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Surfing – is there a more relaxing pursuit? While being by a big body of water is a potentially limiting factor, more than 35 million people surf each year.
That means it’s vital to have the proper gear, and to research the best surfboard. But since we know you just want to get out onto the water, we have done the legwork, and spent countless hours testing various models, aggregating online reviews, and asking experts – to arrive at our picks for the best surfboard.
Our Top Pick
Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard
This 8 foot classic board is our top pick, for best surfboard. With a great price point, sleek design, and soft foam construction – this longboard is a great starter choice. While experienced surfers will likely want to upgrade – most of us are still beginners (let’s be honest!) Wavestorm is one of the most popular surfboard brands around the world, and this model proves why. Great as a gift for anyone looking to start surfing, or as a regular board for beginners to novices – this is our top pick.
Other Great Picks
Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Pro EZ Rider Surfboard
The Wave Bandit won our office pick as the surfboard with the best name, that’s for sure! A step up from our top pick, this model is great for more experienced beginners, or medium-level surfers. With a sleek design, cool colors, and double maple wood stringers – this surfboard works great out on the ocean waves. Ben Gravy endorses this board, and the shots of him riding it will definitely make you want to leave the office, and head to the beach! The high density slick bottom provides a killer ride, and many reviews state that it is way ahead of other soft top models.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard
This Giantex is definitely the surfboard to get for your niece, nephew, son, or daughter. With removable fins, a rock-bottom price point, and great craftsmanship – it is unbeatable as an entry level model. The yellow and blue color scheme is our staff’s favorite, but there are multiple other colors available, as well. With over 100 online reviews, and glowing feedback – it doesn’t get much better than this, for those looking to just start out riding waves. Highly recommended.
South Bay Board Co. Heritage Surfboard
South Bay Board Co. actually offers three great beginner models – the Heritage, the Ruccus, and the Verve. Any are great choices, but we like the Heritage slightly more than the other two choices. Since the boards were designed by professional surfers, they offer an expertise rarely seen in most surfboards. With sizes ranging from 7′ to 8′ 8″, you can choose from a variety of lengths. Since there is plenty of foam inside each model, catching waves is slightly easier than with traditional boards. If you are on the shorter side, you will like want to go with a 7′ model, as it will be slightly easier to ride and control.
Liquid Shredder Element Soft Surfboard
With one of the best possible names for a surfboard, the Liquid Shredder Element will definitely have you out riding waves in no time. With an eye-catching yellow design, and a steady 9 foot construction – this is a great board for beginners or novices. Made in Peru, this longboard provides a smooth ride, and is still lightweight. If you an expert level surfer, you will likely want to upgrade from this model, but it’s still a great pick to keep in your garage, for regular practice.
South Bay Board Co. 6′ Razzo Shortboard
South Bay Board Co. has a wide variety of great surfboards, but this 6′ shortboard is one of our staff’s personal favorites. Well-crafted, durable, and easy to ride – it doesn’t get much better. Though shortboard riding is definitely a different experience than a longboard, it can be exhilarating and thrilling all the same. If you are looking for a starter shortboard – this is our recommendation.
California Board Company 7′ Bear Surfboard
One of the most classic looking designs out there, this 7 foot board is a great ride, and an eye-catching one, at that. The price is also unbeatable (especially for this level of quality), and the faux-wood look will convince many. With a foam design, it gives beginners a better chance at catching waves, as well as a more steady grip on the board. If you are trying to convince someone that riding waves is where it’s at – this is the board to go with.
Hongzy 8′ 6″ Carbon Fiber Surfboard
This carbon fiber board is beautiful – and makes for a very slick ride. Definitely not made for beginners, this surfboard is a great pick for medium-level and expert riders, and the carbon fiber material makes for a high-level ride for the ages. There is far greater performance with carbon fiber, and the ocean seems slicker and faster, when riding one of these beautiful boards. If you have a relative or spouse who is an expert rider – this is a great gift option, too.
Walden Surfboards Mega Magic Surfboard
The name has this one right – it does feel like magic, riding it. The wider and thicker design makes for a much smoother ride, and though it can be used by beginners – the slightly higher price point makes this board more optimal for experts. The inventive design means this board floats like a surfboard that is about one foot longer – meaning you can get a much better ride, on a shorter surfboard. Highly recommend, and slick looking, to boot.
Goplus 41″ Super Bodyboard
The ultimate budget surfboard, and one of the most popular on the internet – this 41 inch board is perfect for kids and adults alike. A bodyboard is quite different than a traditional surfboard, but it makes getting out into the water much easier. The IXPE deck makes learning a breeze, and you can quickly get accustomed to catching waves and riding them home.
What Is A Surfboard?
If you’ve never lived near the ocean, you may not be as familiar with surfboards as coast-dwellers are. First imagine a hoverboard – then simply move that over to water.
Surfing is a very fun sport, with a bit of a steep learning curve. It doesn’t take much to start surfing – but it takes a lot to be very good at it.
There is hardly a more free feeling than riding a big wave, but to do that you need the right board. Surfboards come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.
You can get a long board, a short board, and even swallowtail surfboards. Just like with any smart purchase, you should determine your own personal needs first, before moving forward with any buying decision.
Who Should Buy A Surfboard?
If you’re only a very casual surfer, it may make sense to rent a board. The cost will be higher than simply buying your own, but if you only surf 2 or 3 times a year, you may not want to bother storing a board at home.
However, for most people, it makes more sense to buy a surfboard, as the cost is minimal. Even more importantly, you can get a board that is exactly the right size and shape for you.
This makes a big difference, when it comes to learning and getting better. You can also pull off more tricks and ride waves smoother, with a board that is specified to your own individual needs.
Different Types Of Surfboards
There are 5 main types of surfboards, all of which have unique advantages and disadvantages. There are short boards, fish boards, fun boards, long boards, and gun boards.
The different board types all offer varying forms of stability, speed, and maneuverability. Some board types are not ideal for all surfers, which is why it’s important to do research before you make a purchase.
For example, a beginner should probably stay away from a shortboard, as they won’t have enough stability for a newcomer. But if you want to do tricks, that isn’t as easy to pull of on a longboard, compared to a gunboard.
I’m A Beginner – What Type Of Surfboard Should I Get?
If you’re a beginner, a longboard will almost certainly be the best choice to start surfing with. That’s because they offer a large amount of stability, as well as ease of use.
You are much less likely to fall off a longboard than any other type of board, and you won’t as easily be knocked off by a wave. While you could roll the dice and try to begin surfing with a different type of board, the safest choice is starting with a longboard.
What Material Is A Surfboard Made From?
While this wasn’t always the case, modern surfboards are made from polyurethane foam. They can also be made from polystyrene, and are usually covered with fiberglass, with an epoxy resin.
They can also be coated with a polyester resin. This construction makes boards strong but not too heavy. Boards made from these materials are also able to easily float on water, and are easy to maneuver.
Originally, surfboards were invented in Hawaii, where they were constructed out of wood. This was usually done with koa, which was a type of local tree. However, these boards were very heavy, and the modern surfboard design has been greatly improved from the original board design.
Modern surfboards are easier to ride, lighter in weight, and much more fun to hit the waves with. While you can still get wooden surfboards, they are now more of a niche product.
Foam Surfboards
Foam boards have become the standard, and for good reason. They are lighter, cheaper, safer, and easier to maneuver with. Foam surfboards also offer a cushioned design, and allow nearly anyone to easily get started with the art of surfing.
Fish Surfboards
Surfboards known as Fish are less than 6 feet in length, and have a large amount of volume. They also have a wide nose, and a wide tail. They are comparable to kneeboards, and offer great speed.
Long Surfboards
Longboards are the most commonly used surfboards for beginners, and they also offer the most stability. They will usually be 8 feet or longer, and have a long nose. While there are much more to longboards than this, all you need to know if you’re starting out, is that this is definitely the right board for you.
Shortboard Surfboards
Shortboards have a pointy nose, and are usually about 6 feet. As the name implies, they are shorter than longboards.
Most of the advanced surfing world usually uses shortboards, and beginners are not advised to start with them. They require you to be a very strong paddler, and aren’t very forgiving for those learning the craft.
Funboards
Funboards are good for beginners, but also work for more advanced surfers. They are between 7 and 8 feet in length, and are also known as midlengths or eggs.
Funboards can technically have any fin setup, but usually work best with a shortboard and tail setup. An advanced surfer can use a funboard as a one-board quiver, as well.
Gunboards
Like danger? Than a gunboard is going to be the choice for you. You can take on the most death-defying waves, and live to tell about it, with a gun.
However, you absolutely should not be a riding a gunboard if you’re a beginner. In terms of design, gunboards have a pointy nose and a pointy tail, and can have any kind of fin setup.
If you want to take on huge waves, you absolutely need a gunboard. But because of their specialized design (and decreased stability) – we do not recommend them for beginners, or for the average surfer.
Electric Surfboards
A new advancement in surfing, electric boards are far pricier (they typically cost thousands of dollars), but offer some unique advantages. These boards rely on a battery-powered engine, which allow you to surf on even calm waters.
However, these boards are still quite pricey (low-end models still typically retail for over $900). So we do not recommend them for beginners or novice surfers. However, if you are an avid surfer, you may want to test out an electric surfboard.
How Wide Is A Surfboard?
Most surfboards are 23″ in width (if you’re using a longboard). This size will be ideal for beginners, and offers great stability as you are riding waves. While boards come in other widths, we don’t recommend getting one that is too narrow, especially if your skill set hasn’t fully developed yet.
What Size Surfboard Should I Get?
If you’re a beginner, a longboard is likely going to be your best sized option. You should also look for a board that is thick, wide, and about three feet taller than you (at a minimum). This will give you the best size surface to work from, as you start to ride the waves.
How To Wax A Surfboard
Waxing a board is pretty easy – you might want to apply a base coast as well, before you get to the wax itself. Just remember to be gentle when you wax your board, and to opt for surf wax that is right for your temperature of water.
Other than these key tips to follow, it’s as easy as simply putting a nice coat on your favorite board – and then going back out there, and shredding it up.
How Do I Choose The Best Surfboard For Me?
Before buying a board, you should factor in what skill level you have, how often you are going to surf, and what you are looking for in a board. Do you want to tackle huge waves, or just have a good time out on the water?
Make sure you have at least one longboard in your collection, so you always have the option to take things easy, if you so choose. If you want a trick board, opt for a gunboard. No matter which option you choose, there are a ton of great surfboards out there, so it’s genuinely hard to make a bad choice.
The Best Surfboard
Riding waves in the warm ocean is one of the best ways to relax, and more and more people learn how to surf every day. One of the surfboards on our list will definitely be the right fit for you, and be sure to practice before you venture out into the bigger and more dangerous waters. Surf’s up!