Every surfer knows – surf holidays need one crucial thing – the surfboard.
Maybe you have been out on a few surf trips, and you are thinking of bringing a new board to your next adventure. While you keep a close relationship with the one you currently have, it would not be such a bad idea to look for another one. One that will work for the type of water condition you will ride next.
The options we have in the surfing world may overwhelm and drown you. It shouldn’t. Surely, there is a board for every kind of surfer and every type of wave. Whether you are a progressing ripper or an expert big wave rider, a particular surfboard will get you and inspire you. To find out which one, we’ve prepared everything you need to know about the best surfboards.
Top 15 Best Surfboards Reviewed
There are other factors you need to take into consideration aside from what has been mentioned already. But, let us get into the list of the best surfboards we picked before stepping into that topic.
- Best for Beginners
- Giantex 6′ Surfboard
- Catch Surf Beater
- Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard
- Best for All-day, Everyday Surfing – Softech Eric Geiselman Flash
- Best for Weak Water Conditions – Lib Tech x Lost Freak Flag Bean Bag
- Best For Transitioning from Longboard to Shortboard – Wave Bandit 6’6” Performer (Tri Fin)
- Best for Lady Surfers – Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto
- Best Hybrid Surfboard – South Bay Board Co. Huevo
- Best Foam Surfboard – California Board Company Cal Bear Series Surfboard
- Best Performance Surfboard – BIC Sport Magnum 7′ Surfboard
- Best for Kids – North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard Ocean Beach Foamie
- Best Surfboard Against Delamination – THURSO SURF Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard
- Best Budget – Liquid Shredder 6ft EZ Slider Foamie Soft Surfboard
- Best Shortboard – Lost Quiver Killer
- Best Longboard – Wavestorm 9FT Classic Surfboard
Giantex 6′ Surfboard – Best for Beginners
Specifications:
- Color:
- Red & Blue
- Yellow & Blue
- White & Blue
- Dimension: 72” x 20” x 3”
- Material:
- Deck: EPE (Expanded Polyethylene)
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
- Bottom: PP (polypropylene)
- Unit Weight: 10 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
The affordable surfboard that is best for beginners, groms, and anyone who wants to try out surfing is what Giantex 6′ Surfboard is. This stick features durable top foam and a slick HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) high-speed bottom.
It has a robust and responsive bottom skin that enhances rigidity while maximizing board speed. This board is strategically designed with a free leash and traction pad, which is both comfortable and convenient at the same time.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard showcases detachable fins for easy transport. The package comes with a complete instruction set for you to assemble it with ease. These features, plus the fresh and fashionable appearance, all come at a competitive price that starts at $76.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for first-time surfers who are just getting into surfing | Can’t cope with extended use under the sun |
| Convenient traction pad | |
| Easy to use |
|
Catch Surf Beater – Best for Beginners
Specifications:
- Dimension:
- 48” x 20” x 2.5”
- 54” x 20” x 2.5”
- Material:
- Deck: PE (Polyurethane)
- Core: Dual-composite
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Unit Weight:
- 48” – 8.8 lbs
- 54” – 11 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
Aside from being made famous by internet surf sensation Jamie O’Brien, Catch Surf Beater made its own name by being the ultimate utility surfboard. The hype from when this surfboard first time it came out continues to be relentless until now.
There is no scarcity of vanity for Catch Surf Beater with deck designs that range from groovy 80s inspired patters, full prints, and everything in between.
Fun fact! The name Beater was actually inspired as a way to beat the blackball or the yellow flag raised in Southern California beaches every summer. Beater beats the system by being a surfboard that hides being a surfboard.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for any surfer with a flair for experimentation | May be challenging to learn the basics with experimental shapes |
| Solid and durable materials |
|
| Experimental shapes |
|
Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard – Best for Beginners
Specifications:
- Color:
- Blue-green
- Rasta fade
- Dimension:
- 96” x 22.5” x 3.25”
- Material:
- Deck: PE (Polyurethane)
- Core: Strong EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Unit Weight: 11.5 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 200 lbs
One of the most recognized foam surfboards – Wavestorm Classic Pinline Surfboard is lightweight, soft, and easy to handle. Your best friend as a beginner, this surfboard guarantees to provide you with a secure and enjoyable surfing experience.
It has a traction pad and a set of removable fins, making you free to ride the waves in the wild and not worry too much about standing firmly for the board. It may look big and buoyant, but that is because it is specifically designed to be a board that will stay afloat while effortlessly gliding through waters as you paddle.
The materials used for construction – Elastomer Barrier Skin, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) High Impact Bottom, and Superior Grade EPS Core (Expanded Polystyrene), all contribute to the board being able to take all the beating.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft on chest and feet | Not very maneuverable |
| Buoyant and stable |
|
| Ideal for beginners |
|
Softech Eric Geiselman Flash – Best for All-day, Everyday Surfing
Specifications:
- Color:
- White marble
- Grey marble
- Green marble
- Dimension:
- 5′ – 60” x 20” x 2.6”
- 5’7” – 67” x 20.5” x 2.6”
- 6′ – 72” x 21.25” x 2.6”
- 6’6” – 78” x 21.6” x 2.6”
- Material:
- Deck: Ultralight Double Sided Slick
- Core: 100% Waterproof X-Density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Unit Weight: 11.5 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 190 lbs
One of the hidden gems in surfing – Softech Eric Geiselman Flash is a top-notch surfer motivator. Its soft-top design doesn’t fail to let you feel the board even in the water – something only hard-top surfboards provide. This feature gives surfers a more performance-centric ride.
A performance surfboard with a critical injection of fun, Eric Geiselman Flash is built to withstand the harshest treatment in and out of water. This board instantly became the all-rounder choice for being the shortboard with superb performance.
As with most surfboards from Softech lineup, this stick can go above and beyond with executing turns and tricks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for surfing under the sun all-day | Wax may melt too fast during hot sunny days |
| High quality and aesthetically appealing |
|
| Perfect for traveling since it is light | |
Lib Tech x Lost Freak Flag Bean Bag – Best for Weak Water Conditions
Specifications:
- Color:
- White
- Dimension:
- 5’2” – 62” x 20.5” x 2.35”
- 5’4” – 64” x 21.0” x 2.45”
- 5’6” – 66” x 21.5 “ x 2.5”
- 5’8” – 68” x 22.0” x 2.63”
- 5’10” – 70” x 22.5” x 2.72”
- Material:
- Deck: MBC (Magnesium and Basalt Fibers)
- Core: Nitrogen-cell polyester blank
- Bottom: Bio-matrix resin
- Weight Capacity: up to 190 lbs
Lib Tech x Lost Freak Flag Bean Bag – a radical small wave surfboard that is shaped and designed with the maximum surface area for an enhanced lift, stability, and uninhibited speed even in tiny surf. It has a winged outline that lets surfers easily make tight turns.
The design and shape for this surfboard are not just for aesthetic purposes. But, particularly for the Vee shape bottom – it is designed to make it easy for riders to paddle and catch waves.
This stick raised the bar in surfboard-making with its most robust and eco-friendliest materials. The quad fin box design isn’t there for nothing. Instead, it was built to help generate added speed. Now, that’s all of what you need to have fun even in weak water conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vee shape all the way through | No other colors available |
| Quick rail-to-rail transitions | |
| Double ender |
|
Wave Bandit 6’6” Performer (Tri Fin) – Best For Transitioning from Longboard to Shortboard
Specifications:
- Color:
- Black/White
- Blue/Orange
- Hot pink/Pink
- Turquoise/White
- Neon pink/Turquoise
- Steel blue/Pink
- Turquoise/Purple
- Dimension:
- 78” x 22.0” x 3.125”
- Material:
- Deck: Ultralight Double Sided Slick
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Dual composite core
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Unit Weight: 16 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 200 lbs
One of the most well-rounded shortboard surfboards in the industry, Wave Bandit 6’6″ Performer is what you will need if you are looking at transitioning from longboard to shortboard. This surfboard is also perfect for hunting unique waves and pumping swells.
By providing you with everything you will need to shred with ease, this surfboard, aside from its neon and colorful designs is shaped to give the feeling of riding a high-performance board.
The double maple wood stringers and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core both guarantee its durability and strength. Not only that, these features provide the right amount of flex to let you pump while handling the wildest of water conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The shape helps you launch down the line easily | Doesn’t hold up well in significant overheads |
| Dual composite core for added strength |
|
| Fins included in the package | |
Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto – Best for Lady Surfers
No products found.
Specifications:
- Color:
- White
- Dimension: Customizable. Ranges from 5′ to 7′
- 5′ – 60” x 19” 2.06”
- 6′ – 72” x 20.5” x 2.75”
- 7′ – 84” x 23” x 7.43”
- Material:
- Deck: PE (Polyethylene)
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Unit Weight: 9 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 180 lbs
Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto is a great and easy to ride board, making it the best surfboard for lady surfers. Its painted outline rails with carbon mix up really well with the original black outline.
An EPS surfboard, Hypto Krypto is light and versatile. You can also ride it in small waves. Thanks to its rounded pin tail and hard edge, when the waves pick up in size and get more hollow and suckie, the surfboard can hold still and well. It will also allow you to dig the tail right into the wave.
Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto gives you a five fin option so you can pick from the thruster, quad, tri setup. It really depends where you are at, what surf goals you are trying to achieve, and what waves you will ride are.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Right stiffness necessary for speed | Needs constant waxing |
| Superior construction | |
| Different fin setup |
|
No products found.
South Bay Board Co. Huevo – Best Hybrid Surfboard
Specifications:
- Color:
- Aqua
- Red
- Black
- White
- Dimension:
- 4’10” – 58” x 21” x 2.85”
- Material:
- Deck: wax-free foam soft top deck
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) closed-cell foam core
- Bottom: glassed hard bottom deck
- Volume: 37L
- Weight Capacity: up to 200 lbs
South Bay Board Co.’s Huevo is what skateboarding feels like in the water. This little nugget of a shape will surprise you with a wildly fun ride. 4’10” surfboard may sound too short to enjoy ripping waves, but not this stick. It may be small, but it can deliver quite a punch.
Easily one of the best-valued surfboards, Huevo’s smaller shape is very thick. Its exaggeration of the rounded out nose and squared-off tail preserves the stability you need when you stand up. You will be surprised at how well the paddling ability is, thanks to its ridiculous buoyancy.
Not to mention, Huevo relentlessly manages to roll its way even in the smallest of surfs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Paddles like a longboard | Less responsive than a hard construction surfboard |
| Loose like a skateboard | |
| Fast down the line |
|
California Board Company Cal Bear Series Surfboard – Best Foam Surfboard
Specifications:
- Color:
- Wood
- Dimension:
- 96″ x 23″ x 3.75″
- Material:
- Deck: wax-free foam soft top deck
- Core: 100% waterproof EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 240 lbs
At its length of 8ft, Cal Bear Series is superb at catching waves a breeze and providing added steadiness for beginners, especially those who are trying to learn right balancing. Thanks to its foam core, thick, durable rails, size, and construction.
Its soft foam deck will cushion the fall for first-timers – which is crucial since falls usually discourage beginners from learning how to surf. California Board Company Cal Bear Series Surfboard can’t be written off as just a beginner board.
Both beginners and advanced surfers will love it for the long smooth rides. Plus, the minimal paddling effort helps, especially when the waves are small. The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core with an XPE/IXPE (Cross-linked polyethylene/irradiated cross-linked polyethylene) deck skin aids in grip without wax.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive deck graphic | Too stiff |
| Can carry up to 240 lbs |
|
| Durable and sturdy |
|
BIC Sport Magnum 7′ Surfboard – Best Performance Surfboard
Specifications:
- Color:
- Light blue
- Dimension:
- 96″ x 23″ x 3.75″
- Material:
- Deck: wax-free foam soft top deck
- Core: 100% waterproof EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 240 lbs
BIC Sport’s Magnum series is specially made to assist surfers trying to progress their level of expertise. It offers ease of progression and skill with its unique features.
The shape and design are for maximizing fun and user-friendly performance. These surfboards were tested and tweaked to make sure stability and buoyancy don’t fail. Indeed, it is the ultimate board for learning and progressing.
Reinforced with fiberglass and epoxy resin, they make a reliable and longer-lasting surfboard. More enduring than typical soft tops in the market.
BIC Sport Magnum 7′ Surfboard comes from its line of DURA-TEC constructed surfboards that deliver superior balance, durability, and maneuverability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for all level of expertise | Comes in one design only |
| No need to wax |
|
| Easy to ride |
|
North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard Ocean Beach Foamie – Best for Kids
Specifications:
- Color:
- Blue/Red
- Blue/White
- Dimension:
- 71.7” x 19.7” x 3”
- Material:
- Deck: Durable EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) foam top
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core
- Bottom: PP hard-slick bottom
- Weight: 10.1 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: up to 220 lbs.
Very comfortable to lie upon, North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard Ocean Beach Foamie showcases a super slick bottom with flexible fins. It leaves less chance for injuries when you stumble and fall as you ride due to the board’s spongy foam material.
Similar to a fun board, it has that mini-Mal design that ranges from 7′ to 8′, but in 6′ length. This foamie surfboard is a surfboard that is a bit on the short side for a total beginner but can be considered better for an intermediate, too.
This seamless quality surfboard comes with detachable fins. It is ideal for kids to experience their first ride, fall, and rip. Thruster Surfboard is light and soft but can ride against three or four-foot waves rather comfortably. Perhaps, the board you would want your kid to get started with.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with fins, leash, and a trackpad | Deck material quickly bubbles from heat and sunlight exposure |
| Relatively quick assembly | |
| Great for general use |
|
Thurso Surf Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard – Best Surfboard Against Delamination
Specifications:
- Color:
- White/Light blue
- Dimension:
- 84” x 21.5” x 3.5”
- Material:
- Deck: IXPE (Irradiated cross-linked polyethylene) deck
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core
- Bottom: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Slick Bottom
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: up to 210 lbs.
Stability is vital for the overall performance of a surfboard. This feature is what THURSO SURF Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard takes pride in. One of the best longboards because of its shape and design – it gives the surfer some steadier rides, gliding on waves smoothly and more satisfyingly.
Thurso took durability one notch higher. The team made sure the deck that is made of high-density IXPE is laminated through heat to make sure the board is completely sealed for years. Its foam seal is foolproof and guarantees the enduring quality of the surfboard.
The bottom, just as its deck is heat-laminated, too. Its stiffness comes from the strength of HDPE that has glossy skin, which is also responsible for making it a responsive longboard. Now, that’s Thurso’s secret to help you go faster effortlessly on the water.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbelievably smooth | A little difficult to catch waves |
| Maintains traction | |
| High buoyancy |
|
Liquid Shredder 6ft EZ Slider Foamie – Best for Budget
Specifications:
- Color:
- Blue
- Yellow
- Red
- Dimension:
- 72” x 20″ x 2.5″
- Material:
- Deck: EPE (Expanded Polyethylene)
- Core: EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core
- Bottom: PP hard, slick bottom
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: up to 120 lbs.
Liquid Shredder 6ft EZ Slider Foamie Soft Surfboard is not just ideal for kids and beginners, but anyone needing a surfboard while on a tight budget. It is lightweight and floaty but can carry any surfer that weighs up to 120 lbs.
Constructed with EPS foam blank, crammed with soft EPE, and sandwiched with PP bottom, it resulted in a rigid, hard, fast, and smooth surfboard. The two wooden stringers keep the board stiff making it perform really well in the waters.
EZ Slider Foamie Soft Surfboard, just like most of the surfboards from Liquid Shredder, is hand-shaped and heat laminated. This process guarantees excellent performance that is not present in other foamies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes 90-day non-commercial use warranty | Too many reports of damage during shipping |
| Striking designs makes the board stand out |
|
| Ideal for kids and advanced surfers |
|
Lost Quiver Killer – Best Shortboard
Specifications:
- Color:
- White
- Dimension: customizable from 5’2” to 6’8”
- 5’2” – 62” x 18.13” x 2.13”
- 6’2” – 74” x 20.75” x 2.63”
- Material:
- Core: PU (Polyurethane)
- Weight: depends on the surfboard size
- Weight Capacity: up to 200 lbs.
Quiver Killer is Lost’s follow up with their massively successful Short Round surfboard. It has been produced to satisfy surfers who adore Short Round but wants an added performance to manage quality waves better.
The length of this surfboard was reduced to about two inches. Its nose to tail rocker was enhanced, but with the nose tucked in a little, making the tail changed to a forgiving shape. Like most surfboards, the less rail underwater increases speed and allows for fitting into the most critical sections of the wave.
The best thing is, Quiver Killer can be customized so that you can choose your exact dimensions, fin setup, and fin system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Paddles easily with tons of run down the line | Too big for the volume |
| Performance tweaked |
|
| Smooth and lively | |
Wavestorm 9ft Classic Surfboard – Best Longboard
Specifications:
- Color:
- Blue/White
- Dimension:
- 108” x 24” x 3.5”
- Material:
- Deck: Patented GFT™
- Core: Strong EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
- Bottom: HDPE slick bottom
- Weight: 16.4 lbs
- Weight Capacity: up to 200 lbs.
One of the most recognized names in the surfboard industry, Wavestorm has, if not the best longboard surfboard in the market. Their 9FT Classic Surfboard is lightweight, soft, and easy to handle. Absolutely one of the most durable at a price that won’t break your bank.
Wavestorm truly utilized its extensive manufacturing expertise in producing this longboard surfboard. This big and buoyant surfboard is designed to let you easily stay afloat and transition to smooth gliding through the waters as you paddle.
Every stroke you do with this surfboard allows you to feel yourself coast above the water, unlike other surfboards that simply drag through the water.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft on chest and feet | Fragile in heavy surfing |
| Less waxing required | |
| Buoyant and stable |
|
What Level Surfer Are You
The first step in finding out the best surfboard is to realize your surfing skills. What do you focus on as a surfer? As with most sports, practice makes perfect. In surfing, progression takes time. Therefore, the more you surf, the faster you’ll go forward.
It may be true what they say that you don’t need months to become a good surfer. Surfing is about your passion for riding the waves. The kind that wakes you up in the morning, excited to catch that first wave of the day.
In time, your skills will progress, making you more comfortable in a wide range of ocean conditions. There are levels of experience in surfing – with gray areas in between. Let’s find out where you are at.
First-Time Surfer
The first stage of surfing. At this point, the person knows nada or at least a little about waves and boards. It could probably even be his first time to touch a piece of surfing equipment. Perhaps, his first time trying a wetsuit on.
For a first-timer, the idea of the best waves means the biggest and meanest. This thought applies even when they have no clue where to put the fins to the surfboard. A first-timer might have never laid on a surfboard and doesn’t know how to kick it on the waters.
Also, he may have never heard of surf etiquette.
Beginner Surfer
The beginner is that who just had his first surf lessons and is now ready to contact the waters. He is now equipped with the fundamentals of the sport and has tried paddling at least once or twice. After a few stumbles and falls, he becomes better at balancing on the board whole, catching some whitewater waves.
Intermediate Surfer
Once a rider knows how to angle the board and take off smoothly on a shoulder-high wave, then it is official – he’s advanced to intermediate level. Critical maneuvers like bottom-turn and cutback define an intermediate surfer.
The difference between an intermediate surfer and an average surfer is that the later knows how to duck dive, maintain a straight surf line and bail out without hurting himself. An intermediate surfer knows better. He reads a surf report and plans the session ahead.
Advanced Surfer
The advanced surfer chooses the best waves before paddling for them. He calculates how much speed, how he’ll go up and down the roller, and how he’ll manage the weight transitions from rail to rail before standing up against the wave.
Anyone who rides at this level becomes a top-to-bottom surfer – one who is in-sync with the wave’s curl and pocket zones with wisely balanced speed, power, and flow. He can perform stunts like floaters, off-the-lips, roundhouse cutbacks, close-out re-entries, and get barreled in medium surf conditions.
The advanced surfer is a rider who knows his gear very well and recognizes when to adapt his equipment according to the ocean conditions.
Pro Surfer
The Pro Surfer level of surfing has the rider feel comfortable in all types of waves and all water conditions. He has a bag that is complete of all the tricks that this sport has to offer. A surfer at this level reads the wave and executes appropriate aerial maneuvers.
While inside the barrel, he knows very well how to stall to make the most of the tube time. Additionally, he rarely wipes out in perfect waist-high waves.
Pro surfers are always at the right place and at the right time. They are excellent at anticipating how the wave is going to behave and just how their body movements should react down to subtle hip and weight shifts.
Your Surfboard Based on Your Surf Aspirations
Now that you have an idea where your level of expertise falls under, the next step in choosing the best surfboard is to realize different factors – the types of waves you want to ride, your local surf community, and your primary mode of transportation.
Types of Waves
Ask yourself what type of waves you are looking to ride. Is this wave something you have access to? Whether you are at a bay break near you or some surf spots, take time to look at the local surfers and check out their style of surfing and the surfboards they use.
Be observant with the types of surfboards the surfers use as this will say a lot about the kind of wave the ocean has. If you see more longboards and SUPs (Stand Up Paddles), you are facing long and mellow waves. If there are more shortboards, then it means the waves can be fast and powerful.
Transportation
Surfing is a mobile sport. You are lucky if you live near a surf spot that is active frequently. You can walk and carry your surfboard. However, not a lot of surfing enthusiasts are lucky enough to have that kind of living.
Some, if not most, will have to drive, fly, or ride a train or bus to get to the ocean. This situation is why considering your mode of transportation is essential when choosing your next surfboard.
Big, bulky, and heavy surfboards can be sore to drag around. Think about carrying an expensive fiberglass surfboard while getting into an airport baggage machine. It can be painful to think about baggage handlers or even roof board straps going against your prized fiberglass.
Size and Fitness
Your height and weight play a factor in getting the best surfboard. Thus, you should visit the board shop, speak with their employees, and personally see and feel the surfboard yourself. The starting point for getting the right surfboard for you is your size. Meaning, the bigger you are, the bigger your board should be.
Otherwise, you may check out surfboard volume calculators online. These calculators will give you a clue of your recommended board dimensions according to your height, weight, and level of expertise.
You will also have to tap into your fitness level. As a rule, the fitter you are, the more effort you will have to put in pushing your board size. Having little arm and shoulder makes paddling more challenging. Therefore, you should go for a board with more volume.
Surf Goals
What do you aspire to ride? Are you looking at ripping big turns like the pros? Do you want to style out and hang five off of the nose? For the most part, surfers are usually either shortboarders or longboarders. While a lot of these two groups may try their hands in both, they still tend to sit in one camp or the other.
The reason for this is the movements, maneuvers, and techniques that are executed differently. Surfing is a sport that will take you a long time to improve, thus focusing on one is more likely to yield great rewards.
Contemplate whether you want to be a longboarder or shortboarder. Then, decide which board you are getting. The items aforementioned: types of waves, transportation, size and fitness, and surf goals should profoundly influence your decision.
Types of Surfboards
Now that you know just how good you can ride the waters, the next step to realizing the best surfboard to get yourself is to understand the types of boards. The essential information is that they come in different shapes and sizes. But, every shape and every size serves its purpose, which is going to be discussed in this section.
Foamies and Softboards
As the name suggests, they are made of foam and are usually seen being used by beginners and learners in surf schools. Its large volume helps in easy catching of waves. The foam material keeps the learner safe from accidents and collisions.
Shortboards
These sticks are those that run shorter than 6’4”. They have low volume and are typically used for performance surfing. Shortboards are the type that is appropriate for advanced riders to use. Its short length and low volume will leave it challenging for a beginner to catch a wave, maintain balance, and to improve. Definitely not for beginners.
Longboards
Opposite of shortboards are longboards. They run at 8′ to 9′ and are excellent choices for intermediate surfers. These boards are easy to paddle and stand up on. Its length helps in giving the surfer lots of options for maneuvers and style.
Such maneuvers include cross stepping, walking up and down the board, hanging five – or ten, toes off the nose or sometimes even daring headstands.
Fish
Fish surfboards are literally like what they are named after – Fish! They are denser and broader than shortboards, giving them a hearty volume. Fish surfboards are usually shorter than longboards, running at 7′ or less.
Egg
The egg is your option if you are choosing between a shortboard and a longboard. The whole board may not look like an egg, but its nose does. Its length runs anywhere between 6’6” to 8’5”. They are thicker and broader than a shortboard and have enhanced rounded rails.
All these features make for more volume and buoyancy. Most surfers describe egg as the short longboard.
Malibu, Mini-Malibu, and Funboards
Malibu was California Coast’s surfing epicenter back in the day, so it is no surprise that one type of surfboard is named after it. Malibu is a longboard in general shape. However, they are, to some extent, fine-tuned to encourage flashy riding style. Compared to the classic longboard, they are shorter and narrower.
Gun
Gun surfboards are extensive and narrow. They are purposely designed for quite big waves. Since they are cramped, they can be unstable and unforgiving. Guns are built for speed and are not recommended for beginners, neither for intermediate surfers.
Factors in Picking The Best Surfboard
Picking the right surfboard also needs you to consider factors that will make your surfboard match your expertise, your physique, and your surf goals. All of these should go together very well. Even when the board is claimed to be the best, if it doesn’t match these factors, it won’t work for you.
Length
6’8” to 8′ surfboards are recommended for beginners. As you progress with your skills, try to keep it at about a foot and a half taller than you.
Width
The wider the board is, the better – that’s what most say. This rule is especially true, since the more extensive the surfboard, the more stable it becomes. Plus, it gives you more room to ride and stand. The width should be anywhere from 20” to 22” across. You should also be able to lift or fit it underneath your arm.
Thickness
The thickness of the board says a lot about its buoyancy. The more buoyant it is, the easier it will be to paddle. Keep it at 2.25” to 3” depending on your body weight.
Board Construction
- Rocker – the surfboard can have more or less rocker in both its nose and tail. It plays a massive role in the speed and maneuverability of the surfboard. Less rocker takes off faster and maintains speed through sections by with limited pocket turning. More rocker is more maneuverable and versatile.
- Rail Design – has three categories: full rails, hard rails, or soft rails. Full rails mean flatter deck, so they float better. Hard rails, on the other hand, give better drive for riders that depend on their back foot. Lastly, soft rails are generally more responsive with twists and turns.
Tail Design
- Squashtail – This design is best for all-around surfboards that are used daily irrespective of water conditions.
- Roundtail – best for riders that crave for the smoothest turning power.
- Thumbtail – is the broader version of a roundtail. They make the surfboard release better in the pocket.
- Swallowtail – generally gives the tightest exit and turning arc. They pivot easily and switch directions quickly
- Diamond tail – lets the surfboard turn as if they are an inch shorter than their real length.
- Pintail – doesn’t offer nearly as much flexibility, but they can surely maximize drive for straight-line surfing.
Fin Design
The right size and fin setup will depend on your size. Generally, bigger surfers need larger fins, and smaller surfers may go for smaller fins. But, take note that fins can offer more or less rake and maybe thinner or broader at the tip.
Final Words
As with most outdoor sport, surfing is one that can be extremely addictive and therapeutic at the same time. However, for anyone who can’t make the proper board selection, this game can quickly become frustrating.
The type of surfboard you use affects the quality of the surf. And so does a lot of variables, like swell height, direction, wind speed, and direction. Getting the right surfboard for an assortment of water conditions will keep you prepared for a great surfing session every time you are out for a ride.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can you learn surfing all by yourself?
A: Surfing lessons are expensive. This is probably the reason that this question arose. Yes. It is possible to teach yourself how to surf. However, it is more feasible to have someone with sufficient knowledge to guide you. With an instructor’s assistance, you may learn how to surf quicker and with fewer injuries.
Q: Why are surfboards expensive?
A: Surfboards have increasingly become expensive, and this is due to the way production has improved and developed. In the beginning, surfboards were made out of wood, and they were made to last. The cost was low since wood is affordable. However, the assembly of wood surfboards took more time.
More surfboard-making-friendly materials started to come around like SourcePolyurethane and fiberglass. Manufacturers began to incorporate the use of them because of their weight as well as their faster assembly time.
Related Resources
Torsten Bird is a talented and adventurous waterman from Western Australia, passionate about surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hydrofoiling, skimboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. Torsten has spent countless hours mastering his skills and his dream is to one day represent Australia as an Olympic athlete. Follow Torsten’s adventures on Instagram.
