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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.
Paragon Surfboards Mini Log Surfboard
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
Giantex Foamie Beginner Surfboard
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
Wavestorm Sunburst Graphic Surfboard
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
- What Makes This Surf Board Stand Out
- 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
How To Choose a Surfboard – Buying Guide
Surfboard Length
The length of your surfboard significantly impacts its performance on the water. The best all-around surfboard guarantees easier paddling and more stability when catching waves, while a shorter board provides a higher level of maneuverability. Generally speaking, the surfboard should be 2-3 feet longer compared to your height, but this largely depends on your skill level too.
Skill Level
To make the learning process smoother and easier, the best surf board for beginners should put an accent on stability rather than high performance. These surfboards often have a very high volume and even come with a soft top. On the other hand, the best surfboards for advanced riders have low volume and generally smaller than average dimensions.
Related Review: Soft Top Paddle Board
Fitness
If you’re young and physically fit, you can take a surfer board with a smaller surface area that requires a bit more work in the water. The extra work pays off in increased maneuverability and greatly reduced drag in the water.
On the flip side, surfers who are older, less fit, or get tired quickly will find surfboards with a bit more substance significantly more enjoyable.
Body Type
Your height and weight play very important roles when choosing a surfboard. A heavier and taller person will need a surfboard that has more volume so it can stay buoyant in the water. On the other hand, if your body frame is smaller, you can get away with a much shorter board with less volume.
Fin Setup
The right fin set up depends on a few different factors – style of surfing, skill level, and weather conditions. Surfboards usually have one to five fins and each setup performs differently.
Most beginners start with a triple-fin configuration as it provides a balance between speed and maneuverability. Keep in mind that heavier riders require longer and more massive fin set. The fins you choose need to perform well in both large and small waves.
Accessories
Besides the surfboard itself, the package might include some useful accessories too. These are things that you would need to buy anyway, so having them already included makes the purchase even more cost-effective.Â
Bag: There are two types of bags that you can get – for travel and for storage. Regardless of the type, the bag needs to protect your board from any dings or scratches.
Stomp Pad: Traction (stomp) pads are added to give your feet a better grip on the surf deck. They are usually made from rubber-like materials (EVA) so the chance of slipping is greatly reduced.
Leash: An ankle leash will prevent you from getting separated from your board when you fall. It’s a plus if one is included in the package as it will save you the cost of buying it separately.
FAQs
Q: What Are Surfboards Made Of?
Modern-day surfboards are made from a polyurethane or polystyrene foam and covered with a layer of fiberglass and polyester or epoxy resin. This ensures very low weight while keeping it rigid enough to withstand the biggest swells that the ocean can throw at it.
Q: How Are Surfboards Made?
Nowadays, surfboards are quite sophisticated and require some time to make. First, the foam core needs to be formed. The process usually starts off with liquid polyurethane that hardens through a chemical reaction. After the core is hard, stringers are inserted to give extra stiffness.
After this, the board is shaped and trimmed into its final shape. Once this is finished, the outer shell needs to be laminated with fiberglass and resin to make the board strong and firm. On top of it goes the filler coat which needs to be sanded when it sets. Finally, gloss resin is added for a smooth and shiny look.
Q: How To Store Surfboards?
The most convenient way of storing surfboards is keeping them off the ground. You can do this by either installing a wall rack, or suspending them on the ceiling. If you plan to lean the board on a wall, it’s a good idea to put a piece of rubber on the spot where it touches the wall so it doesn’t fall and get damaged.
Q: Why Do Surfers Wax Their Surfboards?
Surfboard wax is used to increase the grip that a surfer has on the surfboard. Without it, the board would be too slippery and staying on it would be incredibly difficult.
Q: How Much Do Surfboards Weigh?
The weight of a surfboard depends on two things – materials and volume. This being said, typical surfboards for adult riders weigh from around 7 pounds (shortboards) up to 15 pounds (longboards).
Q: Why Do Surfboards Have Fins?
The primary reason for having fins is improved tracking on the water. By cutting through the water, they help the board stay in a straight line. Depending on the model, surfboards can have one to five fins.
Globo Surf Overview
To make the most out of every surfing adventure, you should look for the best surf board relative to your size and skill level. We hope that our surfboard reviews helped you pick the right surfing equipment, so you can truly take your activity to a new level.
More Surf Reviews:
- Wakesurf Board
- Wakeboards
- Kneeboard
- Gifts For Surfers
- Surfing Wetsuit
- Surf Gear
- Surfing Ear Plugs
- Bodyboard Leash
- Surfboard Traction Pad
- Windsurfing Wetsuit
New to Surfboards or have a Surfboards on our list? Let us know how you like it in the comment section below.