Ranking the best surfboards for 2022

Surfing is a modern sport that is gaining popularity among beginners. Having studied the rating of the best surfboards for 2022, you can choose a quality model based on experience and financial capabilities.

The meaning of the word surfing

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

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

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

The first boards were invented in the Hawaiian Islands and were wooden (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;
• cover - 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 that differ in weight, shape and functionality:

1. Longboard.
2. Shortboard.
3. Fanboard.
4. Fishboard.
5. Sapboard.
6. Motosurf.

Longboard

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

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

Long is the heaviest and most clumsy model, which 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 how to steer and turn. Professionals can move along the entire length while riding, ride on the stern with a partner or stand on their heads.

Noseriding (noseride) - a style of riding on the nose of the board.

Shortboard

Short board (English - short board), short.

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

Short parameters: length - 1.5-2.2 m, width - 35-65 cm (the widest part is the middle). Equipped with 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 greater speed and maneuverability;
• easy to transport and choose a storage location.

Fanboard

Translation from English "fun board" - 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, characteristics and shorts - can perform tricks, sharp turns (narrow tail) and accelerates quickly.

Suitable for sloping and medium waves, as well as beginners when switching to shorts.

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

Supboard

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

It consists of a board, 3-3.3 m long, 70-80 cm wide and a long oar. Sapahs are ridden standing, rowing with an oar.

There are 2 types:

1. inflatable models.
2. One-piece models - wood and carbon.

Supboard can be used by people of different training, age and in any conditions:

• suitable for any reservoirs with different waves - there are models for lakes and oceans;
• used by beginners, adults and children;
• there are saps for racing competitions up to 5 m long with a V-shaped bottom.

Motosurf

Motorized surfboards have several names:

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

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

There are 2 types of motors:

1. Petrol.
2. Electric.

The gasoline engine is lightweight (up to 18 kg) and can work up to 4 hours. Such devices can be transported during air travel. Disadvantages - prohibition of use on some reservoirs due to noise.

The electric motor is silent and has no restrictions on the place of use. Disadvantages - a lot of weight, can not be transported in aircraft and a small supply of energy.

The advantages of a motorsurf are the use on any water bodies, under any weather conditions, the performance of tricks at high speed.

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

• jet water engine with a motor power of 10 kW;
• speed up to 56 km/h;
• one battery charge lasts for 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 (hybrid) - a mix of elements of different types in one product (fish tail, short length).
• Gan (big-wave gun) - a board for large waves from 2 to 3 m long, 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 bindings. Used with a scooter or boat.

What are surfboards made of?

The first boards are modified wooden boats without boards. There is a modern prototype of the ancient Hawaiian board - Alai (Alaia). This is a board made from a single piece of wood without fins. It quickly picks up speed, but it is difficult to change position.

In the production of modern models use:

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

Fiberglass-coated boards are inexpensive and lightweight, but break quickly from impact and flying.

Plastic models are the cheapest and are used in surf schools. It is difficult to catch a wave on plastic boards.

Epoxy resin (epoxy) coated surfboards are the most expensive, but are strong, light and pick up speed quickly.

Price policy

The formation of the price 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, taking into account the tips of experienced surfers:

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

Ranking the best surfboards for 2022

You can pick up a surfboard in specialized stores or on surf products websites. You can try any models at equipment rentals, surf schools. The best option should be chosen by comparing the assortment, cost in online stores and on well-known foreign sites.

The most inexpensive surfboards

5th place

BIC Sport Malibu

Producer - 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 is possible.

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

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

• light;
• good stability;
• can be maneuvered
• the coating is scratch resistant;
• suitable for frequent use.

• not different colors
• you can't do tricks.

4th place

100 7’5 OLAIAN

The manufacturer is the French surf brand OLAIAN from Decathlon.

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, coated with high-strength polyethylene. Fins - polypropylene.

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

Warranty - 2 years. Conditions of use: Rinse in clean water, avoid direct sunlight.

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

• weight limit up to 65 kg;
• must not be stored 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 central removable, 2 lateral);
• paddle made of aluminum (folds, adjustable);
• spiral leash;
• pump, pressure gauge;
• repair kit;
• bag backpack.

• light;
• 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).

• needs to be pumped up and deflated;
• careful use.

2nd place

NSP SUNSET 07 SOFTBOARD 8’0″

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

Longboard two-tone: blue with blue. Suitable for beginner surfers. Quickly picking up speed, changing directions,

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

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

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

• not identified.

1 place

7'500 OLAIAN

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

Equipment: 3 screw fastening fins, plastic key, 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 small waves (knee to shoulder).

Warranty - 2 years. Tips: do not use in teaching schools, rental stations (infrequent use), rinse with running water, store 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.

Mid-range surfboards

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. This is a hybrid model that is suitable for SUP and windsurfing with the ability to mount a sail.

ACE-TEC construction - low weight, durable polyethylene outer shell.

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

Complete set - mast mounts, centerboard (retractable keel), fins, box for storing fins.

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

• sailing gear is not included.

4th place

Cabrinha Xcaliber Wood 2022

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

The kiteboard is suitable for professional athletes and freestyle experts.

The material is paulownia wood. Size (cm) - 133 * 40. There are other sizes.

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

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

• advanced freestyle only.

3rd place

NSP SOFT SURF WIDE

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

This is a surfboard tutorial. It is used by water equipment rentals and surf schools. The board is characterized by a wide, flat shape with a rounded nose. The balancing point is marked with a graphic image on the front side. There are handles for easy carrying.

Peculiarities:

• P2 Soft construction.
• T-shaped fiberglass stringers (2 pcs.).
• Durable EPS foam core.
• Double layer - epoxy resin, fiberglass 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 fins.

• suitable for learning;
• reinforced 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). The models are suitable for stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. Permissible load - 75-80 kg.

Equipment:

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

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

Warranty - 12 months

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

• needs to be inflated.

1 place

NSP ELEMENTS HDT LONG

Released by NSP (New Surf Project), Hawaii.

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

Peculiarities:

• core - durable EPS foam, fiberglass reinforcement;
• stringer along the entire length in the center;
• epoxy resin coating;
• outer gel layer;
• The kit 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 management;
• made from ecological materials;
• the side walls are polished by hand.

• not identified.

Premium Surfboards

3rd place

SUP JP 20 Foil Slate 8’2″ x 30″ IPR (WS)

Brand JP Australia (Australia, China). This is a universal model that is used in surfing and foiling.

Design - IPR technology. Set: 1 central and 2 side fins, 5 different finboxes.

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 received the Paddlesports Product of the Year 2022: Stand Up Paddling award for its 5-way application.

• versatility of application;
• high speed;
• excellent strength;
• modern design.

• difficult to transport and store;
• high price.

2nd place

AHD AIRFOIL AFS-1

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

Material - 100% carbon. There is a cut-through at the stern to maintain high speed and reduce wind exposure.

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

The kit includes 2 different hydrofoils for different skill levels.

• it is allowed to ride with wind from 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).

Peculiarities:

• body material made of durable carbon fiber;
• quick-detachable standard fins;
• screw cap on the fuel tank;
• removable battery;
• metal water jet propeller;
• special protective mat on the engine compartment;
• The engine compartment lid is fixed 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 speed up to 55 km/h. It has a 2-stroke Rotron XT100 engine, displacement - 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;
• extra pad protection
• convenient fuel tank cap;
• carrying with attached handles.

• high price;
• suitable only for experienced athletes.

Conclusion

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