The Best Rated Surfboards Reviewed and Guide 2020

Best Surfboards Reviewed 2020

Buying Guide

Buying a good surfboard can be quite daunting and confusing, especially if you are a beginner. Lucky for you, we have combined a comprehensive buying guide which will cover every little aspect of the things that you need to consider before purchasing a surfboard. Your first surfboard should be an enjoyable experience for you so it can become an exciting gear for the rest of your surfing career. You need to look for equipment that can satisfy your surfing requirements and can make surfing more fun and exciting.

Read on further to know how you can choose the best surfboard in 2020.

1) Type of Surfboard

If you are about to purchase your very first surfboard, you must be feeling anxious and confused about every product that you see online. You might want to buy the gear that looks attractive and has the most stylish color and design. However, apart from looks, one more thing that can influence and complement your surfing goal is the type of the surfboard.

Different types of surfboards are:

• Shortboard

They offer good mobility and forceful riding. They are particularly made to be used during steep and fast waves and are mostly for advanced level riders.

• Longboard

They are around 8-11 feet long and are an excellent choice for beginners because it is easy to catch waves with them as compared to shortboard.

• Funboard

These types of surfboards are also called Mini Mal. They offer good stability and width to beginners and range from 6-8 feet.

• Foamboard

Foamie or softboard are made from foam so they can easily catch waves and offer excellent stability to the rider in the water. They are very soft to prevent the rider from getting injured or colliding with other fellow surfers.

• Fish Surfboard

The design of this surfboard helps you to ride fast in easily breakable waves. In comparison to shortboard, they are small but broader. Most of the riders like to buy these boards because they find it easier to balance, unlike others.

• Gun Surfboard

They are perfect for big waves and to achieve maximum paddling speed. With a narrow nose and tail, gun surfboards are for advanced level riders.

• Hybrid Surfboard

It is a combination of a fish surfboard and shortboard and is a perfect choice for heavy surfers who like to surf on big waves.

• Stand up Paddle Boarding

It is the newest addition to the types of surfboards that ranges from 10-12 feet. They are usually used to achieve proper balance and to cruise around lakes and canals.

2) Surfboard Size

Before purchasing a surfboard, it is very important to make sure that the height of the product is correct according to your own height and strength.

It is inappropriate to buy a regular sized surfboard for small kids because they are unable to carry it around and control the board in the water. Yet, if you still want to build your child’s interest in this sport, get them a small bodyboard to practice. These kinds of surfboards are easy to lift and give the freedom of having fun in the shallow water.

For pre-teens, you can go for small foam boards. It is necessary to buy a surfboard that has an appropriate size and controllability so the kid can enjoy and learn how to handle himself in the waves.

Teenagers should still wait for some time before purchasing hardboard. Beginners can buy a softboard that is 7- feet long to benefit from its excellent stability and movability. Once they are pro enough, they can buy Mini Mal or a Fishboard.

Adult beginners can easily catch waves on foamie boards while for intermediate riders and advanced riders, other types of surfboards can work best.

3) Surfboard Accessories

Before purchasing a surfboard, you should also consider the accessories that come along. The right surfboard will come with:

• Surfboard Leash

It is a leash that can tether you to the board. It is important to consider this add-on because as a beginner surfer, you are going to fall a lot. This leash will keep the board near you when you fall to prevent any kind of damage or loss.

• Surfboard Fins

These fins will help you to surf in a straight direction and to take sharp turns safely.

• Surfboard Bag

As much as it is important to buy a good surfboard, it is also necessary that you get a decent looking surfboard bag to keep your gear safe and long-lasting. A good surfboard bag can protect your purchase from damage, scratches and abrasions.

• Surfboard Nose Guard

It will prevent your board from any harm during transportation.

4) Riders Fitness Level

Before choosing a surfboard for routine use, you must consider your overall health and fitness level. Surfers who have weak stamina and energy should go for boards that are a little wider and thick than the others. This feature will give them more paddling power and they will be able to provide maximum performance in the water while enjoying them.

5) Surfboard Tail Design

Some of the surfboard tail designs are:

• Squash Tail

It is a loose surfboard tail with a wide exit area with an easy to turn on the face and drive off features.

• Round Tail

Round tail surfboards can help with smooth turns. Most of the riders who are looking for a board to polish their skills with flowy turns and drawn out cuts can go for this type.

• Thumb tail

It is just like round tail surfboards but a little wider. It gives more freedom in the pocket as compared to other types.

• Swallow Tail

For tightest turning arch, swallowtails are recommended. They can easily pivot and quickly change direction.

• Diamond Tail

This type is a little shorter than squash tail surfboards but gives a better drive.

• Pin Tail

Pintails can drive really well but offers limited mobility.

6) Surfboard Volume

Other than dimensions, appearance and size, the most critical factor to consider while buying a surfboard is volume. The volume of a surfboard defines its buoyancy and tells you how the board is going to perform in the water. Volume here is the difference among a board that sits on the wave, but paddles fast with the board that sits below the waves but paddles slowly.

The volume equation of a good surfboard is measured by using different variables such as the rider’s age, performance level, and overall fitness level. Coincidentally, almost every manufacturer of a good surfboard has provided a free volume calculator of their products on their website. All you have to do is insert your details, and it will give you the answer quickly.

7) Type of Waves

Before getting a surfboard, make sure you know about the water and the waves you will be surfing in your next expedition. If you are about to surf in the medium length waves, then getting all-around shortboard will work wonders for you. Remember, waves (size and intensity) can vary from one beach to another so if you want you can have a selection of surfboards ready, so you never have to cancel your trip only because your board is not suitable for the waves in the area.

8) Surfboard Fins

The fins are an essential part of your surfing board, but many people usually ignore them. There are many types of surfboards fins to choose from:

• Single Fin

They have a traditional fin configuration and are mostly found in longboards. They give good stability and control, so the riders like to use them in fast and straight-line riding. You can move single fins in a forward or backward direction for better control during surfing.

• Dual Fin

Dual or twin fins are usually found in shortboards. They are double in configuration and fives your board a loose feel to make it more moveable and playful.

• Tri Fins

Thruster configured fins are the most popular and in-demand surfboard fins these days. They consist of two outer fins closer to the centre of the board and a single fin installed near the tail. This type of configuration gives maximum stability, manoeuvrability and control of the board.

• Quad Fin

They are mostly used in smaller surfs as they can channel the water to the end of the board and thus gives maximum speed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Types Of Surfboards Decks Are There?

A deck is the top part of the surfboard where the rider lies on or stands up during surfing. There are three types of surfboard decks available i.e. Dome Deck (the most commonly found deck with doom shape to enable more buoyancy through displacement of volume towards the middle of the board), Flat Deck (boxier and strident to provide more flex and snippier feel during surfing), and Step Deck (holds more stiffness and power to give perfect hard landings).

How Can I Keep My Surfboard Maintained?

You should always try to look after and maintain your surfboard to increase its lifespan.

What Are The Kinds Of Materials Used For Making A Surfboard?

There are different kinds of surfboard materials available in the market. The choice of surfboard material has a significant influence over its weight, durability and performance. Many manufacturers still use fibreglass boards with PU core due to its amazing features. Others may make epoxy surfboards or foam surfboards that are more strong and buoyant than fibreglass models.

How Should I Know Which Model Is The Best For Me?

Many brands and manufacturers these days are launching surfboards that are designed to work with your skills, size, body weight, and the spot where you are about to surf. They only follow the basic model concept, outline, curves and appearance, but they also include features to fulfil every individual’s requirements.

Why is it important to consider the length of the surfboard?

The length of a surfboard is usually the distance between its nose and tail. Length is a very important factor to consider before buying a surfboard because it is incredibly critical towards a rider’s progression in the sport. Many people buy a surfboard that is too short for them, which ultimately has a bad influence on their progress and success in surfing.

What is the best surfboard for a beginner?

Depending upon your skill level, weight and height, the surfboard that you are going to buy must have the following qualities:

Conclusion

As a beginner or someone who has never been a part of this sport, you must buy a decent, reliable and durable surfboard that has the right volume and can complement your fitness level, weight and age. It can either be made out of epoxy or fibreglass, both work fine but if you need a board that is entertaining even in a cruddy condition, you can opt for a softboard. As far as the brand is concerned, we think that there is no right or wrong here. Almost all the surfboards look the same but may have different features, but it is only the high-end brands that get the most attention.

With this buying guide, we have tried to deliver main points and information on how to buy a good surfboard in 2020. So, if you are still planning to get into this sport, we think our Guide will be more than enough to help you through the buying process.

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