Top 11 Best Surfboard Brands
In Naima Green’s, An Insider’s Guide to Surfing, published in 2014, Green said, “One of the greatest things about the sport of surfing is that you need only three things: your body, a wave, and a surfboard.” Two out of the three elements mentioned are a given. The third is the one that you should pick sensibly. It is the connection between the first two elements. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for the best surfboard brand for that superior surfing experience. From longboards to shortboards, fish to fun-size, groveler to the glider, the list goes on for the different kinds of surfboards. Each has its differentiation in every detail – shape, outline, fin system. Manufacturers engineered that to get surfers that effect of ultimate feels during rides. Don’t get too overwhelmed with all the surfboard brands out in the market. As with most things, just because a brand is used by someone popular doesn’t mean they’re the right one for you. The coolest part about finding the best surfboard brand is that among the many you will see, there will be that one stick that just resonates with you. As if calling your name and telling you to “Buy me!” You must’ve typed in your search box as you’ve asked yourself, “What is the best surfboard brand?” The surfing gods must have been watching you and sent you over here to the right place! We’ve listed down the top-of-the-line brands that specialize in the surfboarding industry, companies that mastered products like materials for the surfboard and even related apparel. Read on and you just might find the right brand for you! The Best Surfboard Brands in the Market Today South Bay Board Company Chilli Surfboards FireWire Surfboards Channel Islands Surfboards Lost Surfboards JS Industries Haydenshapes Surfboards Wavestorm BIC Sport California Board Company Liquid Shredder #1. South Bay Board Company Based out of the South Bay in Los Angeles, California, South Bay Board Co. is a soft-top surfboard company that specializes in beginner surfboards, hybrid surfboards, SUP boards, and a wide range of beach accessories. They are one of the best surfboard brands for beginners, mainly because of their hybrid collection. This collection includes entry-level soft top surfboards, hybrid soft top surfboards, and paddleboards. Their hybrid soft top surfboards are the go-to boards for advanced riders in smaller waves. If you are still trying to get accustomed to the waves, you can hop on their paddleboards. The technology they use to keep up with the mainstream surfing culture includes relying on high-density IXPE foam construction. Added is their stabilizing tri-fin system with spherical rockers that help boards rip through waves with so much ease. Official Site: www.southbayboardco.com Our In-Depth Review: South Bay Board Co. #2. Chilli Surfboards James Cheal has been surfing since he was 13. He braved his way during his late teens to Sydney to start working at a surfboard company. He sanded and swept floors for next to nothing. It was in 1995 when he first shaped his surfboard. He was 22. Without much expectation, he rode it on waters and was surprised it worked how he wanted it to. 2 years later and more than a couple more boards he shaped since his first, he founded Chilli Surfboards in a small factory in Brookvale, Australia. Chilli surfboards brag attention to detail that you won’t find in such places. They put much time and effort into making certain their one-of-a-kind boards are unique and powerful. From the Futures fins designed leash plug to the Colan carbon inlays, the fabrication is exceptional. Chilli surfboards cater for every level of surfing and every kind of surfer. There’s that Chilli surfboard that your neighbor’s 7-yo son is riding and there is also that Chilli surfboard that Andy Irons ripped with when he competed in the 2004 WSL. Official Site: www.chillisurfboards.com #3. FireWire Surfboards FireWire is combined designs of surfboard enthusiasts/designers Rob Machado and Dan Mann. They are dedicated to elevating surfing experience while minimizing waste in landfills. Their efforts are focused primarily on repurposing waste. As with any manufacturing process, building surfboards and its accessories generates waste. They are pushing to achieve the goal of zero landfills by 2020. Over the years, they have been keeping EPS foam dust out of landfills. They do that by turning them into walkable surfaces. FireWire Surfboards use a patented sandwich blank construction to produce a lighter and sturdier board than the conventional PU (polyurethane) surfboards. This technology results in a minimal density with only 1 pound of EPS (expanded Polystyrene) foam. FireWire Surfboards shells are composed of fiberglass and epoxy resin Their surfboard variations include the FST-Springer model and the Rapid Fire. The Springer is their variation where there is an added balsa stringer in the center of the surfboard for more stiffness. The Rapid Fire is that where an extra pound of EPS foam. This makes an air valve unnecessary due to higher density and less air in its core. Official site: www.firewiresurfboards.com Our In-Depth Review: FireWire Surfboards #4. Channel Islands Surfboards Created by Al and Terry Merrick in 1969, Channel Islands Surfboards has been committed to performance and quality employing perseverance, innovation, and originality. They have grown from local grass-roots operations to a progressive organization, continuously catering to surfers regardless of their level of experience. Al Merrick has been one of the most significant and influential personality in the surfboard shaping history. He grew plans for the growth of shortboard from when they were still 12 feet long and made from cheap plastic. Since then, they have been innovating the most cutting-edge designs in the market. Channel Islands Surfboards consistently maintains itself as one of the best brands in the business. With their “Surfboard of the Year” award for their Average Joe model, it is no surprise that the best surfers in the world like Taylor Knox, Kelly Slater, and Lisa Anderson. Shaun Tomson won his 1977 world title using an Al Merrick surfboard. 45 years later, they remain on top … Read more