Even if they’ve been in the business for years, surfers can’t help but develop a close relationship with their boards. After all, a surfboard is the most important part of your surfing gear that can make or break your time on the waves. It goes without saying that you need to find the one that suits you best to get the most of your surfing sessions.
With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to buy the right surfing board. For beginners, a longboard might be the right choice, whereas experienced surfers may go for something more challenging, such as a shortboard or a hybrid. We looked over dozens of surfboards to find the ones of the highest quality and reliability, having in mind the materials they are made of, the size, weight capacity, Amazon ratings, price, and many other features you would take into account when shopping for a surfboard. We’ve identified top 5 of the best-rated surfboards for the most pleasant time on the waves.
A combination of top quality and a great price designed for beginners and experienced professionals
The Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard stands out from the rest in terms of quality and convenience. This surfboard features a durable soft foam, and an ankle leash transaction pad for comfortable and easy use. It’s suitable for adults beginners, so no matter what level you are, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on the waves to the fullest.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Surfboards
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard | 4.3 |
| Runner Up | Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board | 3.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | Giantex 6′ Surfboard | 3.8 |
| Best Foam Surfboard | THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard | 4.1 |
| Best Longboard Surfboard | Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard, Brushed Graphic | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard
A combination of top quality and a great price designed for beginners and experienced professionals
Surfing beginners will be immensely pleased with Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard, the reviewers say and recommend it as a surfboard for both kids and adults. This board features foamy top that guarantees durability and EPE deck complimented with EPS core to ensure stability. It also has PP hard-slick bottom to provide high-speed performance.
This board requires assembly and it comes with removable fins, leash, and a traction pad. It can support up to 100kg and comes at a price of $185.
Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard Key Features:
- Soft Foam Top
- EPS Foam Core with 3 Stringers
- Removable fins
- Includes ankle leash traction pad
- Supports up to 200 pounds
Our Runner-Up Pick: Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard
A stable and light board designed for both experienced wave riders and newcomers
According to the reviews, Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard is a light and stable board ideal for children and adult beginners. This 6 ft size surfboard features a soft foam top with anti-slip texture when wet and dual wooden stringers to ensure stiffness. It also contains EPS core and PP hard-slick bottom that adds rigidity and strength.
This surfboard is custom-made and hand-shaped to enable fast performance. It can be used by both experienced surfers and newcomers and it comes at a price of around $130.
Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard Key Features:
- 6 ft size
- Soft foam top with anti-slip texture
- Wooden stringers for stiffness
- EPS core and PP hard-slick bottom
- Hand-shaped
- Suitable for experienced riders and beginners, adults and children
Best Budget Pick: Giantex 6′ Surfboard
Giantex 6′ Surfboard is made of durable materials, including foam top, EPE deck, EPS core, and PP hard-slick bottom to ensure maximum safety on the waves. It’s designed with free leash and a traction pad, which add up to the comfort and make it convenient and easy to use. This surfboard has the weight capacity of 200 lbs and it’s suitable for children and adult beginners.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard features removable fins to enable easy transport. It needs to be assembled according to the instructions which are provided. It also features fashionable appearance with red, blue or yellow colors at a competitive price of $76.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard Key Features:
- A durable foam top, EPE deck, EPS core, and PP hard-slick bottom
- Designed with free lash and a traction pad
- Removable fins
- 200 lbs weight capacity
- Assembly required
- Suitable for adults and children beginners
Best Foam Surfboard: THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard
A soft top board that ensures gliding and easy riding while providing enough support for any level surfer
If you’re looking for a soft top board that is light yet durable and stable, THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” fish soft top surfboard won’t let you down. This board features a durable foamy top and a high density EPS core, which makes the board extremely light and floatable. It also contains heat-laminated skin bottom that ensures stiffness and enhances speed. The board’s fish tail provides more traction and enables you to adjust the speed and lift.
The board comes with an ankle leash made of recycled plastic, two wooden stringers that provide strength and rigidity, and an adjustable fin box for changing performance and easy transport. According to the manufacturer, it’s frequently used by high-performance surfers and it’s available at the price of $160.
THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard Key Features:
- Durable foam top and high density EPS core
- Heat-laminated skin bottom
- Fish tail for more traction
- Ankle leash, two wooden stringers, and an adjustable fin box included
- Weight capacity of 200 lbs
Best Longboard Surfboard: Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard, Brushed Graphic
Those who are new to surfing may find longboards easier to handle. Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard is ideal for beginner surfers as it is soft, light, and easy to use. This longboard is made of EPS core with 3 marine-ply stringers and a resilient EBS IXL soft crosslink top deck with textured grip for strength and rigidity. It also features a removable ankle leash, a fin set, and a traction pad for better support.
Wavestorm longboard features blue pinstripe graphic that’s UV-resistant and won’t fade on sunlight. The board’s weight capacity extends up to 200 lbs. It’s available at the price of $182.
Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard, Brushed Graphic Key Features:
- EPS core with 3 marine-ply stringers
- EBS IXL soft crosslink top deck with textured grip
- Removable ankle leash
- Fin set
- Traction pad
- Weight capacity of 200 lbs
Who Should Buy a Surfboard
Whether you are an experienced surfer who’s been in the business for years or a beginner looking forward to their first ride on the waves, a good surfboard is an essential part of your surfing equipment. There are different types of surfboards and choosing the right one will depend on your level of surfing expertise and your planned activities on waves.
Professionals who take part in competitions often have more than one surfboard, typically a standard one, a back-up for it, and a couple of other boards, designed for big events and regular days, depending on their surfing sessions. Either way, if you are planning to ride the waves, investing in a high-quality surfboard is your top priority.
A combination of top quality and a great price designed for beginners and experienced professionals
Important Features to Consider
A good surfboard should do several things right. Here’s what to consider when deciding on the best board for your surfing sessions:
- Type of surfboard. Depending on your level of surfing, you will need different types of surfboards. Beginners tend to choose longboards as they are easier to handle and can make your first ride on the waves more comfortable and easier to undertake. Experienced surfers often like to include shortboards or hybrids in their surfing gear, as they require more skill in handling and pose a greater challenge on the waves.
- Size. When buying a surfboard, make sure that you choose the one of the right size. As we’ve mentioned earlier, longer surfboards are easier to handle and are more suitable for newcomers, while shorter ones require better skills on water and are, therefore, more popular among high-level surfers.
- Weight. Another important feature of a surfboard is its weight capacity. Before you make your purchase, make sure that your board of choice can support your weight.
- Materials. A surfboard should be stable and rigid enough to be able to support your weight and provide a safe experience on water, yet light enough so that you can handle it easily. For such performance, a board needs to be made of quality materials. Nowadays almost all surfboards are made of some type of foam. Many of them contain EPE (expanded polyethylene), which adds comfort and creates anti-slip surface so that you can feel stable while surfing. Also, boards with PP (polypropylene) bottoms add rigidity and strength to it, while also enabling you to achieve high-speed performance. Although considered slightly outdated by some, wooden surfboards are still a good choice as they last longer and, being a bit heavier than regular boards, they can carry greater momentum and glide smoother.
- Accessories included. Surfboards typically come with some accessories that aid you while being on water, so make sure that these are included with your board of choice. The accessories usually include an ankle leash and a traction pad for a comfortable ride and easier handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of surfboards?
There are several types of surfboards and it depends on the ability and the style of the surfer which one they will ride.
Longboards
Longboards are usually over 8′ or 9′ long and they have a rounded nose. They are very stable in the water and quite easy to paddle. They’re also great for catching waves, thus being ideal for beginners.
Shortboards
Shortboards are also known as thrusters and they are most commonly used by experienced surfers who take part in contests. They are usually around 5’6″ to 6’4″ long and between 16″ and 19″ wide. They have a rounded square tail. They are harder to paddle than longboards, but they generate more speed and power.
Fish Surfboards
Fish boards are similar to shortboards with the exception of having a rounder and wider nose and a wider mid-section. They are between 5’2″ and 6’4″ long and between 18″ and 22″ wide. They are designed to enable easy catching of the waves while maintaining speed and the ability to efficiently maneuver. They are most suitable for small and medium-sized waves.
Foamboards
Foamboards are also known as foamies or softboards. They provide great stability in the water and make it easier for the surfer to stand up and maneuver. Due to the material they are made of, they make it less likely for surfer to hurt themselves or others around them, so it’s a perfect choice for newcomers.
Gun
The gun is a long and narrow board with a pointy nose and tail. It’s designed for surfing on big and steep waves as it provides greater amount of control while riding.
Malibu or Mini-Mal
The malibu surfboard is similar to the longboard in terms of shape and riding features, but it is a bit shorter and slimmer. Its tail enables making sharper turns than on longboards.
Funboard
Funboard is between 6’6″ and 8’0″ long and 20″ and 22″ wide. This board can be easily paddled while it also allows for sharper turns. It’s suitable for any level riders, particularly less experienced ones.
Bodyboard
Bodyboards are small and feature a more rectangular shape. They are most often used for laying rather than standing and work great on small waves. They are suitable for any age. These boards can be made of polystyrene, foam, wood or fiberglass.
What is a surfboard made out of?
Almost all modern surfboards nowadays are made out of some type of foam, regardless of the ability level they are designed for. What differentiates them is only the type of foam and its application. Also, all surfboards typically use fiberglass cloth. However, there are still manufacturers who stick to traditional methods of construction and produce wooden surfboards.
How wide is a surfboard?
Depending on the type of the surfboard, its width can be anything from 16” to 22”. The width of the board determines its stability and how easily you can control it while riding it, so the wider the surfboard, the more stable it will be in the water.
What size is a beginner surfboard?
Beginners tend to go for longboards, which are at least 8′ long, as they are easy to paddle and ensure stability on the waves.
Other Surfboards We Reviewed
A combination of top quality and a great price designed for beginners and experienced professionals
We looked at 17 other surfboards. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best surfboards, they’re the best of the rest and each of them is still a great option for your surfing sessions. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Foam Surfboards
BIC Sport PAINT series surfboards are designed for learning or shredding in small waves. They feature EPS core, foamy deck, hard-slick skin bottom for maximum glide, and soft fins for safety.
Key Features:
- Foamy deck
- EPS core
- Hard-slick skin bottom
- Soft fins
- Available in 5’6″, 6’0″, and 6’6″
- Designed for learning or shredding in small waves
Cost: $179 – $260 depending on the size
BIC Sport Soft G Board EVO is a soft board that’s designed for beginners or intermediate level surfers. There are 4 models available (5’6″, 7’0″, 8’0″, 9’0″) to meet the needs of kids and adults. All models feature tri fin system, except for the 5’6″, which has twin fin.
Key Features:
- Designed for beginners or intermediate level surfers
- 4 models available (5’6″, 7’0″, 8’0″, 9’0″)
- Tri fin system (5’6″ features twin fin)
- “no wax” deck
Cost: $304 – $582 depending on the size
Empire Ehukai Soft Surfboard is 7′ long. It features EPS foam, 4 stringers, a surf leash, and a tri fin system.
Key Features:
- 7′ long
- High-density EPS core
- Comes with 4 stringers, a leash, and a tri fin system
Cost: $189
Rock-It 5’8″ ALBERT Surfboard features a core made from recycled EPS foam and a floatable twin fin design. It’s suitable for children and adults and its weight capacity is 175 lbs. It features 2 stringers and a fiberglass cloth under soft top for better durability.
Key Features:
- Core made from recycled EPS foam
- Floatable twin fin design
- Suitable for children and adults
- Weight capacity of 175 lbs
- Fiberglass cloth under soft top for durability
Cost: $200
SBBC 8′ Soft Top Surfboard is custom-molded with durable and light EPS foam and it’s suitable for beginners. It features rounded egg shape influenced by funboards for the ultimate combination of speed and stability. It also features double concave on bottom deck for added speed and fin performance, and PVC-lined fin holes that prevent water entry.
Key Features:
- Custom-molded with durable and light EPS foam
- Beginner-friendly
- Double concave on bottom deck for added speed and fin performance
- PVC-lined fin holes that prevent water entry
Cost: $290
Fish Surfboards
BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard features durable and bulletproof construction for a strong board that won’t be easily damaged. It’s designed to easily catch all types of waves and it’s suitable for beginners and advanced surfers.
Key Features:
- Durable, bulletproof construction
- Polyurethane foam inner core
- Polyethylene outer shell
- Fully integrated FCS fin boxes
- Integrated 3D traction pad
- Suitable for beginners and advanced surfers
Cost: $290 – $500 depending on the size
5’3″ Formula Fun Foam Soft Board Surfboards
Formula Fun foam surfboard feature classic fish shape with a modern twin fin. It also features wax-free deck pad and it can support up to 42 liters.
Key Features:
- Classic fish shape
- Twin fin system
- Wax-free deck pad
- Supports 42 liters
Cost: $250
Ronix Koal surfboard features a sturdy and light construction with precisely machined core, hand-wrapped fiberglass shell, and vacuum bagging to remove unnecessary resin. It comes in fish shape for maximum glide and performance.
Key Features:
- Fish shape
- 4’3″ long
- Hand-wrapped fiberglass shell
- Vacuum bagging to remove unnecessary resin
Cost: $575
SBBC – 5’8″ Soft Top Surfboard
This surfboard features foam top deck and bamboo bottom deck. It has a rounded nose, slightly widened chest area, and a fish tail to provide enough stability yet enable high-performance surfing.
Key Features:
- Foam top deck and bamboo bottom deck
- Rounded nose, slightly widened chest area, and a fish tail for stability and strength
- Comes with a leash and a traction pad
Cost: $300
Softech 6’6″ Hand-shaped Softboard Surfboard
This hand-shaped surfboard features added volume for stability and it is ideal for beginners. It also has fish tail for added speed.
Key Features:
- Added volume for stability
- Fish tail
- Double-sided slick
- Designed for learners
Cost: $290
StormBlade 6′ STORM BLADE SWALLOW TAIL SURFBOARD
StormBlade surfboard features a swallow fish tail for stability and a thruster set of fins for speed and performance. It contains EPS core with 3 plywood stringers.
Key Features:
- Swallow fish tail for stability
- EPS core with 3 plywood stringers
- Double swivel leash included
Cost: $225
Longboard Surfboards
California Board Company Cbc Slasher 8′ Surfboard
California Board Company Cbc Slasher 8′ Surf Board features high density EPS- 100% waterproof core, polyethylene slick bottom, and HDPE deck. It’s molded in laminated wood stringers and it comes with a tri fin system and PU padded leash.
Key Features:
- High density EPS 100% waterproof core
- HDPE deck and polyethylene slick bottom
- Tri fin system
- PU padded leash
Cost: $190
Channel Islands Surfboards Bethany Soft Top Surfboard
This longboard features exclusive graphic design by professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, with surfing tips included. It features high density HDPE Slick bottom skin and it’s designed for surfers of all levels and abilities.
Key Features:
- 9′ long
- Exclusive graphic design by Bethany Hamilton with a note and surfing tips included
- High density HDPE Slick bottom skin
- Fins included
- Designed for surfers of all levels and abilities
Cost: $270
Modern Surfboard Blackbird Longboard
Modern Surfboard Blackbird Longboard is designed for catching small to medium-sized waves. It’s available in 7′, 7’6″, and 8’0″.
Key Features:
- Designed for catching small to medium-sized waves
- Available in 7′, 7’6″, and 8’0″
- Vee-to-double concave bottom for added speed
- Suitable for all levels
Cost: $425 – $495 depending on the size
Rock-It 8′ BIG SOFTY Surfboard
Rock-It 8′ BIG SOFTY Surfboard is a soft-top surfboard that’s ideal for learners or cruising on small days. Its core is made from recycled EPS, it features fiberglass cloth under soft top to increase durability, and it comes with 3 safety fins.
Key Features:
- Recycled EPS foam core
- Fiberglass cloth under soft top for increased durability
- 3 safety fins
- Suitable for learners
Cost: $300
Shortboard Surfboards
CWB Connelly Bentley Wakesurfer
CWB Connelly Bentley Wakesurfer is a hybrid suitable for surfing and skimming. It’s available in two sizes: 4’9″ and 5″.
Key Features:
- Hybrid design for surfing and skimming
- Available in 4’9″ and 5″
- Features a blunted nose and tapered tail
- Twin fin system
Cost: $328-$375 depending on the size
Rock-It 4’11” CHUB Surfboard is perfect for kids who want to take their first ride on the waves. Its core is made from recycled EPS foam and it supports up to 150 lbs.
Key Features:
- Designed for kids beginners
- Core made from recycled EPS foam
- Supports up to 150 lbs
- Twin dual stringers and fiberglass cloth
Cost: $175
