Ranking of the best surfboards for 2020

Surfing is a modern sport that is gaining popularity among beginners. Having studied the rating of the best surfboards for 2020, you can choose a quality model based on experience and material capabilities.

Surfing

The word surfing (from English surfing) means water sport. An athlete on a special surfboard - a surfboard - rides the waves, controlling the board with his body.

There are different types of surfing where additional devices are used:

• kitesurfing - riding on a board, which is controlled by a kite (kite);
• windsurfing - a light board with a sail is used;
• stand up paddle surfing - surfboard and long paddle.

The first boards were invented in the Hawaiian Islands and were made of wood (from local trees), long (up to 5 m) and heavy (55-70 kg).

Modern products differ in size, shape and weight. The following materials are used for their manufacture:

• base - polyurethane or polystyrene foam;
• coating - polyester, fiberglass or fabric.

Dimensions and specifications are in feet. Foot (from the English "foot") - English, British measure of length, equal to 0.3048 m (30.48 cm).

Surfboard types

There are 6 types of surfboards, which differ in weight, shape and functionality:

1. Longboard.
2. Shortboard.
3. Fanboard.
4. Fishboard.
5. Subboard.
6. Moto surf.

Longboard

Short designation long (long board). It is the ancestor of modern boards and their most popular variety. The longboard is characterized by its large length, mass and smooth profile. Sizes of modern longs: length - 2.4-2.9 m, thickness - 5-9 cm, width - 55-60 cm.

Additional equipment - fin (from English "fin" - fins). They were invented by Tom Blake to guide the movement of the board and influence maneuverability. Their presence, quantity and location are important for professionals. Most longs have one large fin or set - one large fin in the middle and 2 small fins on the sides.

The Long is the heaviest and most unwieldy model and is not suitable for big waves and difficult tricks. It will be an excellent choice for beginners, as it helps to catch small waves, teaches you to steer and turn. Professionals can walk the full length while riding, ride aft with a partner, or stand on their heads.

Noseride - A style of riding on the nose of the board.

Shortboard

Short board (English - short board), short.

It is the most popular surfboard model among professional athletes performing colorful maneuvers.

Shorts parameters: length - 1.5-2.2 m, width - 35-65 cm (the widest part is the middle). Supplied by Finns - from 1 to 7 pieces. The shape is a rounded tail and a pointed nose.

Due to its design and light weight, it is suitable for professionals:

• to perform tricks of different complexity;
• to conquer fast and trumpeting waves;
• allows you to develop high speed and maneuverability;
• easy to transport and choose storage location.

Fanboard

Translation from English "fun board" - a fun board.

It is an intermediate option between long and short. Length - from 1.8 m to 2.7 m.Similar to longs in shape, performance and shorts - can perform tricks, sharp turns (narrow tail) and accelerate quickly.

Suitable for gentle and medium waves, as well as beginners moving to short.

Fishboard

It has several names: fish (from the English word "fish"), bun.

The shape of the bun is wider and shorter than the shortboard. Length - 1.6-1.8 m, width - 54-65 cm (maximum width - central or tail).

There are 3 types of tail:

1. The swallowtail is forked and wide with a deep cut. Suitable for beginners and amateurs.
2. Small swallowtail (baby swallowtail) - the size is 2 times smaller than the dovetail. Suitable for medium to large waves.
3. The bat tail is a stable structure that has a convex shape. Suitable for small and broken waves when the weather conditions are not ideal. Used by beginners and experienced surfers when performing tricks - spin, sharp turn.

Support

Another name is glanders (the English word is stand up paddle, SUP).

Consists of a board, 3-3.3 m long, 70-80 cm wide and a long paddle. They ride on glanders while standing, rowing.

There are 2 types:

1. Inflatable models.
2. Solid models - wood and carbon.

Support can be used by people of different backgrounds, ages and in any conditions:

• suitable for any body of water with different waves - there are models for lakes and oceans;
• used by beginners, adults and children;
• there are competition gliders up to 5 m long with a V-bottom.

Motosurf

Motorized surfboards have several names:

• motosurf;
• jet board;
• power board;
• jetsurf (Jet Surf) - Czech company;
• electric surf board - electric surfboards.

Athletes from 2011 can participate in international competitions Motosurf World Cup.

There are 2 types of motors:

1. Petrol.
2. Electric.

The gasoline engine is lightweight (up to 18 kg) and can run for up to 4 hours. Such devices can be carried on air travel. Disadvantages - prohibition of use on some bodies of water due to noise.

The electric motor is silent and has no restrictions on the place of use. Disadvantages - heavy weight, cannot be transported in airplanes and low energy reserves.

The advantages of motosurf - use on any water bodies, in all weather conditions, performing tricks at high speed.

New for 2019, the Ewave electric surfboard has the following features:

• jet water engine with motor power of 10 kW;
• speed up to 56 km / h;
• one battery charge lasts 40 minutes;
• fast battery charging - 2 hours;
• the maximum weight of an athlete is 100 kg;
• safety - a handle on a cable.

Other types of surfboards:

• Soft-top (soft-top) - training models that have a rubberized surface and flexible fins.
• Hybrid - a mix of different types of elements in one product (fish tail, shorts length).
• Gan (big-wave gun) - a board for large waves with a length of 2 to 3 m, which has a pointed tail, nose and 3-4 fins.
• Tau-in (tow-in board) - a small board (up to 1.5 m), with leg mounts. Used in conjunction with a scooter or boat.

What surfboards are made of

The first boards are modified wooden boats without boards. There is a modern prototype of the ancient Hawaiian board - Alaia. This is a board made from a single piece of wood without fin. He quickly picks up speed, but changes position hard.

In the production of modern models, they use:

• the wood of the balsa tree (the lightest and softest wood) - the products are very light, but not durable;
• wood of red cedar, spruce or paulownia - hollow boards are obtained with a coating of epoxy resin, oil;
• polyurethane (PU) and polystyrene - 2 types of coating (fiberglass - fiberglass, epoxy resin);
• plastic - the most budgetary models.

Fiberglass boards are inexpensive and lightweight, but they break quickly from impacts and flying.

Plastic models are the cheapest and are used in surf schools. It's hard to catch waves on plastic boards.

Epoxy resin (epoxy) surfboards are the most expensive, but durable, lightweight and pick up speed quickly.

Price policy

The pricing of any surfboard depends on:

• material used in production;
• production methods (manual, production);
• weight;
• additional elements.

Tips for choosing

A suitable surfboard should be chosen considering the tips from experienced surfers:

• skill level - beginner, intermediate, professional;
• personal parameters (height, weight) - with a large weight, a large thickness of the board will be required;
• favorite riding style - matching the style, wave size, type of reservoir;
• the number of resin layers - depends on weight, strength (fewer layers - lighter board);
• the presence of additional elements - fin (removable, glazed), the shape of the stern, tail.

Ranking of the best surfboards for 2020

You can find a surfboard at specialty stores or surfing goods sites. You can try any model at equipment rental points, surfing schools. The best option should be chosen by comparing the assortment, cost in online stores and on well-known foreign platforms.

The cheapest surfboards

5th place

BIC Sport Malibu

Manufacturer - BIC Sport (France).

The DURA-TEC technology was used in the manufacture - high strength, built-in nose protection, there are 3 FCS fins.

Frequent use, rental, training for beginners possible.

Dimensions: length - 238 cm, width - 56 cm, thickness - 7.3 cm, weight - 6.8 kg. Volume 58 liters.

Suitable for beginners, confident users, for a relaxing holiday on the water.

• easy;
• good stability;
• you can maneuver;
• the coating is resistant to scratches;
• suitable for frequent use.

• not of different colors;
• you cannot perform tricks.

4th place

100 7'5 OLAIAN

The manufacturer is the French surf brand OLAIAN of the Decathlon company.

Recommended for training, riding on small waves. Suitable for beginners - children, adults (weight up to 60-65 kg), as well as experienced surfers (weight 80-90 kg).

Dimensions (cm): length - 226, width - 58, thickness - 14.3. Weight - 5.4 kg, volume - 80 liters.

Material: 70% expanded polystyrene, 10% wood, covering - high strength polyethylene. Fins are polypropylene.

Set - 3 fins with soft edges, leash (belt fastening).

The warranty is 2 years. Conditions of use: rinse in clean water, avoid direct sunlight.

• light weight;
• sustainability;
• comfortable position due to the notch;
• built-in handle - easy to carry.

• weight limit up to 65 kg;
• do not store in direct sunlight.

3rd place

SUP Board GLADIATOR 10'8 MSL

Manufacturer: Russian company Gladiator. This is a versatile model for walking and yoga. Lamination technology - MSL (two-layer).

Dimensions: height - 326 cm, width - 91 cm, thickness - 15 cm.

Weight - 11 kg, volume - 245 liters. Permissible load - 140-150 kg.

Equipment:

• board;
• 3 fins (1 removable central, 2 lateral);
• paddle made of aluminum (foldable, adjustable);
• spiral leash;
• pump, pressure gauge;
• repair kit;
• bag backpack.

• easy;
• the paddle is foldable and adjustable;
• withstands up to 150 kg - you can ride together;
• there is a pump and a pressure gauge;
• convenient carrying (backpack).

• it is necessary to pump up and deflate;
• careful use.

2nd place

NSP SUNSET 07 SOFTBOARD 8'0 ″

NSP (New Surf Project) was founded in 2001 in Hawaii.

Longboard two-color: blue with blue. Suitable for beginner surfers. Quickly picks up speed, changes directions

Parameters: length - 244 cm, width - 56.5 cm, thickness - 8.3 cm, volume - 80 liters.

Construction - vacuum, coating - fiberglass, epoxy resin. The core is durable EPS foam, the top of the board is EVA.

• unisex;
• vacuum design - fast acceleration;
• high strength of the top layer;
• no additional wax layer required.

• not identified.

1 place

7 ′ 500 OLAIAN

The surfboard is manufactured by OLAIAN (France). Material: board - 70% expanded polystyrene, 10% - wood, 20% - durable polyethylene, fin - polypropylene.

Package contents: 3 screw fixing fins, plastic wrench, urethane leash (double carabiners).

Dimensions: volume - 55 l, weight - 4.5 kg. Length - 214 cm, width - 57.5 cm, thickness - 8.6 cm.

Suitable for riding small waves (knee to shoulder).

The warranty is 2 years. Tips: Do not use in teaching schools, rental stations (infrequent use), rinse with running water, keep away from direct sun, do not leave upright on a hard surface.

• glides well;
• stable;
• maneuvers quickly;
• identical fins with screw fastening;
• key included.

• not identified.

Surfboards in the middle price segment

5th place

BIC Sport 16 Sup Wind 11'6 ″ Performer WIND

The manufacturer is BIC Sport (France). The board is designed for relaxing on the beach in any weather - calm, wind. It is a hybrid model that is suitable for SUP and windsurfing with sail setting.

ACE-TEC construction - low weight, strong outer polyethylene jacket.

Parameters: length - 350 cm, width - 82 cm, thickness - 13 cm. Allowable weight - 130-136 kg. Board weight - 13.5 kg.

Equipment - mast mountings, centerboard (retractable keel), fins, box for storing fin.

• universal;
• can be used for several people;
• durable model that is not afraid of damage;
• there is a central handle for easy carrying.

• sailing equipment is not included.

4th place

Cabrinha XCaliber Wood 2020

The kite manufacturer is Cabrinha, founded by Pete Cabrina (Hawaii) in 1999.

The kiteboard is suitable for professional athletes and freestyle experts.

Material - Paulownia wood. Size (cm) - 133 * 40. There are other sizes.

Complete set - 4 fins, 4 pads, bolts, handle.

• improved rigidity and strength of the structure;
• fast set of speed;
• double concave - soft landing;
• good repulsion - different tricks.

• only advanced level of freestyle.

3rd place

NSP SOFT SURF WIDE

The manufacturer is the famous Hawaiian brand NSP (New Surf Project).

This is a surfboard training model. It is used by water rental shops and surf training schools. The board is characterized by a wide, flat shape with a rounded nose. The balancing point is marked with a graphic on the front. There are handles for easy carrying.

Features:

• P2 Soft construction.
• Fiberglass T-shaped stringers (2 pcs.).
• Durable EPS foam core.
• Double layer - epoxy resin, glass fiber reinforced.

Model parameters: 8'4, 9'2 (cm): length - 253-279, width - 60-61, thickness - 9.5-9.8. Volume - 94-109 liters.

Set - 3 finals.

• suitable for training;
• increased strength - double layer;
• protective rubber pads (nose, tail);
• soft top coat.

• not identified.

2nd place

Aqua Marina CHAMPION

Aqua Marina inflatable boards are manufactured by Silver Marine International Co., Ltd (China). Models are suitable for paddle boarding and windsurfing. Permissible load - 75-80 kg.

Equipment:

• pump, pressure gauge;
• paddle;
• two removable fins;
• sailing kit (separate bag);
• repair kit;
• transport bag.

Dimensions (cm): length - 300, width - 75, thickness - 15. Product weight - 10.7 kg.

Warranty - 12 months

• complete set (pump, sail, paddle);
• can be used in different weather conditions;
• suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes;
• there is a warranty period.

• it is required to inflate.

1 place

NSP ELEMENTS HDT LONG

Released by NSP (New Surf Project), Hawaii.

This is a classic blue-blue longboard with a white stripe. The board is made using HDT (High Definition Technology) technology.

Features:

• core - durable EPS foam, fiberglass reinforced;
• stringer along the entire length in the center;
• epoxy resin coating;
• outer gel layer;
• the set includes 1 central fin and 2 MZ.

Parameters (cm): length - 244, width - 56, thickness - 7. Volume - 57 liters.

• suitable for both experts and beginners;
• convenient control;
• made from ecological materials;
• side walls are hand-polished.

• not identified.

Premium surfboards

3rd place

SUP JP 20 Foil Slate 8'2 "x 30" IPR (WS)

JP Australia brand (Australia, China). It is a versatile model that is used in surfing and foiling.

Construction - IPR technology. Set: 1 center and 2 side fin, 5 different finboxes.

The coating is pigmented to reduce weight and avoid chipping.

Dimensions (cm): length - 248, width - 76, thickness - 11.3. Weight - 8.9 kg. Volume - 128 liters.

At the Paddle Expo, the model won the Paddlesports Product of the Year 2020: Stand Up Paddling award for its 5-way application.

• universality of application;
• high speed;
• excellent durability;
• modern design.

• difficult to transport and store;
• high price.

2nd place

AHD AIRFOIL AFS-1

The board is manufactured by the French brand AHD. The model is used in windsurfing and foilsurfing. In the manufacture, technologies for the production of aeronautical products and the construction of yachts were used.

Material - 100% carbon. There is a cut-out aft to maintain high speed and reduce wind impact.

Characteristics: volume - 110 l, weight - 7.5 kg. Parameters (cm): length - 238, width - 67.5.

The set includes 2 different hydrofoils for different skill levels.

• skating is allowed with a wind of 5-7 m / s;
• high speed;
• little weight;
• convenient storage and transfer.

• high price;
• not suitable for beginners.

1 place

Mako Jetboard

This is a premium quality jetboard from Mako (UK).

Features:

• body material made of durable carbon;
• quick-detachable standard fin;
• unscrewing cap on the fuel tank;
• removable battery;
• metal propeller of a water cannon;
• special protective mat on the engine compartment;
• the engine compartment cover is secured with 3 fasteners and opens with a simple push.

Dimensions (cm): length - 188, width - 59.6. Weight - 19.5 kg. Permissible load - 100 kg.

The model develops a speed of up to 55 km / h. It has a 2-stroke Rotron XT100 engine, a displacement of 100 cm. Fuel tanks - 2.8 liters each. Battery charge - up to 40 minutes.

• high speed;
• long riding time;
• easy to charge and remove batteries;
• additional protection of the mat;
• convenient fuel tank cap;
• carrying with fixed handles.

• high price;
• suitable only for experienced athletes.

Output

Knowing the features of different models of surfboards, you can choose the right product for both beginners and experienced thrill-seekers.