Best Surfboards to Conquer the Ocean in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 29, 2024
A good surfboard can make surfing fun and simple! For this reason, we have surfed through tons of surfboards and chosen 5 best models available on the market. Read our review and make your choice! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
TYPE
BEST FOR
RIDER WEIGHT
DIMENSIONS
STERN
NOSE
MATERIAL
FINS
USABILITY
WEIGHT
WARRANTY
 
PROS

Due to the special stern form, the board ensures improved manoeuvrability, which is quite a big plus when it comes to surfing on small waves and at moderate winds.

CONS

It is difficult to control when you lay on it.

OUR VERDICT

The model is a good option for practising turns and rotations on the water. The board is pretty lightweight, so even the beginners will control it with ease. Also, it will be an excellent first board for a child.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Fishboard

BEST FOR

Beginner/Kids

RIDER WEIGHT

Up to 70 kg (154 lbs)

DIMENSIONS

6.2' x 22" x 3"

STERN

Swallowtail

NOSE

Narrow, Straight

MATERIAL

Heat laminated high-density wood, EPS core with 3 multi-layered laminated wood stringers

FINS

3-fin set up

USABILITY

Comfortable ankle leash 

WEIGHT

2.49 kg

WARRANTY

30-day Amazon warranty 

PROS

Thanks to the exceptionally smooth base, this soft surfboard perfectly slides and has good adhesion to the water surface.

CONS

This model is not suitable for strong waves.

OUR VERDICT

This is a bright option that is more than suitable for novice surfers. It is relatively simple to manage and is not too hard to control. On top of that, it will soften the water impacts. The low weight makes it a good solution for the weekend trips.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Soft Top Longboard

BEST FOR

Beginner

RIDER WEIGHT

50-70 kg (110-154 lbs)

DIMENSIONS

7 ft

STERN

Square

NOSE

Wide, Curved

MATERIAL

Foam core with a central stringer, Bottom with a slick surlyn base

FINS

Removable fins

USABILITY

Comfortable ankle leash

WEIGHT

6.3 kg

WARRANTY

30-day Amazon warranty

PROS

This model is made of soft materials that will not cause any injuries if a surfer happens to bump against the board while riding the strong waves.

CONS

The ankle leash is not that reliable. 

OUR VERDICT

The board will be able to serve as a training gear both for amateurs and beginners. Its weight and durability allow for easy transportation. In the package, you will find removable fins and fastening screws.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Soft Top Longboard

BEST FOR

Beginner

RIDER WEIGHT

Up to 90 kg (200 lbs)

DIMENSIONS

7' x 21" x 3"

STERN

Square

NOSE

Wide, Curved

MATERIAL

 EVA core with a slick bottom and polyurethane (XPE) foam deck

FINS

3-fin set up

USABILITY

Ultra safe flexible fins, Comfortable ankle leash

WEIGHT

N/A

WARRANTY

30-day Amazon warranty

PROS

The well-thought-out design and large volume of this product will make it possible for you to catch small waves without any real difficulties.

CONS

The paint fades rather quickly.

OUR VERDICT

A wide, bright, and solid surfboard like this one is exactly what you need to get started. With its help, you will learn to keep balance while the flexible fins and a relatively soft body will not hurt you when you inevitably fall on it. It is available in 3 sizes and 2 colours.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Soft Top Longboard

BEST FOR

Beginner

RIDER WEIGHT

Over 80 kg (180 lbs)

DIMENSIONS

8'

STERN

Square

NOSE

Wide, Curved

MATERIAL

EPS core with two wooden stringers and a polyurethane (IXPE) foam deck

FINS

3 removable fins

USABILITY

Ultra safe flexible fins

WEIGHT

N/A

WARRANTY

3-year warranty

PROS

With the length of 275 centimetres (9 feet), this model is as stable as it gets. The board retains its shape for a long time and perfectly glides over the water surface.

CONS

The board is a bit bulky, so it might be hard to transport it. 

OUR VERDICT

This really huge surfboard will help you improve your skills and simply enjoy the riding process even when it comes to stronger waves. And the bright rich colour might simply cheer you up at the end of a long day. This model is available in yellow and blue.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Soft Top Longboard

BEST FOR

Adults

RIDER WEIGHT

Up to 100 kg (220 lbs)

DIMENSIONS

9'

STERN

Square

NOSE

Wide, Curved

MATERIAL

Tough foam core, Wooden stringers

FINS

3-fin set up

USABILITY

Comfortable ankle leash

WEIGHT

8 kg

WARRANTY

30-day Amazon warranty

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California Board Company Sushi Fish

For the Smallest Ones

Those who have already tried surfing but are still new to this exciting sport and would like to improve their skills will absolutely not regret purchasing the model from the California Board Company. This is a fish type board suitable for novices and amateurs. In other words, if you aren't looking to put on a show and the water tricks are not yet in store for you, this fish board will be able to suit your needs better than most other options out there.

The California Board Company beginner fish board is a modification of a shortboard: it is pretty short and comes with a pointed nose and a distinctive tail. "Fish" is even shorter than a shortboard: it is 6 feet (a bit above 180 cm) in length while the width adds up to no more than 22 inches (55 cm). Nevertheless, the California Board Company fish board for beginners still features a higher and, quite frankly, a more thought-out size than its predecessor. With maximum width present in the centre of the board, you will be able to enjoy greater stability.

The rocker is smooth and flat while the tail is equipped with 2 fins. This model has a swallowtail which is one of the basic tail types for a fish surfboard. Swallowtail is a wide, forked tail with a deep cut. Accelerating the board and making it easier to row and return to the starting position, it is beneficial for smaller waves, making the model in question, in turn, an exceptional choice for beginners and kids that are just looking to get started in the world of surfing.

Review of California Board Company Sushi Fish Soft Deck Surfboard
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00FZ9TYGW

 

Alder DELTASOFT-7-BLU

Improve Your Skills

A surfer will never forget his first board. It is the surfboard and the first riding experiences that often determine which kind of surfing a young surfing fan will prefer in the future. So, it is very important to make the right choice.

With that said, the subject of this review is one of the most sought-after Alder surfboards for beginners now. They are fairly long with about 7 feet (around 210 cm), thick, and come with a long nose.

Such longboards are quite voluminous and relatively heavy. The shape of the nose and rails of the board will affect the manoeuvrability and the ability to perform different tricks. Thus, such boards may be worse when it comes to the former compared to "fish" models, for example. On the other hand, these boards are more stable, meaning that they are easier to ride. Therefore, these boards are most often used for learning the basics of surfing.

Suffice it to say, the Alder longboards boast really great stability and, so they are often the choice of beginners. In addition to that, they are easier to row since the thicker the board, the more buoyant it is.

This board for classic surfing is made from foam core with a central stringer for balance. Such design contributes to rigidity and is instrumental when it comes to keeping the shape. As for the deck, it is made of soft foam. These types of surfboards may not be as durable, but they are very light in weight, which isn't an aspect to be underestimated when it comes to surfing.

All in all, this model is one of the easiest and most forgiving options out there, so it will be a great pick for the upcoming summer!

Review of Alder DELTASOFT-7-BLU Delta Stringers 7ft Softboard

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00BL439WK

 

Two Bare Feet 7 foot

Have Some Fun in the Sun

The Two Bare Feet hardware range offers their new 7-foot soft surfboard. It is an ideal starter model if you’re just learning to surf and would like to pick up a new fun hobby.

For beginners, it is usually better to purchase the so-called soft surfboards, which will help them catch the maximum number of waves throughout the initial learning process. Despite the fact that these boards are larger and heavier than traditional shortboards, the Two Bare Feet soft boards are stable, fast to row, and easy to climb on.

In order to always stay afloat, you will need a board that features a proper volume and the one that will be able to make up for the surfer's mistakes while balancing. This model will perfectly cope with the task and you will feel as confident as possible while surfing. And the curved design of the deck and extra flexible triple fins are really beneficial for excellent manoeuvrability when it comes to those naughty ocean waves.

Being made of the EVA core, this board will be able to serve you for years to come. Its dimensions vary from 6 to 8 feet. An average adult can opt for the bigger option, while a child can learn on the 6-foot board. The larger the board is, the earlier you can enjoy all the delights of riding the waves. Furthermore, these beginner surfboards are quite affordable, so this purchase will not drain a hole in your pocket. Add to that the fact that your first board will always remain useful, even after you have already progressed to the next level of surfing, and what you're left with is a great choice for those that are looking to add some fun to their mundane lives.

Review of Two Bare Feet 7 foot Soft Surf Board with Fins

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B008LTUAZC

 

Legacy Surf 8 foot

Durable and Forgiving

When spring and summer are on their way and it is getting warmer day after day, we start dreaming about sand, beach, and sunshine and that means it is high time to acquire a surfboard to make some new memories. Looking for a high-quality surfing board for beginners that will be excellent for family getaways, you might want to consider purchasing the Legacy Surf soft surfboard.

The board shape is considered to be specially designed for beginners, so it will help you improve your skills in no time at all. The secret to that is an excellent combination of a longboard stability and manoeuvrability. The length of 8 feet (a bit above 240 cm) will prove to be sufficient enough to let you control and manage the board with ease. However, there are 3 sizes to choose from and it is up to you to decide which model you prefer better. Just remember: a surfboard should be at least 1ft (30 cm) taller than the surfer.

Being manufactured of EPS core with two wooden stringers and a polyurethane foam deck, this model has a relatively big volume when compared to epoxy or fibreglass surfboards. It makes the board rather buoyant and not susceptible to vibrations. Thus, you can spend more time practising stand-ups and turns and you likely won't get tired too quickly. Plus, the IXPE foam is a “forgiving” material, so you won't have to worry about accidentally tripping or simply falling off the board. In addition, these materials are fairly reliable and durable, which is all the more impressive considering the comparatively low price of this model. So, what are you waiting for? Go pick up this foam surfboard and make some new memories!

Review of Legacy Surf 8 foot Soft Surfboard Beginners

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01ITG8CRO

 

Osprey bgg1399

Your "Soft Seawall"

The British company Osprey produces both classic and more innovative longboards for surfing that are brilliant in terms of usability and ergonomics. The thing is, choosing the right board for a beginner is extremely complicated. When looking for your first board, you can be tempted to buy a board that is the "coolest" in terms of shape or design. But it is a mistake. The most important aspect to take into account when selecting a surfboard for beginners is the size of the model since the longer and wider the board is, the more stability a beginner will have on the water. And that is exactly where Osprey surfboards come in.

As you know, the boards are divided into two general types - soft and hard, with the former being better for "freshwater sailors". The main advantage of the Osprey soft surfboards for beginners is that they are more stable on the water than the professional models. This board is also pretty voluminous, so you will be able to catch the wave without applying too much effort. On top of that, this minimal surfboard allows newcomers to catch small waves offshore while they are still getting used to the process. Which is why we recommend beginners to try out these soft models before using the hard epoxy ones. Plus, when it comes to size and weight, this Osprey surfboard is optimal for adults. Not to mention that, for a starter model, it is rather manoeuvrable and fast.

In conclusion, this is a perfect surfboard for adults that are looking to pick up a new pastime activity and make the most out of the next summer.

Review of Osprey bgg1399 Foamie 9ft Surfboard
Last updated price £189.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00JQ527N8

 

What Is a Surfboard?

If you want to experience new emotions and get lots of adrenaline but do not know what to do, the best option is to start surfing! For a surfer, when he or she is standing on the board and slides on the waves, it is a fantastic pleasure. Whether you are a beginner or a serious surfer, you will experience this feeling only standing on a surfboard and using the right techniques to take advantage of the ocean natural power.

But what board to choose and how to do it right? A surfboard is just a board. Such an idea can stumble upon only those who have never tried it. But once you stand on it, you will change your mind. At first, you will understand that there are no two identical waves. And then even a novice realizes that each wave and style of surfing corresponds to a board with some special design.

Throughout the history of surfing, the board has continuously evolved to meet the increasing demands of progressive surfers. Everything, from the size and shape and right up to the material from which the surfboards are made, was gradually improving and being changed. Nevertheless, the main parts of a surfboard still remain the same: as any fruit consists of rind, pulp, and bone, any surf has its basic elements, determining its properties.

Since the market is full of all kinds of surfboards, this choice may be a bit hard. But thanks to this review, you can find exactly what you need.

Also, if you are an extreme sports fan, you can read about inflatable kayaks.

What Features to Compare

Today, the market is overcrowded with surfboards that may seem to be exactly the same for a novice. First of all, while choosing a board for surfing, you need to decide under what conditions you want to surf.

Surfboards are divided into the following Types:

  • Shortboard - is a short thin board. It can cut through any wave. But not without a nuance: you will need to do a good workout before you learn how to surf it. Today, shortboards are the most popular type in the world.
  • Longboard - is pretty wide and long (about 10 feet). Longboard is basically a shortboard's colleague. Longboard is just slightly different in size. Note that is rather hard to catch the wave on a longboard, so this type is better for "small" and "moderately large" waves.
  • Soft Top is the same longboard but with a soft covering for feet. Typically, beginners use them.
  • Funboard - a board with an average length and thickness. Funboards are also best for beginners. They are huge and pretty long, at least 6 feet. Therefore, they do not need too much strain to catch a small and sloping wave.
  • Gun - is a long (up to 10 feet) board of an average thickness, designed exclusively for big waves. Sometimes beginners ride them as their first shortboards.
  • Tow-in - are short (about 6 feet) but fairly wide boards. Such size makes them more stable and, therefore, more suitable for large waves. Tow-in boards are even shorter than shortboards. They have loops for feet and designed for surfing on very large waves with a jet ski.

It should be noted that a new type of surfboard, a hybrid, has recently appeared. This type combines the design of classic boards and Soft Top. Such surfboards are created for the maximum safety of beginners.

The longer and thicker the board is, the easier it is to catch a wave. That's why beginners first take a longboard and gradually shorten board's size. It is really hard to study on the shortboard, and yet if you start training on a shortboard first, the progress will take more time. So, most surfers recommend changing surfboards in the following order: longboard, funboard, shortboard.

Another important criterion is the Manoeuvrability and Reliability. Every surfboard is divided into five parts: Deck, Nose, Tail, Rails, Stringer. It is worth noting that a tail design and a nose type affect manoeuvrability the most. So surfs can be divided into such shapes:

  • «Fish» is characterized by high resistance to shallow waves but bad manoeuvrability;
  • «Square» is an average board according to all indicators;
  • «Circle» boasts high manoeuvrability but саn be unstable.

Nose shape differs in terms of width and bending level. Longboards have the widest nose that gives them stability but at the same time complicates surfing on still waves.

Another important factor is the material of the surfboard. Modern boards can be made of three types of material: plastic, fibreglass, and epoxy.

  • Plastic board is the cheapest and is usually used for training.
  • Fiberglass board is the most optimal option. It has a good price-quality ratio, nevertheless, this type is not very reliable.
  • Epoxy board boasts the highest quality. Due to the new generation material, surfboards are really robust and durable.
  • Combined materials are often used for Soft Tops and Hybrids.

Finally, look at the board Conveniences. Here you need to pay attention to weight and some other technical characteristics that may improve users' experience. For example, due to a special mat, athlete's feet won't slip, which contributes to the performance of the most difficult tricks.

Sources:

1. Guide to Surfboard Fins, TACTICS.

2. Jesse Merle-Jones Pick the Right Board, SurferMag. July 23, 2014.

3. Surfboard Size Chart, SurferToday.

4. Tania Nesbitt Choosing the Right Surfboard, Active.

5. Gerlinda Grimes How to Choose a Surfboard, HowStuffWorks.

6. Jay DiMartino 4 Beginner's Guidelines for Picking Your First Surfboard, About Sports. June 26, 2015.

7. How to Choose a Surfboard Leash, evo.

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Publish Date: 2018-03-13 11:58:49