Updated September 1, 2024
When you select surfing as a sport or recreational activity, you count on your physical fitness and reflexes, and mental makeup, as well. Perhaps equally important are the qualities of the surfboard you will use.
As the popularity of surfing continues to build, the number and variety of surfboards on the market are growing. How can you determine which model is most suitable?
Generally speaking, longboards are the best for beginners, and shorter models a better choice for experienced and expert surfers. Beyond the category of length, the range of other factors to consider can be almost mind-boggling in terms of materials, weights, capacities, design, etc.
To help you sort matters out, a variety of surfboards are reviewed below with photos and videos, followed by a comparison table and a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
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Best Surfboards for 2023
- Giantex 6′ Foamie Surfboard
- SBBC 7′ Ruccus Soft Top Surfboard
- Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard
- THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard
- SBBC Hybrid Razzo 6′ Shortboard
- Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer 6’0
- SBBC 8′ Verve Soft Top Surfboard
- BIC Sport Ace-Tec 7’6″ Carver Surfboard
- A Alpenflow 8′ Foam Surfboard
This Giantex 6’ Foamie soft-top surfboard is made with durable lightweight foam and has a hard, slick, responsive bottom skin that adds stiffness and speed. Suitable for kids, beginners, and casual surfers, it is very low-priced with a fairly big capacity of 200 pounds.
The fins are removable making it 10 pounds more convenient to transport. It also has a traction pad and a leash that are part of the package along with a decorative, colorful design.
- Foam deck of EPE, EPS core, bottom of hard, slick PP
- 3 removable fins
- Traction pad
- Leash included
- 3 color patterns to choose from: red & blue, white & blue, or yellow & blue
- Board Type: shortboard
- Size: 72” x 20” x 3”
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Surfer Level: beginner
- Low-priced
- Price: $
SBBC 7′ Ruccus Soft Top Surfboard
The SBBC 7’ Ruccus Soft Top Surfboard is a great model for beginners and for more experienced surfers who want to perfect or try out some new moves.
It has a wax-free foam deck with a fingerprint texture for traction and a hard double concave HDPE bottom for enhanced control and speed.
Best for beginners from 50-150 pounds and experienced surfers up to 200, this funboard will perform best on waves from 1 to 6 feet. It has a rubber tail bumper for safe vertical storage and comes with a 7-foot leash.
- Wax-free fingerprint textured IXPE foam deck, closed-cell EPS molded foam core, double concave HDPE hard plastic bottom deck
- 3 screw-in fin set
- Rubber tail bumper
- 7-foot leash included
- Comes in blue or orange
- Board Type: funboard
- Size: 84″ x 22” x 2.85”
- Volume: 49 liters
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Surfer Level: beginner-intermediate
- Price: $$$
View More From South Bay Board Company
The Wavestown 8’Surfboard is a classic soft top that is still a great model for beginners.
It has a high volume, very buoyant core, and excellent stability making it easy to catch small waves.
Lightweight and durably constructed, it will withstand bumps and scrapes, and while not the most maneuverable, the 3 fins are stiff.
This is a great board to get started with that may not satisfy more advanced surfers.
- Strong EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core, GFT (Graphic Film Technology) deck skin, textured IXL deck and rails, high-density HDPE smooth bottom skin
- Textured traction pad
- 3 removable fins
- Leash included
- Sunburst deck graphics
- Board Type: longboard
- Size: 96″ x 22.5″ x 3.25″
- Volume: 86 liters
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Surfer Level: beginner
- Price: $$$
THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard
The THURSO SURF Lancer is a soft-top shortboard with the necessary stability for beginners that delivers enough performance capability for experienced surfers, as well.
The EPS core is very light and buoyant and the heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom is stiff and speedy.
Twin fins aid stability and the fishtail gives more traction and hold. Small-wave hot doggers can also appreciate the performance of this board.
Pricing is moderate and it can handle surfers up to 200 pounds.
- High density, stiff EPS core, HDPE slick, stiff bottom skin, high density cushioned IXPE deck
- Twin fins and adjustable fin box
- Double stainless steel swivel leash
- Fishtail
- Choice of blue or gray striped patterns
- Board Type: fish board
- Size: 70″ x 20″ x 2.75″
- Volume: 33.6 liters
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Surfer Level: kids and all levels
- Moderately priced
- Price: $$
SBBC Hybrid Razzo 6′ Shortboard
The SBBC 6’ Razzo is an easy-paddling, fast, high-performance shortboard.
The hybrid design which includes a foam core and slip-resistant textured foam deck is extra rigid due to its bottom deck of fiberglassed bamboo.
With a thicker profile, single concave bottom deck, and slight nose and tail rocker, it has great maneuverability and does well on 2 to 3-foot waves but will really excel in 4 to 7-footers.
Surfers of all levels up to 220 pounds will find a lot to like with this one.
- Wax-free fingerprint textured IXPE foam deck, closed-cell EPS molded foam core, bamboo fiberglassed bottom deck
- Squash tail
- 3 FCS fins and thruster fin box set-up
- Leash included
- Board Type: shortboard
- Size: 72.25″ x 22″ x 2.2″
- Volume: 35.5 liters
- Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Surfer Level: all levels
- Price: $$$
View More From South Bay Board Company
Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer 6’0
The Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer 6-footer is a high-performance soft top shredder.
With a dual composite core and slick bottom, fishtail shape, rocker, and 4.5-inch fin set, it will give you quick turns and fast releases.
The 48-liter volume is high and beginners will not generate the speed to catch a lot of waves.
This model also requires surf wax and you’ll have to provide your own leash but check out Ben Gravy showing how it’s done in the video below
- Dual composite core, high-pressure construction with twin wood stringers, high-density slick bottom
- 5-inch fin set
- Requires surf wax
- Leash attachment, leash not included
- Fishtail
- Board Type: shortboard
- Size: 72′ x 21.5” x 3.0”
- Volume: 48 liters
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Surfer Level: intermediate-advanced
- Price: $$$
SBBC 8′ Verve Soft Top Surfboard
The SBBC 8’ Verve Soft-Top Surfboard is similar in construction and features to the SBBC 7’ Ruccus model above with some notable differences.
With the added length and a rounded nose and tail, it has increased stability and speed.
It has the same wax-free textured foam deck, double concave hard bottom, and 3 fins, but can handle larger beginners from 70-180 pounds with a top-end capacity of 230 pounds for more experienced surfers.
Performance is great from whitewater to 5-foot waves and will satisfy all levels of surfer from beginner on up.
- Wax-free fingerprint textured IXPE foam deck, closed-cell EPS molded foam core, double concave HDPE hard plastic bottom deck
- 3 screw-in fin set
- Rubber tail bumper
- Leash included
- Comes in blue or aqua
- Board Type: longboard
- Size: 96” x 23” x 3”
- Volume: 74 liters
- Weight Capacity: 230 pounds
- Surfer Level: beginner and all levels
- Price: $$$
View More From South Bay Board Company
BIC Sport Ace-Tec 7’6″ Carver Surfboard
The BIC Sport Ace-Tec 7’6” Carver is lightweight, stiff, and durable with the stability of a longboard and the quick-turning performance of a shortboard.
Fabricated in France using proprietary ACE-TEC technology, it is exceptionally rugged compared to earlier PU models.
Versatile and suitable for various wave conditions, experienced surfers will relish the capabilities and beginners will be challenged.
- EPS core, proprietary ACE-TEC fiberglass, and styrene polymer top and bottom decks
- FCS Thruster tri-fin set-up
- Leash not included
- Board Type: shortboard
- Size: 90″ x 21.375″ x 2.75″
- Volume: 51 liters
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Surfer Level: intermediate-advanced
- Price: $$$$
The A Alpenflow 8’ Soft Top has a wide stable design suitable for all levels, including beginners.
It has durable construction and a scratch-resistant surface with a rounded nose, pin-tail design, double concave bottom, and 3 5-inch fins for speed and maneuverability.
A traction pad for a good grip and an 8-foot leash are included with this board that can support surfers up to 230 pounds.
The pricing is mid-level.
- Lightweight high-density XPE deck, HDPE reinforced plastic bottom
- 8-foot leash included
- 3 5-inch fins
- Traction pad
- Board Type: longboard
- Size: 96″ x 23″ x 3.7″
- Volume: 72.9 liters
- Weight: 15 pounds (approximately)
- Weight Capacity: 230 pounds
- Surfer Level: all levels
- Moderately priced
- Price: $$
Best Surfboards Comparison Table
| Picture | Surfboard | Level | Length | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Giantex 6' Foamie Surfboard | Beginner | 6 feet | 72'' x 20'' x 3'' | $ |
  | SBBC 7' Ruccus Soft Top Surfboard | Beginner - Intermediate | 7 feet | 84" x 22” x 2.85” | $$$ |
  | Wavestorm 8' Surfboard | Beginner | 8 feet | 96" x 22.5" x 3.25" | $$$ |
  | THURSO SURF Lancer 5'10" Fish Soft Top Surfboard | Beginner - All Levels | 5 feet 10 inches | 70" x 20" x 2.75" | $$ |
  | SBBC Hybrid Razzo 6' Shortboard | All Levels | 6 feet | 72.25" x 22" x 2.2" | $$$ |
  | Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer 6'0 | Intermediate - Advanced | 6 feet | 72' x 21.5” x 3.0” | $$$ |
  | SBBC 8' Verve Soft Top Surfboard | Beginner - All Levels | 8 feet | 96” x 23” x 3” | $$$ |
  | BIC Sport Ace-Tec 7'6" Carver Surfboard | Intermediate - Advanced | 7 feet 6 inches | 90" x 21.375" x 2.75" | $$$$ |
  | A Alpenflow 8' Foam Surfboard | Beginner - All Levels | 8 feet | 96" x 23" x 3.7" | $$ |
| Picture | Surfboard | Level | Length | Dimensions | Price |
Surfboard Buying Guide
Types of Surfboards
There are five basic types of surfboards with variations available. Each has its benefits, weaknesses, and best usage depending primarily on your experience and objectives. Choosing the right style for your particular situation is the most important consideration.
Shortboards – These are the most maneuverable and can handle the largest waves. They are generally used best by the most experienced and advanced surfers.
Fish Boards – These boards are also short but a little thicker and wider than shortboards which makes them float better and are faster for that reason and easier to achieve wave speed with. However, they aren’t as maneuverable as shortboards.
Fun Boards occupy a niche in between shortboards and longboards. They are usually from 7 to 8.5 feet long and a little slower than longboards but offer more maneuverability.
Longboards are fast for paddling and offer beginners the easiest chance to stand up. They are best for smaller waves and are less maneuverable. This is about all they had 60 years ago when the Beach Boys and the whole surf craze got started.
Soft Top Surfboards – Like the boards reviewed here, they have a soft foam top that aids in staying on the board, especially for beginners. They are often more resistant to damage and not as painful for surfers when accidentally getting hit. Soft top boards can be configured in all the previous designs described above.
Surfboard Descriptive Terminology
Deck refers to the top of the surfboard. The material used for deck finishes is variable. The major difference is between hard materials like epoxy and soft foam. The bottom is sometimes referred to as the bottom deck.
Nose – This is the front third of the board. A wider nose will float better and more speed can be generated when paddling. A narrower nose will work better in large waves, especially in the execution of bottom turns.
Tail – This is the back end of the board opposite the nose. There are a number of tail designs that each perform best in different wave conditions.
Tail Design – Surfboard tail design has become increasingly complex as designers use their creativity to get the best most precise performance. Tail designs can be divided into at least these eight categories: pintail, round pintail, round tail, squash tail, swallow tail, bat tail, diamond tail, and square tail. Check out this article for an explanation of the benefits and uses for each: Surfboard Tail Design
Rocker – The curve of the surfboard from the nose to the tail is the rocker. This is easiest to see from the side. More rocker means the curve is greater and less rocker indicates it is flatter.
Boards can have rocker in the nose and the tail. Boards with less nose rocker will be faster but limited in turning radius. With more nose rocker the board will be more maneuverable and perform better in a variety of wave conditions but won’t be as speedy. The situation is similar regarding tail rocker. More tail rocker will add maneuverability in fast-breaking waves but will not generate as much speed as less tail rocker which also will be less maneuverable.
Rails come in three categories, full, hard, and soft. Full rails have a flatter deck and are limited in turning ability. They, however, tend to float better allowing for larger surfers. Hard rails have a hard edge the length of the board and tend to promote a straight-line course and thereby are less maneuverable but offer more drive. Soft rails are a compromise between the two being more responsive than full rails for turning without offering the drive that hard rails can generate. Many riders consider soft rails the easiest to use.
Fins are important for a board’s maneuverability. Popular fin configurations include single, twin, triple, and quad. The more fins a board has the more responsive the board is to the surfer. Generally, larger surfers prefer larger fins and smaller surfers want smaller fins.
- Rake is the arc of the fin or how much it tilts to the back. As the rake or arc increases, turns will be easier and more drawn out.
- The tip of the fin is also a factor. Tips that are wider will hold better during turns while narrower tips will tend to release.
For more reviews of surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
Surfboards for Kids Beginner Surfboards Soft Top Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Surfboard Travel Bags Men’s Rash Guards Women’s Rash Guards
Feedback and Comments
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