Best Longboard Surfboard: Choosing Tips And Our Recommendations

Published on: February 7, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Surfing is the most thrilling of sports or fun adventures. This entails cleaving through the chest of deep-sea breaks and hollow sea breaks for the expert and floating ahead swiftly in a less wavy zone of the ocean if you are a beginner.

Whether you are mastering the tricks of surfing or are a master surfer, you need to pick the right surfboard for this adventure sport. But you need to be aware of several factors to choose the best longboard surfboard and any lack of which may cost you dearly.

Do you know about longboard surfboards? Discover more of your ideas to pick a suitable longboard surfboard.

Here in this article, 5 longboard surfboard reviews are presented before to take you to the fit surfboard for you. But the arduous journey of researching is not due to you. After thorough research, this review article is ready to serve you with the crucial factors made-easy and plain even for a novice. 

To select the right board for your level of surfing, you need to know about the various building materials that exert a profound impact on how the surfboards will respond while surfing. The thickness, width, and length of the surfboard too are the factors responsible for the degrees of maneuverability and the variations in surfing.

These issues are well addressed in the respective sections of the rearview and 5 longboard surfboards brought to you are superbly backed by the rich user reviews along with the longstanding reputations and trust the brands have earned already.

Steps of Longboard Surfing: From Scratch to Mastering Tricks

Well-beginning is half done. If you start in an appropriate way, you are sure to end up becoming a veteran trick master. Otherwise, you may lose direction and interest on the way with time and money wasted. Here you go with the step-by-step guidelines once you have taken one of the aforesaid boards for surfing.

The Proper Location: Waves for surfing

Any surfing can never be without riding the waves. The size of the waves and the depth of the ocean depends on the level of surfing. But surfing on a longboard in the waves is the most exciting and chilling experience that is absent elsewhere without waves.

When you are new on the sea and just have had enough of longboarding downhill and skateboarding on the park, street, and other places, you should not start surfing in the deep-sea and hollow-sea breaks. Go for the soft, tricking, and spongy waves to break with ease.

As these are the areas less trodden by the surfing public, you will have sufficient space to leverage your maiden efforts. Once the command is earned, you can reign through the deep-sea breaks to feel the chill.

Paddling

To learn paddling is so crucial for surfing and there is no shortcut to growing a master paddler. Only lots of practice in a proper place will help achieve mastery over this important surfing technique. Tiny waves are advisable for beginners but you should walk out when encountering a lull on a particular surface of the sea area. When the suggested spot appears, try to stand on the center of the board and release the body weight gradually over it.

Learn to Keep Body Balance

The most crucial part of any kind of riding on earth or water is to keep the body balanced. Like paddling, this is also a technique possible to learn merely through practice and never think of a shortcut method.

Once you have learned to put the body weight on the deck of the surfboard, it is all done. You can ride and glide now playfully.  The best-known basic body position on a surfboard is to stand upright and keep the hands and head in the natural position. Thus you can enjoy the most stable surfing.

Surfing is Catching the Waves

Catching waves in surfing involve responding to the wave size and velocity. If you see the waves running towards the shore, you should paddle fast. Keep your body weight just in the middle of the board resting on the hind leg. When you are heading in the direction of the waves, sit down on your hind leg put the front leg on the nose of the board, and paddle to accelerate the speed. But when the waves are incoming, turn to the shore with a surfing pace.

Cross-stepping: The Master trick

Surfing is wild fun and surfers introduce incredible variation in riding into the waves. Cross-stepping is an expert-level surfing trick when you are able to enjoy the utmost maneuverability. When you are breaking waves with nose-breaking speed, you can make your board jump over a big wave by tilting a little over the back end part of the longboard.

While cross-stepping, you will feel the smoothness and rapidity of floating on the sea surface. Cross-stepping is done to speed down the board gently so that you can turn the direction of the board or to speed up by pressing the nose a bit down to go down a big wave. Therefore, it involves stepping back and forth along the board.

Nose-riding: The Ultimate Surfing

Nose-riding is the result of the cross-stepping when the surfer steps forth towards the front end of the board to dive the nose under the wave. Diving the nose under the waves is easy but keeping it for long is the toughest and most challenging task. For a ceaseless nose-driving, only the expert and unerring cross-stepping will not do but an extended peeling wave is urgent as well.

These are the steps you have to go through to be an expert surfer. To derive the most exciting fun, you need a well-equipped longboard surfboard and surfboarder having mastered paddling, body balancing, cross-stepping, and nose-diving and can excel with the right instrument.

What is the Perfect Longboard Surfboard

A longboard for surfing commonly features 8 of length and 20″ of width with a rounded nose. There can be variations in the specifications for different levels of surfing. This is the crucial thing to know where and why you should go by and above the basics. A little more analysis of the materials, length, width, thickness, and shape of the surfaces can give you the needed exposure to make a good longboard surfboard deal.

Surfboard Materials

Three materials are very popular with surfboarders and manufacturers. The go-between material to make a longboard that may float on the water irrespective of shape and size is polyurethane. That kind of longboard is made of polyurethane foam accent in the fiberglass. And the strength and flex of the board are guaranteed by the balsa wood stronger along the back end.

But the veteran surfers opt for a board that ensures a high level of strength and flexibility. It is only possible if you go for balsa wood as the longboard surfboard material. The premium-grade property of balsa wood gives the board maneuverability and durability that only expert surfers are in need. Along with this, balsa wood is eco-friendly and lighter but impossible to snap.

The third and most affordable surfboard material is epoxy. These epoxy surfboards are strong and lightweight but a dedicated level of surfing to accomplish cross-stepping and nose-driving to your heart’s content will find those weak. This is an option for novice learners who can purchase a comparatively cheap longboard that will last longer. So an epoxy longboard is a preferable first-time or learning surfboard.

Length of a Surfboard

Surfboards may be long or short – the shortboard features 8-10″ and the longboard features – 9-12″. Shortboards are for cutbacks and floaters that will surprise you by taking a swift and precise turn. On the contrary, a longboard will take more space and time to take a turn. But if you want to surf on the sea surface for longer with cross-stepping and ceaseless nose-driving, a longboard is your convenient option. The space and length of the board matter a great lot while mastering tricks.

Thickness

The thickness of a surfboard ranges from 2.5 to 3″ and most common being a little over 2.5 inches. A thicker board can both catch and make waves while curving. But highly thicker boards tend to be reluctant while taking a turn. So a go-between in thickness is always suggested to enjoy the curving and turning well. If you are lightweight, go for a minimum 2.5 inches dense board and 3 plus should be the option for bulkier riders.

Width

The standard and popular breadth range of a perfect longboard surfboard are 22-25 inches. The same geometry is applicable there too as the lighter and shorter surfer will find the lower range creating no trouble and the higher-end range will fit the taller and heavy-weight border.

This measurement of thickness and breadth is specific only for the main board body but the ends – the nose and tail – may show the difference with the main body. The thickness and width of the nose and tail will depend on the purpose and level of surfing you require.

Rocker or Bottom Curvature

A longboard with fewer curves will snugly float on the water and both ends will be closer to the water’s surface. On the contrary, a rocker one or the one with more curvature is fit for the nose-riders and a rocker board will give you a slow pace. A more rocker will provide you with the capabilities to play with the board – curve, cross-step, and turn. But the flatter one will move faster but it will respond weakly to your weight shifting back and forth.

Benefits of Riding a Longboard Surfboard

1. Reduced Fatigue: Longboard surfboards offer greater stability and buoyancy compared to shortboards, making them a great choice for those who want to avoid getting tired quickly. The longboard’s extra length and width allow for smoother rides and more efficient paddling, which helps to reduce fatigue.

2. Easier to Catch Waves: Longboard surfboards also make it easier to catch waves. This is because they are more buoyant and have a larger surface area than short boards, which allows them to ride higher on the wave. Additionally, their extra length and width allow them to glide over the water more easily, making it easier for riders to stay on the wave.

3. More Versatile: Longboard surfboards are also more versatile than shortboards, as they can be used for a variety of different surfing styles. From cruising and carving to noseriding and cross-stepping, a longboard can be used for many different maneuvers.

4. Bigger Tricks: Longboard surfboards also allow for bigger tricks than shortboards. This is because their extra length and width make them easier to maneuver and control, allowing riders to perform more complex tricks.

5. More Fun: Last but not least, long

How to Make the Best Deal for the Right Board

Yes, the keyword there should be the right or fit longboard rather than the best one because the best surfboard is a relative term.

You already are aware of the steps to go through until you become an expert surfer and have ample information to make the right surfboard deal that will serve your purpose and suit your level. Now let us examine which of our reviewed longboard surfboard brands suit you.

Actually, the entire selection is made to suit surfers of any level. All 5 surfboards come with modern designs – fins, stringers, nose guards, rocker, and slick cut-water bottom. The materials and construction are the stand-out features and the BIC Sports Dura-TEC surfboard surpasses all others in this regard. Liquid Shredder FSE comes with the perfect longboard specifications – lengthier, wider, and premium materials.

The price tags are just deal-makers as the features are more than the makeup. Therefore, to pick the surfboard that suits you, you can go for any of the five. That being said, the two mentioned in this buying section enjoy our preference over the others.

Quick Solutions

Does Surfboard Weight Deserve an Added Consideration?

YES, it deserves informed consideration. You can’t go extremely heavy and too light which will just kill the purpose of surfing. But the lighter boards are responsive and the weight recommendation goes a little over and below 17 lbs.

What Type of Waves is a Longboard Surfboard Best Suited for?

Longboard surfboards are best suited for larger, slower-breaking waves. They have more surface area than shorter boards, which allows them to catch more waves and ride them further. The increased surface area also helps the rider stay up on the wavelength. Longboards are designed with more stability and are easier to control while riding, as they have wider noses and tails. Longboards are also less agile than shorter boards and are designed to ride waves with a slower, more consistent speed.

What About the Fins?

Fins are crucial for nose-driving. And the pivot fins are suggested in this case.

Smaller or Bigger Size?

The smaller size is for the expert who wants their boards to help perform their skill and the bigger one is for both the starter and the advanced riders.

Top 5 Longboard Surfboard for Every Skill Level

1. Wavestorm WS18-SFR104-BSH-S 8′ Surfboard

Quick Overview of Root Features:

• Made of polyurethane materials for extra strength; 
• Featured with marine-ply stringers;
• Water Barrier Technology;
• Highly thick HDPE Slick base;
• Convenient Traction Pad for a stable hold;
• A high-quality ankle leash made of polyurethane.

This is the longboard with a minimum longboard length of 8′ and medium width of 22.5 inches. This is the perfect sample of moderation. You can take a turn at will with the medium breadth and cross-step back and forth along the belly of the board. The extreme thickness of 3.25 inches will enable you to float and ride like a beast. The thickness is quite a beginner orientation and you can make waves while catching the tiny ones. 
Wavestorm is lighter but can haul up to 200 pounds while curving, v-turning, and nose-driving. This falls into the classic category though lacks a balsa wood touch. It features the most durable material and reliable design earning it the bestseller tag.

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2. California Board Company Best Performance Surfboard

Quick Overview of the Root Features:

• Featured with laminated wood stringer unlike the marine ply of the Wavestorm;
• Triple Fins to keep the tail water-tight while nose-riding;
• The underneath surface is slick HDPE;
• Fully waterproof and dense EPS core;
• Heavy-weight and wider board.

Let us start with the nominal number of thickness – 2.4 inches. This thinner board is a performance board with the ability to play the tricks of turning, curving, and cross-stepping. This is extremely helpful for nose-driving as the low-density board is the preference of surfers who like to go under a peeling wave. With a little tilt of the body weight, the surfers can exercise the highest maneuverability.

And the 23 inches width is a great convenience to step back and forth, up and down the center to bring variations in turning, curving, and breaking waves. One regret is that the ultra-thinness will not let you make waves at will.

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3. South Bay Board Co. – Best Beginner Surfboard

Quick Overview of the Root Features:

• The longest and so fastest surfboard;
• 180 lbs of load capacity;
• Highly strong EPE deck with thick foam padding;
• Extremely polished PP bottom;
• Featured with three stringer – two fiberglasses and one wooden;
• Textured Traction Deck;
• Detachable Fins;
• And 90-day warranty backing.

This is the perfect longboard with basic lengths of 7, 8, 9-inch. This length backed by the massive surfboard breadth of 24.5 inches will make you the trickster as you can move along the board deck with added stability. Now cross-stepping is super easy for you and you can play over the ocean. The length and breadth are supported by the non-slip texture top that will give the beginner and novice the ease to try tricks and remain stable on board.

It comes with a super polished polypropylene base to glide and ride fast.

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4. South Bay Board Co – Best Surfboard for Kids & Adult

Quick Overview of the Root Features:

• The great load capacity of 75 lbs;
• Waterproof and dense EPS core;
• Featured with rounded edges for enhancing safety;
• Durable epoxy deck resists bumps;
• Triple stringer – one fiberglass and two wooden ones;
• Double concave HDPE reinforced the bottom.

Let’s have a specification statement first to know the geometry of this longboard surfboard. It features an eye-catching dimension of 63 x 24 x 5 inches but weighs as a medium as 8 lbs. The soft-touch top and non-slip bottom both are benefits for beginner surfers. The eco-friendly epoxy deck is padded with an EPS cushion to give novice riders a bump-free ride. This feature is responsible for the smooth gliding that a non-bounce board can only offer.

The epoxy surfboards are durable and flexible so you will not have to suffer any snaps while riding.

This is an exceptional offset paint stripe configuration called a delicate IXPE froth top. EPS shut cell froth center with 1 fiberglass pole and 2 wooden strings for additional strength, with sway netting HDPE plastic base deck.

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5. Giantex – Best Surfboard for Kids, Adults, and Children

Quick Overview of the Root Features:

• The most durable material and Dura-TEC design;
• Comfortable and convenient to use;
• Tri-fins set up to hold the tail while nose-driving;
• Nose guard for enhanced durability;
• Designed for all-size surfers and all types of waves.

This narrower and thinner surfboard is just an iconoclast in the surfboarding scene. The 6-inch length is less than the lower end of the standard length 72-inch and the 3-inch thickness has made it the easy-to-ride surfboard in the industry. Cutting the length is not the least a deal-breaker as the board is backed by the durable Dura-TEC build. This exclusive construction provides the board with a worry-free and extended surfing life.

The designs are singularly intended for surfers of all sizes and to catch all the waves – mushy, foamy, and peeling types. Therefore, this is a go-to option and fun-giver both for the novice and veterans. The narrower breadth and shorter length will enable you to play as the best performance surfboard by commanding the surfboard the way he wants.

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Conclusion

This review guide follows the go-between path while selecting the longboard surfboards. You can start with any of the five and they all can be your long-time company up to your advanced level as well. They are durable and reliable. Float, glide, catch and make any wave, and thus derive the most excitement to live up to your heart’s content.

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