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As one of the most popular water sports, surfing offers a combination of thrill and workout that is hard to match. You can have an awesome time regardless of your skill level, with only a single requirement – a good board. However, the best surf board for a beginner won’t be right for an advanced rider and vice versa.
When choosing, three aspects are essential to consider – body size, skill level, and conditions on the water. To help you make the right choice, this article will take a look at the best surfboards in several different categories and explain how various features can improve your performance when catching waves.
OUR TOP PICK
Paragon Surfboards Mini Log
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- ParaLite Epoxy construction makes it strong but lightweight
- Double bottom concave improves the overall stability
- More maneuverable than a longboard with the same ease of paddling
- High weight capacity (250lbs) supports even larger riders
- Excellent board for practicing and improving skills
- Perfect for experienced surfers
Best For: All-Around Surfing
Volume: 54.4 liters
Length: 7 feet 6 inches
Width: 21.75 inches
Thickness: 2.875 inches
Fin(s): One (Removable)
Material(s): ParaLite Epoxy
Weight: 22 pounds
Capacity: 250 pounds
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
EDITORS CHOICE
Giantex Foamie Beginner
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Soft top makes it great for learning and practicing
- Removable triple-fin system for easier transportation
- PP bottom provides excellent resistance to heat and cold
- Ankle leash included for additional safety when riding
- Stable enough for activities like yoga, sunbathing, and fishing
Best For: Children and Learners
Length: 6 feet
Width: 20 inches
Thickness: 3.5 inches
Fin(s): Three (Removable)
Material(s): EPE Deck, EPS core, PP Bottom
Weight: 5 pounds
Capacity: 200 pounds
Skill Level: Beginner
BEST VALUE
Wavestorm Sunburst Graphic
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Great-looking sunburst print on the board deck
- Three fins with a bolt-through design for extra security
- HDPE bottom increases durability and abrasion-resistance
- Triple stringer core system for additional strength
- Built-in leash plug with an included ankle leash
Best For: Comfort while Riding
Volume: 86 liters
Length: 8 feet
Width: 22.5 inches
Thickness: 3.25 inches
Fin(s): Three (Removable)
Material(s): HDPE Bottom, EPS Core, Foam Top
Weight: 11.5 pounds
Capacity: 200 pounds
Skill Level: Beginner
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Board sock included for protection in transportation
- Strong HDPE bottom resists impact and abrasion
- Well-balanced design provides great stability on the water
- Soft webs-IXL barrier skin covers the entire deck surface
- Excellent surfing beginner board for learning
Best For: Buoyancy and Balance
Volume: 86 liters
Length: 8 feet
Width: 22.5 inches
Thickness: 3.25 inches
Fin(s): Three (Removable)
Material(s): HDPE Bottom, EPS Core, Foam Deck
Weight: 11.5 pounds
Capacity: 200 pounds
Skill Level: Beginner
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Three thruster fins for an increased speed
- Double concave bottom design boosts stability
- Triple stringer system (2 wood + 1 fiberglass)
- Release valves prevent heat damage and bubbling
- 7-inch kink-free leash included in the package
Best For: Board Durability
Volume: 49 liters
Length: 7 feet
Width: 22 inches
Thickness: 2.85 inches
Fin(s): Three (FCS Compatible Fin Box)
Material(s): HDPE Bottom, EPS Core, IPSE Foam Deck
Capacity: 180 pounds
Skill Level: Beginner
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Hybrid Twin design balances between power and control
- Low rocker allows you to surf close to the pocket
- Swallow tail shape for improved maneuverability
- Pushed back fin design increases the responsiveness
- Versatile enough for waves of all types and sizes
Best For: Power and Control
Volume: 35.6 liters (6-foot version)
Length: 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 4 inches (6 sizes available)
Width: 20.875 inches
Thickness: 2.5625 inches
Fin(s): Two
Material(s): Fiberglass, Carbon
Capacity: 187 pounds
Skill Level: Intermediate/Expert
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Perfect option for smaller and softer waves
- Magnesium fibers provide rebound and memory
- Basalt fibers provide damping and damage-resistance
- Pointed nose (rocker profile) makes turning easier
- Bio-Matrix resing significantly improves the lifespan
Best For: Small and Soft Waves
Volume: 40.4 liters
Length: 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 2 inches
Width: 21.5 inches (6-foot version)
Thickness: 2.65 inches
Fin(s): Five
Material(s): Magnesium, Basalt, Carbon
Skill Level: Expert
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Two + one fin layout provides both speed and control
- Diamond tail design for easy turning and maneuverability
- Eco-friendly construction (organic cotton and recycled polyester)
- Retro mint color looks awesome on the water
- Volcanic basalt fibers increase the strength and durability
Best For: Turning and Maneuverability
Volume: 61.6 liters (8-foot version)
Length: 7 to 8 feet (four sizes available)
Width: 22.75 inches
Thickness: 3 inches
Fin(s): Three
Material(s): EPS, Hemp, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester
Skill Level: Intermediate
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Quad fin design provides speed in small waves
- Core is entirely made of recycled materials
- Swallow tail improves control and turning ability
- Gradual elongated rocker makes it maneuverable
- Excellent buoyancy regardless of the conditions
Best For: Stability and Control
Volume: 46.2 liters (7-foot version)
Length: 7 to 7 feet 6 inches (four sizes)
Width: 21.87 inches
Thickness: 2.82 inches
Fin(s): Four
Material(s): EPS, Hemp, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Resin
Skill Level: Intermediate
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Five-fin layout maximizes speed and performance
- Magnesium Basalt Carbon (MBC) construction
- FOC II fin system allows easy fin tuning and adjustments
- Winged outline makes it great for small waves
- Carbon composite stringer for increased strength
Best For: Responsiveness and Handling
Volume: 34.45 liters (5ft 6in version)
Length: 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 10 inches (five sizes available)
Width: 21.5 inches
Thickness: 2.5 inches
Fin(s): Five
Material(s): Carbon Fiber, Composite, Epoxy
Skill Level: Intermediate/Expert