By: Jack Mace: Surf Buyer | June 10, 2023
Surfing is one of the oldest action sports in the world, and on the surface, the gear hasn’t changed too much since the first Hawaiians paddled into their first sets. But, while the general idea remains much the same, incremental improvements in surfboard technology and design have made a big impact on how surfers approach waves. The right board for your style and the waves you’re surfing makes all the difference, but it can be hard to figure out what the right board even looks like. Luckily, we’ve put together this group of the best surfboards around right now. Every board on this list is excellent, but each one is suited to a slightly different surf and wave style. So there’s sure to be a board on this list that works for your experience level and location.
The key is figuring out what you’re even looking for when choosing a surfboard before you drop some cash on a new one. Do you want something quick and playful? Or maybe a more mellow, stable board? Regardless of what you’re looking for from your next board, there’s a ride on this list that will put a grin on your face. It’s just up to you to grab it, get that first wax on, and go catch some waves!
The Lib Tech x Lost Puddle Jumper Surfboard is the most fun and versatile surfboard you've ever ridden. This small wave hybrid is made for pros and bros alike – anyone who craves the sweet satisfaction of gliding small surf. Its wide outline makes paddling, catching waves, and maintaining stability a breeze in the chest-highs. The concave bottom transitioning to V in the tail gives it plenty of pop, speed, and hold while carving – making it true quiver-killer. Built with Lib Tech's ecoIMPACTO construction, the Lib Tech x Lost Puddle Jumper Surfboard is the most durable and environmentally friendly surfboard you can buy. It'll last a lifetime if you want it to.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Squash Tail Hybrid | 5 Fin | FCS II | $849.99 - $879.95 |
The iconic ...Lost Rocket is more alive than ever, now available in a classic Lib construction and ready for a thrashing. Enjoyed by surfers of all shapes, sizes, and abilities nearly a decade since its initial release, the Lib Tech x Lost Rocket Redux Surfboard stays true to the original but brings a serious performance upgrade thanks to the ecoIMPACTO construction, refined rails, clean curves, and slightly upped volume. Prepare yourself for wild, down the line drive and radically precise turning on the Lib Tech x Lost Rocket Redux Surfboard!
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Diamond Tail Hybrid | 5 Fin | FCS II | $849.99 |
Classic looks that are fit for you to bring your own style into the waves with you, the Catch Surf Blank Series 5'6 Fish - Tri Fin Surfboard showcases a minimalists' take on a classic fave. Made with a durable dual composite core and a classic shape, this board gives you maximum stability for charging hard.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Fish | Thruster/Tri | $324.99 |
If you can only have one board and you prioritize fun and easy wave catching above all else, the Catch Surf Blank Series 6'0" Log Surfboard is a pretty outstanding option. Designed to perform well in any conditions, the shape is one of the most versatile out there. With Catch Surf's super floaty soft top construction, it'll have you hauling in wave after wave any time you paddle out.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Beater | Thruster/Tri | $349.99 |
Taking the best parts of the smaller series boards in the Solid Surf lineup, the Solid Surf Co Bento Box Surfboard is a crafty little mini that's ideal for making the most out of mid-summer sets. Despite the high volume, larger width, and massive buoyancy, this board features a mellow concave and low rails that mask any bulkiness under a responsive and nimble ride that's tons of fun. Topped with SSC's exclusive BIOflex Hemp, this board's superior construction is durable and good for the ocean.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Groveler | Quad | $695.00 - $835.00 |
Get stoked on surfing in new ways with the Softech Co Mason Twin FCS II 5'10" Surfboard. With its short length and high volume this twin board injects a serious dose of playfulness into your ride, a great choice for surfers looking to push the boundaries of small wave surfing with a lightweight and buoyant package.
Board Style | Fin Box | Original Price |
Beater, Fish | Twin | FCS II | $380.00 |
The Torq Channel Islands X-Lite Pod Mod 5'10" Surfboard is the ultimate choice for any surfer seeking high-performance in small to medium sized waves. Designed in collaboration with Channel Islands, this board features a wide outline and low rocker, allowing for easy paddling and quick acceleration. Meant to be ridden even shorter and wider than the original Pod, this bad boy is here to revolutionize punting and allow experienced surfers to thrive on boards that are 3" - 6" shorter than they are tall.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Fish, Funboard | 5 Fin | Futures | $575.00 |
Fish shapes have endured through the decades for a reason - they just plain rip. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of the art, the Surftech Gerry Lopez Something Fishy Fusion HD FCS II Surfboard should slot right into your quiver.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Fish | Quad | FCS II | $680.00 - $745.00 |
The Quiksilver Soft Bat Surfboard is an awesome choice for beginners and intermediate surfers learning the ropes. A high volume bat-tail design make this an easy riding, wave catching machine that's ideal for smaller breaks.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Funboard | Thruster/Tri | $339.00 |
Hungry for small waves, the Lib Tech x Lost Hydra Surfboard is a grovel machine. With more than 25 years of experience developing small wave fish and hybrid boards, Matt Biolos defies hydrodynamics with this minuscule wave masher. Whether you are coming off a longboard or looking to make the most out of summer mush, a split diamond tail combined with a unique double concave Hydra Hull will give you little doubt about the capabilities of this board in middling conditions. Forget chasing barrels, the Lib Tech x Lost Hydra Surfboard makes any wave a dream wave.
Board Style | Fin Layout | Original Price |
Groveler | 5 Fin | FCS II | $879.95 |
Our surf buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things surfing stemming from years of experience in the surf industry in tandem with their countless hours out in the water catching waves around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Hey there! I'm Jack Mace, the Surf Buyer at evo.com. Born and raised in Washington, I developed a love for the outdoors and water activities like surfing during my childhood summers spent on the water and in the mountains. My passion for surfing grew while attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, where I'd hit the waves at local spots like La Push and Westport Jetty with friends on weekends.
After moving back to Seattle, I worked as a sailing instructor at my cousin's rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012. Starting in customer service, I eventually found my way to the merchandising team, where I could turn my passion for the outdoors and surfing into a fulfilling career as the Surf Buyer.
I live in Seattle with my wife, our two sons, and our pup Mac.