If you have graduated from catching whitewater to catching unbroken waves out at the lineup, learned how to time when to paddle out, or learned where the takeoff spot is at your favorite wave, you’re ready for a 7ft surfboard.
Still a beginner but ready to take surfing to the next level – this stage lets you ride an even more comprehensive range of surfboards than longboards that includes mid-length surfboards.
During this progression, a 7ft surfboard can help you achieve the full-bodied aspects of your longboard but with the more agile characteristics of a funboard. This article gives you a list of the best 7ft surfboards and other things you need to know, including:
- Who should be using a 7ft surfboard
- Tips for buying a surfboard
Table of Contents
Who Should Be Using A 7ft Surfboard?
Longboards are ideal for all surfers, but they can be too big for beginner and intermediate riders, making a 7ft surfboard an excellent option. A 7ft surfboard gives these riders all the same benefits without all the volume.
Specifically, a 7ft surfboard is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers around the height of 5’6 inches. The size of the board is just enough to carry to the beach and keep control while in the water. Moreover, a shorter board is a lighter board, so it isn’t too heavy to carry, too.
In addition, 7ft surfboards are also perfect for kids to learn on. Kids sized from 5’ to 5’6 of average size or up to 12 years old. 7ft surfboards won’t be too big nor too heavy for them to paddle and control in the waters.
Top 5 Best 7ft Surfboards Reviewed
Mid-length surfboards allow you to experience the speed and agility of a shortboard without sacrificing the stability of a longboard. It is one of the favorite surfboard sizes for riders who want to learn and, at the same time, build surfing muscles and skills.
Finding the right 7ft surfboard can be a challenge with the many options in the market. But, we wanted to spare you of such a daunting task and did the reviews to narrow down your search.
- Wavestorm 7ft Classic Pinline Surfboard
- South Bay Board Co. Ruccus 7
- THURSO SURF Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard
- BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard
- Liquid Shredder FSE 7
1. Wavestorm 7ft Classic Pinline Surfboard
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7’ x 22” x 3”
- Weight: 10.2 lbs
- Total volume: 70 L
- Bolt through board components and fin system
- Strong EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core with 3 x marine-ply stringers
The Wavestorm 7ft Pinline is still the board to beat for entry-level foam surfboards. This surfboard is quite popular among accredited surf schools worldwide and has been tagged the most popular learn-to-surf surfboard among all its competitors.
One of the best-selling and most recognizable surfboards out there, many beginners venture out their first sessions on these surfboards. The Pinline Surfboard is ideal for kids but is also perfect for beginner and intermediate adults.
With a soft and grippy foam top, this buoyant stick lets you keep your balance as you pop up on the first wave on your way. They are easy to stand up on and decrease your chances of getting frustrated because of falling.
Every purchase comes with everything you need, from a leash, set of fins, and traction pads. Moreover, it is one of the least costly surfboards on this list. Overall, the Wavestorm Pinline Surfboard is a safe, easy, affordable, and perfect surfboard for a beginner.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable, buoyant, and stable | Fragile in big and heavy waves |
| No waxing required | |
| Ideal for beginners | |
2. South Bay Board Co. Ruccus 7’
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7’ x 22” x 2.85”
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Total volume: 49 L
- Bolt through board components and fin system
- Compressed Finger Print Textured IXPE Foam Deck, Slick HDPE (High-Density Poly Ethylene) bottom
The Ruccus 7’ Surfboard from South Bay Board Co is another popular board for fun surfing. Its design is focused on high performance and durability, making it perfect for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders.
While longboards offer more excellent stability and buoyancy, they can be heavy and substantially cumbersome for beginners and younger riders. These characteristics make them less appealing and more challenging.
On the contrary, the Ruccus 7’offers a nice balance between weight, performance, stability, and maneuverability. These features make this surfboard ideal for smaller, younger, and less experienced surfers.
The Ruccus 7’ is constructed with an EPS closed cell form molded into shape. Two wooden stringers run the entire length of the surfboard, accompanied by a thick centerboard fiberglass rod. Its inner core, topped with bamboo layers, is overlayed with resin layers for all the strength needed.
South Bay Board Co. Surfboards Review
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Custom wax-free fingerprint textured IPXE (crosslinked polyethylene foam) | Some users reported fins popping out |
| Heat-release valve to reduce heat | |
| Superior build quality | |
3. THURSO SURF Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7’ x 22” x 2.85”
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Total volume: 70 L
- Thruster fin system
- High-Density EPS Core, Slick HDPE Bottom
The THURSO SURF Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard features High-Density EPS Core, commonly found in high-quality surfboards. It is strong, stiff, and tough for long surfing sessions while exceptionally buoyant because of its weight and waterproof properties.
Its egg shape design adds to its stability which is ideal for beginners. The soft foam top surfboard contributes to the safety for those little falls that happen to everyone, from beginners to advanced surfers. Now, that’s making wipeouts fun.
The Aero 7 Soft Top is just the right surfboard for beginner surfers who are just getting on their feet. It is also ideal for anyone who needs a functional but affordable surfboard that lets them play even on mushy days.
This 7ft surfboard has safety prioritized in its design. You will notice this with the traction pads strategically positioned in the right places. Now, you won’t have to worry about staying steady on the deck no matter how quick or slow you surf.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally smooth | Difficult to catch waves |
| Maintains traction | |
| Highly buoyant | |
4. BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7’ x 22” x 3.5”
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Total volume: 61 L
- Thruster fin system
- Internal Twin Reinforced Composite stringers
The BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard is another excellent board from one of the leading names in beginner surfboards. It comes with very durable construction and materials and a shape that is perfect for a beginner learning to ride waves.
The round nose and squash tail it is shaped with gives good balance and easy maneuverability for young surfers and advanced riders. You can take this surfboard for a whole day of surfing, and it will take the beating.
Its watertight foam top won’t waterlog. Moreover, its foam top is waterproof. Therefore it doesn’t waterlog. The HDPE bottom is smooth and resistant to scratches and punctures even when hit or dropped against rocks.
Overall, the BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard is an excellent 7ft surfboard for beginners and surfers looking for a dependable and durable board for summer surf.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can take knocks and drops | More expensive than most brands |
| Durable and lightweight | |
| Reinforced stringers | |
5. Liquid Shredder FSE 7’
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7’ x 20” x 2.75”
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Total volume: 65 L
- Tri-fin Thruster fin system
- Strong EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core with dual wooden stringers
Another 7ft surfboard popular among surf schools is the Liquid Shredder FSE 7’. It is soft, fast, stable, and cost-effective, making it the best value buy surfboard.
This 7ft surfboard features a vivid EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) soft foam top deck with an anti-slip texture and comfortable feel. The bottom is constructed from slick, hard PP (Polypropylene) for extra strength, rigidity, and speed.
The construction of this 7ft surfboard allows for it to glide smoothly across the waves. Moreover, the EPE soft top deck lets the rider experience less painful falls than they usually have with other surfboards. Its fin system enables the rider to turn and maneuver effortlessly.
Overall, this no-wax surfboard is a beginner board that can pick up a lot of speed while letting you quickly paddle out and catch waves.
Liquid Shredder Surfboards Review
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| EZ-Seal rubber fin system aids resistance to water absorption | No leash included |
| EPE soft top deck for forgiving landing | |
| Glides smoothly with its PP slick bottom | |
Tips For Buying a Surfboard
Buying a surfboard gets you considering many things – size, shape, construction, volume, and a lot more. These things make it more confusing, if not complicated, to pick just one. The decision becomes even more burdensome when you have one person telling you one thing and another saying it differently.
Here are a few tips to help you sort it out.
Ditch your friend’s advice.
Not every surfer is the same, so what’s working for him may not work for you.
Pick a surfboard appropriate for your height, weight, and skill level.
Refer to this chart for guidance.
| Size | ||
| 99 to 138 lbs | Beginner | 7’2” – 7’4” |
| Intermediate | 7’0” – 7’2” | |
| 138 to 158 lbs | Beginner | 7’4” – 7’6” |
| Intermediate | 7’2” – 7’4” | |
| 158 to 178 lbs | Beginner | 7’6” – 7’8” |
| Intermediate | 7’6” | |
| 178 to 198 lbs | Beginner | 7’8” |
| Intermediate | 7’7” | |
| 198 lbs and above | Beginner | 7’8” |
| Intermediate | 7’8” |
The size of the surfboard, when put against the height and weight of the rider, affects buoyancy and maneuverability. It is always good to follow the shaper for recommended dimensions according to your body physique, especially if you are still in the getting-to-know-the ropes phase.
Do not give in to the deck design.
The deck’s design does not matter when you ride. Neither the other surfer nor yourself will bother looking at it when you are out in the water. Even more so, the cool design will soon fade before you know it.
Pay attention to the make of the board.
The exterior details matter, but not as much as what’s inside. Always be aware of what the board is made of from the materials used to construction. Composite epoxy resin surfboards are usually the most popular choice for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Conclusion
The surfboard you ride should adapt to how you progress with your surfing skills. If you’ve started to grasp some of the fundamentals of surfing and are looking at stepping into the next step, a 7ft surfboard is your ideal stick.
The 7ft surfboards let you explore maneuvering and controlling, allowing you to transition easily to shorter and more responsive surfboards. With the choices we laid down for you, you’re on your way to pumping down the line and surfing from top to bottom.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How long should the leash be for a 7ft surfboard?
A: There is no general size for a 7ft surfboard’s leash. However, the rule of thumb is to have the leash at least the same length as the surfboard. So in a 7ft surfboard’s case, the leash should be 7ft, too.
Q: Do fins matter for beginners?
A: Fins matter for beginners but not as much as for advanced surfers. Fins help the board stay stable in the water. It also tracks on the wave while you start to maneuver.
Q: Is a 7ft surfboard suitable for beginners?
A: Ideally, 8ft to 9ft surfboards are recommended for beginners. But, there are instances when a 7ft surfboard is appropriate for beginners. These are when (1) the rider is athletic and highly skilled at other board sports like wakeboarding or snowboarding, or (2) if the rider is in teens, full of energy, and is looking to work on a shortboard as soon as possible.
Related Resources
- Best Single Fin Surfboards
- Best 8ft Surfboards
- Best Foil Surfboards
- Best Mid-Length Surfboards
- Best Surfboards For Every Surfer
Luke is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has inspired him to create a community where like-minded individuals can come together to celebrate their shared passion.
