlike other soft top surfboards, this 6ft from CBC has a well-designed shape that will let you perform while you improve. This saves you from getting another surfboard to transition to once you learned how to pop up and balance.
With its construction, you are guaranteed a sturdy surfboard – heat laminated high density 100% waterproof EPS core with three multi-layered laminated wood stringers. These are more than enough to keep the board stiff and repel warping.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specially made for smaller riders | It does not glide super easily due to the glue on the bottom |
| Best in bigger waves | |
| It can be ridden as a twin fin or a thruster | |
5. BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard – Best High-End
- Dimensions: 6’6” x 19” x 2.75
- Weight: 10.6 lbs
- Max Capacity: up to 130 lbs
- Material: 2x Wooden Stringers sandwiched in EPS foam core
If you are looking for a user-friendly but well-performing and non-limiting surfboard, the BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard is what you need. This 6’6’ surfboard is perfect in terms of further development as you progress with your skills.
Designed for kids and shorter-than-average surfers, this surfboard is fun to take out and shred weak summer waves with. All the qualities you need for your first shortboard are what this stick offers – glide, speed, and volume for easy take-offs. All-in-one stick that’s constructed with comfort in mind.
BIC Sport’s Paint series offers unique features designed to maximize fun and user-friendly performance for first-timers. Every surfboard from this series has been tested and tweaked for stability and performance. Each one is made ultimately with precision molds to guarantee consistency and quality.
BIC Sport reinforced fiberglass and epoxy resin for this line of surfboards. This is to make sure they are solid and longer-lasting than most soft tops in the market. It boasts properly designed rocker profiles and performance soft fins to make every ride enjoyable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for take-offs and turns | More expensive than most beginner boards |
| Lightweight but durable | |
| Soft non-slip deck | |
Tips for Picking The Right Surfboards
Shopping for surfboards isn’t as simple as it seems. You need to figure out some factors for yourself that will apply to you. Some of the most valuable tips are listed below to help you sort out what surfboard you need.
Your friend may not always be correct.
Sure, he grew up surfing, and he’s got a few tricks he learned with his surfboard. Please don’t listen to him when he recommends the same surfboard he’s using. There is a huge difference in learning how to surf as an adult compared to growing up doing this water activity.
Get a board that is just right for your body physique.
The rule is, the heavier you are, the bigger the board you should get. For instance, if you are a 6’0 185-lb male, you may need to get yourself a more oversized surfboard for buoyancy and maneuverability purposes.
Pick the right board according to your ability.
It may be tempting to get the latest surfboard from a famous brand. But, are you prepared enough to ride it? Is your skill level appropriate for the size and the make of the board? Take your time with the surfboard you are currently riding and have fun while you learn. Soon enough, you will be riding the surfboard you have been eyeing on.
Aside from these tips, there are also factors you need to consider in getting the best 6ft surfboard.
- Price – Stick to your budget and do not overspend.
- Build and construction – Research traditional PU, Epoxy, and Carbon Fiber and decide which fits your surfing lifestyle.
- Volume – Be practical and realistic. Are you in all goodness sure that your wafer-thin surfboard can take a heavy wave?
- Brand – Read about a brand and find out its reputation over the things you are buying from them.
- Availability – Is this board readily available? Can it be bought online? How much are you willing to spend on delivery fees?
- Fin system – What fins are you used to riding? Are you considering switching to Futures?
Conclusion
A lot of buyers buy 6ft surfboards way before they are even capable of riding them. As a result, you may see them surfing in awkward stances, unable to manage speed, struggling to paddle, and not being able to make the drop.
If you are 100% sure you are ready for a 6ft surfboard, then good for you. Hopefully, the list we prepared is enough to guide you in your 6ft surfboard shopping. Otherwise, we would suggest you practice some more with the surfboard you are currently riding.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is a 6ft surfboard suitable for beginners?
A: Ideally, a beginner should start with a longboard to prepare the maximum progression in the shortest amount of time. 6ft surfboards are usually for experienced surfers or those who are transitioning from longboards to funboards.
Q: How thick should a surfboard be?
A: There is no standard thickness imposed on surfboards. But, the general rule is, the thicker the surfboard is, the more effortless it is to paddle. And, the quicker you swim, the more waves you will be able to ride. This is why most professionals recommend beginners go for the thicker surfboards to get used to paddling and not sinking.
Q: Does the length of the surfboard affect how stable it is?
A: Yes. Shortboards are easier to maneuver because they create less water resistance. But, they do not provide the most stability. As a result, they are best for riding small-scale waves only. On the other hand, Longer boards hold a longer waterline that results in keeping your balance in check for longer. The extra surface of the surfboard plays a significant role in making it less shaky when speeding up in pursuit of a wave.
Related Resources
- Best 7ft Surfboards
- Best 8ft Surfboards
- Best 9ft Surfboards
- Best Funboard Surfboards
- Best Surfboard Brands
G’day, my name is Luke and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former xxx athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of xxx’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home,xxx. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely xxx and am also a regular xxx.
