16 Best Surfboards Reviewed in 2023

Surfboards

Surf’s Up! You want to find a surfboard to get out and hang 10, get barreled and feel the force of nature in the process without getting totally rocked.

You need to start somewhere though with a board that meets your needs, style, and experience level. Maybe you’ve got some snowboarding and skating under your belt. If so, you’ve got a leg up.

Depending on the conditions in which you are planning on surfing, variables like wind direction and speed, swell height and the material and length of the board come into play when choosing the right surfboard.

Purchasing one can either make or break your surfing experience. It can make you fall in love with the activity or hate it for the rest of your life without wanting to give it a second chance.

To choose the right surfboard that will satisfy your needs and bring you joy, we have prepared a list of the best equipment available on the market at the moment.

Check them out:

The Top 5 Surfboards in 2023

All the Surfboards We've tested

This kid-friendly soft surfboard is a whole package – it is extremely lightweight, stiff and durable. It has got a heat laminated slick bottom that maximizes the board’s speed and a high-density IXPE deck that is responsible for making the board comfortable to use. Just like the previous board, this model has a fishtail that not only makes it suitable for fishing but also allows you to control the lift and the speed of the boat. You will find the board to have two wooden stringers in charge of the flexing and strength controlling and two fins ensuring the ultimate level of stability. No falling or slipping on an accident will ever be in sight (especially since an ankle leash comes with the board too)! The fin box is also adjustable, which gives the board flexibility to accommodate to the surfer’s performance and makes it easy to transport. The manufacturer claims that the THURSO SURF lancer is often being used by high-profile surfers who appreciate the board’s resilience and are not ready to move on to a different surfboard.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS core, heat laminated HDPE slick bottom, IXPE deck
  • Design: Fishboard
  • Dimensions: 5’10” x 20″ x 2.75″
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.4

Things we like:

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    Ankle leash, two wooden stringers and adjustable fins make the surfboard stand out
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    The heat laminated bottom of the board reduces the risk of delamination
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    The fishtail ensure the traction meets the high standards of surfers
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Things we don't like:

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    Although the quality is good, it’s not as great as some other surfboard on this list
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Where to buy:

THURSO SURF Lancer

Best for Beginners

No matter what board size you choose, you get a high-quality piece of surfing equipment that will serve you a long time. Pick a 8-9 foot one if you are just starting out or a 7 foot one if you have some surfing experience and be prepared to get asked where you got your surfboard from.

This South Bay Board surfboard is known for its wax-free fingerprint textured top deck, screw & leash plug and HDPE reinforced bottom deck. You will find 3 fins placed on the bottom of the board for the maintenance of speed and a round rubber bumper tail for the board’s safe vertical storage.

The construction of the board is quite durable – there is an EPS closed-cell foam core, a PVC lined waterproof fin holes and a capacity of up to 200 pounds.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS closed-cell foam core, HDPE bottom deck, squash rubber tail
  • Design: Shortboard/Longboard
  • Dimensions: 96” x 23” x 3” (8’0” board)
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    The double concave bottom deck ensures the high speed of the board
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    Wide range of colors and sizes allows you to choose a custom-friendly board
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    It's durable and will last
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    A good board to improve on
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Things we don't like:

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    If you're not serious about getting good
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Where to buy:

South Bay Board

Longboards are generally easier to handle, which is why this Wavestorm classic surfboard with 8 inches in width will be your best friend if you are a beginner. The company is the most recognized in the USA brand of surfboards and clearly, the quality of their stuff is proof. Made from the strong EPS foam core with 3 stringers and a Water Barrier Skin soft crosslink deck, the board is guaranteed to provide you with secure and enjoyable surfing experience. The traction pad is there, and so is the removable set of fins. You are free to ride the waves in the wild and not worry too much about standing firmly on the board – the board does the job for you. It ensures you are safe, secure and ready to take on new salty challenges. The blue pinstripe pattern has a UV-protection built into it to prevent you from getting sunburnt. It also acts as a protective shield that doesn’t let the surfboard’s material fade away. Invest in one and reap the benefits of the mysterious oceans straight away.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS foam core, WBS-IXL soft crosslink, HDPE slick bottom
  • Design: Longboard
  • Dimensions: 96” x 3.1” x 22.5”
  • Weight: 11.5 pounds
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    The soft crosslink makes the board strong and resilient to the outside obstacles
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    The ankle leash is removable
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    The UV-protection is a nice bonus that not a lot of surfboards have
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Things we don't like:

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    The price tag is high
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Where to buy:

Wavestorm 8′ Classic

How important is comfort for you? If it’s on top of your priority list, then the California Board Company fish surfboard is the right choice. It is thick yet lightweight enough to stay afloat during the strongest of the wave storms. It is secure enough to hold your ankle attached to the board with the neoprene padded strap. It is durable enough to last you many years and not break apart thanks to the built-in multi-layered wood stringers polished with a waterproof resin. The surfboard’s leash has molded fittings, its bottom features an IXPE slick material, and its find system has 3 fins. You can surf all day long without having to take many breaks in between due to the board’s convenient structure and surf-friendly dimensions. Take it with you to the weekend getaway to the seaside and put your surfing skills to test with this surfboard in use. We assure you that you will have a lot of fun exploiting the board and looking back at the instant camera pictures taken by your friends and family.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS foam and core, IXPE deck with a graphic tri-fin system
  • Design: Fishboard
  • Dimensions: 84” x 22” x 3”
  • Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • Capacity: 175 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4

Things we like:

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    The structure of the board is of the high quality
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    Surfboard’s dimensions allow you to take it with you wherever you go
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    The neoprene ankle strap feels comfortable on the leg
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Things we don't like:

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    The price tag is high
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    The weight capacity is not high
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Where to buy:

California Board Company

Best Budget Board

An affordable surfboard that is suitable for beginners, professionals, kids and adults – that’s what this Giantex number is. Constructed from a reliable foam, EPS core, EPE deck and PP materials, it ensures the achievement of the highest speed possible without sacrificing safety. You will find a leash and transaction pad included in the pack, which means that no additional purchases will have to be made. The board’s fishtail provides the board with the traction needed to conquer the stubborn waves, while the removable fins make it easy to carry the board with you wherever you go. With a weight capacity reaching 200 pounds, there is no doubt that you will be able to freely use your board and not worry about it breaking. ‘The ocean is calling and I must go’ perfectly applies to this surfboard – take it with you to your next trip to the sandy white beaches of Australia or the hot resorts in GOA (or along California’s coast–if you want to stay local) and surf till you drop.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Foam top, EPE deck, EPS core and PP hard-slick bottom
  • Design: Fishboard
  • Dimensions: 72” X 20” X 3′
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4

Things we like:

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    A great starter board for those just getting familiarized with surfing
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    Made from durable materials – the surfboard will last you many years
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    One of the most affordable options on the market
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Things we don't like:

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    Requires assembling
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Where to buy:

Giantex 6’ Durable


Designed for getting acquainted with surfboards and riding short waves, BIC Sport PAINT has an egg shape and a soft top that makes it a top choice. It is considerably shorter than its fellow competitors, which is convenient for kids learning to surf and for adults who just want to have fun in the ocean. The surfboard is made from Expanded Polystyrene core, foamy deck and a hard slick bottom for that extra rigidity and a smooth glide. The manufacturer added rails and fins to make the surfboard durable and make it last for at least a few years hidden in your garage. Although the IXPE deck provides the board with resistance, it makes your equipment slippery. This is not particularly great for those whose balance has not yet been developed. That said, however, if the surfboard is waxed well before the use, you have nothing to worry about. Make sure to purchase a leash to secure your surfing session and head out to conquer the wild ocean waves.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS core, two wooden stringers, IXPE deck
  • Design: Shortboard/Longboard
  • Dimensions: 72” x 21” x 3.2” (6’0” board)
  • Weight: 10 pounds
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4

Things we like:

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    The fins are soft, which makes your surfing experience pleasant and worry-free
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    The full-layer hard-slick skin allows the board to be gliding smoothly and not make any sharp moves
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    Suitable for kids and adults alike
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Things we don't like:

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    You will have to purchase the leash separately
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    Due to the IXPE deck, you must wax the board before using to avoid the potential slippage
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Where to buy:

BIC Sport PAINT

This soft number by Liquid Shredder is the perfect tool for kids and adult beginners wanting to learn how to surf. It is hand-shaped to have a soft foam top that has an anti-slip texture and wooden stringers for additional rigidity. The High-Density Polyethelene ensures the maximum speed and durability, while the EPS core is responsible for the strength. It might be overwhelming to choose a board that will give you enough confidence to ride even the smallest waves, which is where this Soft Surf surfboard comes in handy. Its dimensions are in that sweet spot between making the board too short/narrow and too long/wide. You won’t have a hard time teaching your kid how to paddle and then hold the balance on the board due to its dull and not sharp fins. They won’t cut him or anyone else surfing next to him, which takes away the beginner’s stress. Choose the day with surfing-friendly weather conditions (you’ll find plenty of surfing-friendly days on these Californian beaches), bring your surfboard to the beach, and surf your day away.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Foam deck, EPS core, PP hard-slick bottom
  • Design: Shortboard
  • Dimensions: 6ft x 20” x 2.5”
  • Capacity: 95 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.1

Things we like:

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    Ideal for kids wanting to learn how to surf
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    The construction of the board is beginner-friendly
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    The board is affordable
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Things we don't like:

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    The leash has to be purchased separately
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Where to buy:

Liquid Shredder Soft

Newbies in surfing will appreciate the Osprey Foam surfboard that has a lot of features mandatory for an enjoyable surfing session. The company has been specializing in producing highly qualitative products since 1993, and it shows. This volume-loaded board comes in four sizes that can accommodate the pickiest surfers. The soft foam outer layer combined with the HDPE slick bottom and wooden stringers helps to prevent potential injuries and wipeouts when waves are getting out of control. The buoyancy of the board is excellent due to its relatively low weight – you will not lose your balance easily. The rubber fins and the leash are included in the deal, which means that you don’t have to spend extra to find the correct fitting accessories. Osprey created a design that would catch the attention of the most avid surfers and make your surfing stuns stand out. Pick the size you will feel the most comfortable with and learn how to surf on your next beach weekend getaway.

Can’t decide where to go on your surfing weekend getaway? Consider these surfing beaches in California.

Specs & Features

  • Material: XPE foam deck, HDPE slick bottom, EPS core, wooden stringers
  • Design: Shortboard/Longboard
  • Dimensions: 72.5” x 21” x 4.7”
  • Weight: 8.8 pounds
  • Capacity: 100-220 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

3.7

Things we like:

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    The soft outer layer makes the board less dangerous when in the process of learning how to surf
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    The EPS core along with wooden stringers and built-in fins provides you with a great level of buoyancy and stability
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    The design is eye-catching
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Things we don't like:

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    Pro surfers would need more features
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Where to buy:

Osprey Foam

Here’s a sustainable surfboard for all of you living eco-friendly lifestyles – the Rock-It Albert Surfboard checks all the marks. It is made from recyclable EPS foam that won’t end up in the landfill when the time to part with your board comes. There are two stringers and a 6-ounce fiberglass cloth located under the board’s soft top that enhances the board’s rigidity and overall durability. The floatable twin-fin design allows you to smoothly glide through the waves without worrying about slipping off or seriously injuring yourself. Kids and adults weighing less than 175 pounds will find this surfboard comfortable to use in a variety of weather conditions. Its volume of 35.4 liters means that you will be able to ride small and medium-size waves with no issues. Pack it with you whenever you are heading out to your next vacation somewhere in the sandy tropics and test it on yourself or your kids. You will quickly fall in love with the surfboard’s versatility and ease of use.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Recycled EPS foam, fiberglass cloth
  • Design: Shortboard
  • Dimensions: 5’8″ x 20.5″ x 2.5″
  • Capacity: 175 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    The twin-fin design is stylish and unique to this surfboard
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    The surfboard is kid and adult-friendly
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    It is able to withstand up to 175 pounds of weight
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Things we don't like:

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    Not suitable for professional surfers
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Where to buy:

Rock-It 5’8

If you don’t find yourself enjoying the process of assembling IKEA furniture, chances are you won’t like putting together other equipment. This is where this North Gear surfboard comes into play – this 6-inches tool is designed to help you advance your surfing skills and bring them to the next level. The built-in soft EPE deck, an EPS core and a PP hard-slick bottom ensure your performance in the wild ocean waves is safe and sound (and speedy, of course). The fins that come with the board can easily be removed when needed to store or transport it, which is always handy. Leash and traction pad are there too – you won’t have to worry about slipping off your surfboard or injuring yourself in times of unexpected scenarios. Your grip will be exemplary with the traction pad in use, while your on-the-board balance won’t let you fall too far away from it. This surfboard is able to withstand up to 200 pounds of weight, meaning that your kids and you can get the most out of it.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS core, EPE soft deck, PP hard-slick bottom
  • Design: Shortboard
  • Dimensions: 71.7” x 19.7” x 3”
  • Weight: 10.1 pounds
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

3.4

Things we like:

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    The fins are removable, which means that the board is easy to transport
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    The leash comes in the package – no need to purchase it separately
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    The construction is durable
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Things we don't like:

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    Not suitable for professional surfers
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Where to buy:

North Gear 6’

This egg-shaped longboard is ideal for any type of rider who is looking for a smooth and, as the name suggests, easy surfing session that doesn’t require a lot of maneuvring. Don’t expect sharp turns and speedy runs with this surfboard in use – rather, you will get relaxed wave-catching practice with smooth paddling. The dual stringers and the EPS core make the board durable and stable when out and about in the cold ocean water. Its rounded nose, wide mid-area and flat cut-off tail allow the board to maintain the medium to low speed. The leash holder and the thruster triplefin system is in place, meaning that you are equipped with a heavy-duty tool from the very beginning. Perhaps you won’t be able to make some out-of-this-world tricks with this surfboard in use (you’ll also need to apply more surf wax for added grip), but you will get some good quality ride that will turn you into a confident surfer.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS core, HDPE slick bottom, double maple wood stringers
  • Design: Longboard
  • Dimensions: 8’0″ x 23.0″ x 3.375″
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4

Things we like:

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    The double maple wood stringers provide the maximum amount of stiffness necessary for the achievement of the desired speed
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    The 4.5-inch fin set is removable
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    The dimensions of the board together with its highly qualitative construction make it appealing for surfers of all levels
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Things we don't like:

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    Requires surf wax for grip
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Where to buy:

Wave Bandit Easy

The Grande Juguete 5’5 inches surfboard is a steal for adults and children who are just starting out with the aqua sport known as surfing. The durable foam deck doesn’t allow the board to easily tear and positively impacts its resistance, while the EPS core provides it with the supreme buoyancy. The three bottom-located fins equip your board with the optimum speed so that your surfing session is fun and memorable. The HDPE slick bottom adds stiffness to the board that is further supported by the built-in wood strip system. You will find the board’s fishtail not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for when that wave you have been waiting for is finally within your reach. For the easier transportation of the board, you can remove the fins and take it with you on your next surf-friendly beach getaway (where, exactly? Consider these surfing beaches in California). The assembly is simple, which takes away the stress of putting the surfboard together and allows you to reap the benefits of a lightweight surfboard straight away.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS core, HDPE slick bottom, XPE deck, wood strip support
  • Design: Shortboard
  • Dimensions: 5’5″ x 64″ x 20″
  • Capacity: 150 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

3.8

Things we like:

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    You can achieve the desired traction and speed with this shortboard in use
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    Adults and children alike will benefit from this board if they are just learning to surf
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    The setup is easy and stress-free
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Things we don't like:

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    The capacity of the shortboard is not high
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Where to buy:

Grande Juguete 5’5

The top Stand Up Paddle surf company in the world Boardworks released a set of surfboards for every surfer out there. From kid-friendly 5’6” to adult-suitable 9”, there is hardly any age/weight/skill level group that is missed. The Froth model is distinguished by its high-density EVA outer skin and a fully glassed EPS foam core that make up a safe and, most importantly, durable board. The board comes with fin boxes and fins that help to accelerate when spotting the closely approaching wave. Regardless of whether you are looking into taking some private surfing lessons or are planning on advancing your surfing skills, you will find the board that meets your requirements. Gift a funboard to your kid for his next birthday or to your wife who always wanted to explore this water sport and look forward to family fun every weekend. Don’t forget, however, to wax the board for extra traction before you venture out to the ocean and you are bound to have the time of your life riding the waves.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EVA outer skin, EPS core
  • Design: Shortboard/Longboard
  • Dimensions: 66” x 21” x 2’9” (5’6” Shortboard)
  • Capacity: 100 pounds (5’6” Shortboard)

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.2

Things we like:

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    There are tons of surfboard sizes to choose from
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    The construction is sturdy and proves to last you at least a few consecutive years of continuous use
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    The company has earned a great reputation on the surfing equipment market
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Things we don't like:

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    The price tag is high
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Where to buy:

Boardworks Froth

Designed by the actual surf enthusiasts, Nymbus has become a choice of many beginners and professionals willing to invest in a piece of new surfing equipment. The board was created using top-notch materials like EPS foam core and EPE soft foam decking. They help prevent core dings and eliminate the need for waxing required for the achievement of the maximum traction. The setup of the fins combined with the sleek nose of the board makes the board wide enough to accommodate every type of a surfer. The buoyancy of the board is excellent due to its lightweight construction that features foam all throughout the surfboard. You are able to easily paddle through the toughest waves and not fall off at any given point. The 3 fins are removable, the design is attractive, and the price is affordable – what is else is there to ask for? Invest in this surfboard and maneuver your way through the ocean like a pro.

Specs & Features

  • Material: EPS foam core, EPE soft foam decking
  • Design: Shortboard
  • Dimensions: 72” x 20” x 3” (Blue)

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.7

Things we like:

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    The foam construction of the board makes it stay afloat even when you happen to fall in the ocean
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    The 3 fins are easily removable for you to transport it wherever you go
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Things we don't like:

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    The long-lastingness of this board is relatively short – around 2 years
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Where to buy:

Driftsun Nymbus

All surfboards from South Bay Board Co. are designed to be performance-focused and semi-beginner suitable. This Hybrid surfboard is not an exception – it is one of the only surfboards on the market with a soft top and a hard fiberglass bottom made from bamboo. Not only is each shape custom-designed but it is also tested to ensure the best performance out in the wild ocean of the surfer’s choice. You get full-length wooden stringers, 6 ounces of resin for additional durability and tapered rails combined with a rocket-style nose that provides the best possible speed. There are 4 large FCS Quad fins, a fin key and a leash for competitions that are built to guarantee you success. Choose the size you will feel the most comfortable with, research the beach that is surf-friendly (our tip: start locally–check out these surfing beaches in California), and paddle your way through the waves. You don’t need to be a professional to secure the benefits of this surfboard – a desire to learn is more than enough.

Specs & Features

  • Material: CNC-Machined EPS closed-cell foam core, Bamboo Fiberglass bottom deck
  • Design: Shortboard/Longboard
  • Dimensions: 58” x 21” x 2.85” (4’10 board)
  • Capacity: 200 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    The hybrid board features a wax-free top deck that ensures the maximum amount of traction
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    The top is soft enough to feel comfortable yet tough enough to ‘dig’ into the waves with the sharpness of a knife
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    There are 7 sizes to choose from, meaning that both beginners and professionals will find a suitable board
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Things we don't like:

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    The price tag is high
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Where to buy:

South Bay Board Co.

Related Reviews

Questions & Answers:

Which surfboard is the best for beginners?

It is true when they say you will never forget your first surfboard. You will rely on it to learn how to ride waves and conquer the ocean’s unpredictable nature. To have a pleasant experience with just a few falls along the way, you ought to pay attention to two factors – weight and height.

Your first surfboard must have a high level of buoyancy for you to be free to make mistakes while surfing. The stringer technology should also be there in order to provide the surfboard with rigidity and stiffness required to prolong its life.

Another important criterion to look for is the soft top. Surfboards with soft tops allow beginners to catch as many waves as they can while the water is still white. This encourages you to keep going snd not give up in the face of adversity.

Surfboards made from foam are known to last longer than the non-foam ones due to their low weight and qualitative construction. This means that if you are just starting out surfing, a foam-based surfboard might be your best bet.

Lastly, the longer your surfboard is, the easier it will be for you to practice surfing. Invest in an affordable surfboard that is at least 8-9 inches long and you will learn how to surf in no time.

How thick should a surfboard be?

As a general rule, the thicker the surfboard is, the easier it is to paddle it. And, the faster you can paddle, the more waves you will be able to ride. For this reason, professionals recommend purchasing thick surfboards if you are new to the sport or are at the intermediate level. Thick surfboards won’t make you sink too much and most likely to let you catch soft waves.

With that said, thick surfboards won’t turn you into a pro surfer. They hinder your performance and limit the control you have over the board. The thinner your board is, the less complicated it is to maneuver the board and allow it to ‘delve’ into the water. It won’t float as much and will abide you significantly more than a thicker board would. If your surfing skills are ready to be advanced further or you are planning on taking a more serious approach to surfing, you might want to look into a thin surfboard.

Does the length of the surfboard affect its stability?

The short answer to this question is yes, the length of the surfboard does, in fact, affect its stability. Although shortboards are easier to maneuver due to them creating less water-resistance, they do not provide you with the most stability. They are great for riding small-scale waves and having full control of the board but are not the best at keeping you stable when surfing.

Due to the longer boards’ ability to hold a longer waterline, you can keep your balance in check for longer. The additional surface of the longboard also plays a role in making it less shaky when you are speeding up in pursuit of a wave.

Can you learn surfing by yourself?

It is normal to be wondering whether you can learn surfing by yourself – surfing lessons are not cheap. An instructor has sufficient knowledge to teach you how to surf in less time and with fewer injuries. This is not to say that you can’t teach yourself – it is possible.

It, however, is much more feasible if you satisfy some of the requirements. You have to be somewhat fit and have enough leg and arm muscle strength along with some basic balance skills. You must also know how to swim, be persistent and be ready to take it one step at a time when getting familiarized with the wild waters of the ocean of your choice. A beginner-friendly beach is also a must – you don’t want to be starting out with big waves and high currents.

Before venturing out to surf, do your research and know what to expect. For instance, how much do you know about the tides and dangerous animals present in the ocean you chose to surf in? You have to know the answers to these and other questions before you enter the water with your surfboard.

Choosing the right beach (there are plenty of beaches in California suitable for surfers of all levels) and surfboard is just as crucial as learning the surfing rules and etiquette. Learn how to paddle and stand before you ride green waves. And most importantly, stay safe (and ask your friends or family members to come with you if there is such a possibility).

Why are surfboards so expensive?

To find out why surfboards have become so expensive in the last years, we have to go back in time and look at the production changes that have been made. Originally constructed from wood, surfboards were built to last. Their cost was low due to the wood’s affordability, while their assembling took more time because the boards were handcrafted.

As more surfboard-friendly materials like Polyurethane and fiberglass started to emerge, manufacturers started incorporating them more often due to their low weight and quicker assembling. The ones that have become available to the masses have increased in price but have stayed somewhat affordable compared to those made by Hawaiian local surf shops, for instance.

The more authentic the surfboard is, the more it will cost you. For beginners, a surfboard made from Polyurethane makes the most sense because of its low cost and relatively high level of durability. If, however, you want to stand out in the crowd with a one-of-a-kind surfboard, be prepared to pay a couple more hundred bucks for it.

Surfing Equipment

Depending on where you are surfing, the temperature and terrain can vary quite a bit. You might want to check out surfing equipment like wetsuits and water shoes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which surfboard is best for beginners?

It has to have high buoyancy so that your mistakes are ‘dismissed’ by the ocean and a good enough speed for you to get the feel of the board-ocean connection.

These are our personal favorites for beginners:

If surfing is too daunting (which is often the case for beginners), one can try their hand at SUP to get over their fear of the water. Here’s our list of the best paddle boards for beginners.

How much does a surfboard cost?

Soft top surfboards are generally cheaper than the epoxy longboards (which is good news for beginners who will benefit from them the most). They range between $300-$500 for a store-bought one and $600-$1000 for a custom model.

Longboards or surfboards with the hard top (think wood, fiberglass, and foam) are on the more expensive side of the spectrum and are known to cost anywhere between $500-$1500 for a store-bought one and $1500-$2000 for a custom model.

What surfboard is the best?

The definition of ‘the best’ can range from person to person, which is why we created this surfboard guide featuring the most highly-rated models. Here you will be able to find the option that fits your particular requirement, thus choosing ‘the best’ surfboard for you.

That said, we found that the following surfboards do tend to stand out:

Read full reviews of each surfboard on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.

How tall should your surfboard be?

Even though this doesn’t apply to those wanting to get into paddleboarding (check out our guide featuring the best SUP boards), surfboards have to be chosen according to your height.

The rule of thumb states that your shortboard should be 2-6” taller than yourself, longboard – 3 feet longer than yourself, and fish board – 2-4” shorter than your shortboard.

Got a new board or been surfing lately? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

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Robert Hogward
Robert Hogward

Surfing on a skateboard is a different level of skateboarding. It does not only allow me to add some style to my rides. It also lets beach-goers practice and feel what it’s like to ride the waves. 🙂

logan
logan

Hey,

If the board is made of foam and the nose is round it is a short foamy but if it is made of fibreglass it has a sharpish nose it is a shortboard. i would recommend getting a longer foamy like 7 foot which is like a standard beginner surfboard (with a round nose). but it also depends on the surfers ability.

Amanda
Amanda

I have a board that is orange and white it says bord and its 5″10 does anyone know what kind of board it is its signed by i cant tell if its david or Daniel Bledsoe i have searched all over Google and cant find anything please help