The Greco Surf 8′ Performance Soft-Top Longboard is our best longboard surfboard which measures a total of 8 feet in its entire length. There are a total of three various fins included for thrusters and each of them measure a total length of 4 inches each of the fin and there is also a fourth fin that has been included in the setup which measures 9 inches in its build. The setup is a 2 + 1 surfboard longboard design and the bottom is made from plastic that has been reinforced using HDPE material that is of excellent quality. The foam core is also made from high quality EPS material that is also in closed cell in its design.
Our step-up pick is the BIC Sport ACE-TEC Surfboard and this longboard surfboard has a 2 + 1 set up for its fins. The technology used for this longboard surfboard in its creation is a highly proven epoxy technology which makes the whole surfboard and all of its parts very sturdy and less likely to fail and you can easily uplift your agility due to its design which is meant for speed and does not sacrifice the comfort of the user or the surfer. The shape of the longboard mimics the classic designs of the old surfboards out there and it is also very accomodating for people with larger frames due to its unprecedented quality and durability and the center fin is an FCS dolphin type fin which measures 10 inches in its length.
The budget pick is the Hang Ten Super Fish Soft Surfboard and this high quality surfboard spans at a total length of 6 feet in its size so it may be a little short for a longboard but it still qualifies as a longboard due to its design. The stringers on this longboard surfboard are made from high quality and high density plywood material that is of marine grade for extra durability even when surfing for hours or days or years and the width of this longboard surfboard is at 22 inches while the thickness of this longboard surfboard is at 2.8 inches. This longboard surfboard is made up of expanded polystyrene or EPS material for its core part so it is very sturdy and yet it is also light weight and this longboard surfboard has also been shaped manually by the hand so it is very authentic in its design and it has a dark blue motif.
A Little Background
Longboards are the most classic of all surfboards out there. During the days when the surfing board was a new innovation, surfboards were usually very long in their sizes, which make longboards the old school version of the modern surfboard today. Since there were no foam materials and synthetic boards out there, wood materials were mostly used for surfboards so it was pretty hard to surf back then and for learning on how to surf and ride on and catch the waves.
They are also often called “Malibu Boards” due to their Hawaiian origin. As we all know, surfing has been somewhat born on the coast of Hawaii and also found on some other islands in the world as a natural innovative sport or hobby that is native to the tribe, community or the villages present in such islands.
They range from a length of 9 feet up to 12 feet in length. Longboards are generally longer and that makes them the general icon of surfing. Despite looking very bulky in its size, a longboard surfboard is something that presents a very classic and hipster design for those who long and yearn for the surf boards of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Longboards are ideal for use by beginners due to their size and build. It is fairly hard to balance on a shorter sized board and this is what makes longboards more ideal for those who are still learning on how to surf. They provide the surfer or student with great confidence and also safety to hone their balancing skills without sacrificing comfort and performance.
Today, longboard surfboards may have been made from modern materials and the like to make things more comfortable for the surfer in the long run, but they provide a lot of convenience for any surfer out there. Lighter yet durable materials help keep the surfer on the waves and safety gear nowadays also add confidence to a newcomer in surfing.
How We Picked
When it comes to choosing the best longboard surfboard out there, we considered the following:
Size – the typical size of a longboard surfboard is around 9 feet up to 12 feet or so. The design of the classic surfboard longboard is something that matches its own size and dimensions.
Durability – the materials used for the longboard surfboard must be highly durable despite being light weight. It should stand up to many crashing waves in the ocean and should cater a wide audience in terms of skill levels.
Safety features – since a longboard surfboard will be typically used by a beginner level surfer, it must have a leash or something that holds a leash to help keep the surfer safe. Fins or fin slots should be added and also stay in place.
Our Pick
Greco Surf 8′ Performance Soft-Top Longboard
The Greco Surf 8′ Performance Soft-Top Longboard is our best longboard surfboard and this high quality longboard surfboard has a neat design with a foam construction that makes it very light weight and easy to maneuver. The longboard surfboard measures a total of 8 feet in its entire length and it is also widely available in various designs to choose from. There are a total of three various fins included for thrusters and each of them measure a total length of 4 inches each of the fin.
It has a triple fin set up which makes it very convenient in its design and in its build and the setup is a 2 + 1 surfboard longboard design. There is also a fourth fin that has been included in the setup which measures 9 inches in its build and there is also a configuration option for a single fin only for advanced users. The core is made from high value epoxy for strength beyond compare which adheres to the industry standards that makes up the bottom and the top part and both of which weighs 6 ounces and there is also a leash that has been included in the longboard surfboard which measures 8 feet in its length and is also of a high end material for advanced users.
It has a total volume of 72.9 liters as a surfboard longboard which can also be a foam board and the width of the longboard surfboard is 23 inches and its total length is 8 feet. The thickness of this longboard surfboard is 3.7 inches and the stringers are made of wood that has been handpicked and chosen for the best quality and these are also double reinforced for extra stability and durability as well. The leash is also made from extra industrial quality TPU material for safety as well as reliability.
The deck is made from IXPE material which is light weight yet very durable because of the very fact that it is a high density material for any surfing deck and the wood stringers have also been treated and cured for the best quality. The fins have a key compartment as well and the nylon and fiberglass composition of this longboard surfboard is very superb in its quality.
The foam core is also made from high quality EPS material that is also in closed cell in its design and the bottom is made from plastic that has been reinforced using HDPE material that is of excellent quality. A convenient rail saver that has been built-in within the longboard surfboard will help you feel more confident, especially if you are a beginner. The double concave construction also adds to the durability and stability of the longboard surfboard all in all. At only 9 pounds, it is surprisingly light weight for a durable foam board longboard surfboard.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The Greco Surf 8′ Performance Soft-Top Longboard has a couple of flaws but they are nowhere near to break the deal as the best longboard surfboard out there. For example, some of its minor cons include the fact that it should be avoided for long exposure to sunlight since it may have a slight tendency of bubbling but this is a case to case basis only.
Step-up Pick
BIC Sport ACE-TEC Surfboard
The BIC Sport ACE-TEC Surfboard is a great step-up pick and the surfboard has a 2 + 1 set up for its fins. The fin has two side fins which are M5 FCS in its brand and design and the center fin is an FCS dolphin type fin which measures 10 inches in its length. The construction of this surfboard is made from high quality and very reliable epoxy material with a modern finish and the shape of the longboard mimics the classic designs of the old surfboards out there and it is also very accomodating for people with larger frames due to its unprecedented quality and durability.
It is also widely available in various designs to choose from and is available in 7 feet and in 9 feet length and the technology used for this longboard surfboard in its creation is a highly proven epoxy technology which makes the whole surfboard and all of its parts very sturdy and less likely to fail. The portability of the longboard surfboard is also good because of its handle which has been fully integrated with the surfboard itself and you can easily uplift your agility due to its design which is meant for speed and does not sacrifice the comfort of the user or the surfer. The composite construction of the epoxy material makes it very light weight to carry for a long time and the fins have an FCS model material.
It is also proven to be 30 percent stronger and more durable than other surfboards out there and the ACE-TEC construction of this classic longboard surfboard makes it super ideal for durability due to its design. Whether you are a beginner or someone who is a veteran at surfing, you will definitely enjoy this longboard surfboard from BIC Sport. There are also included screws within the package of this longboard surfboard and they have been pre-installed along with the fin boxes.
Budget Pick
Hang Ten Super Fish Soft Surfboard
Our budget pick is the Hang Ten Super Fish Soft Surfboard and this high quality surfboard spans at a total length of 6 feet in its size so it may be a little short for a longboard but it still qualifies as a longboard due to its design. This longboard surfboard has also been shaped manually by the hand so it is very authentic in its design and it has a dark blue motif and the soft design of the top of this surfboard longboard makes it very applicable even for beginners due to its level of comfort as a great surfboard with a longboard design.
This longboard surfboard is made up of expanded polystyrene or EPS material for its core part so it is very sturdy and yet it is also light weight. The stringers on this longboard surfboard are made from high quality and high density plywood material that is of marine grade for extra durability even when surfing for hours or days or years.
The rails have also been tucked in their design to keep them low profile yet efficient in this longboard surfboard and the triple fin slot system is highly compatible with FCS fin types. The width of this longboard surfboard is at 22 inches while the thickness of this longboard surfboard is at 2.8 inches and you only need to supply your own leash which makes it good for advanced users who want a higher quality leash.
Ideal Longboard Surfboard for Beginners
BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard
This awesome longboard surfboard has a soft deck composition so it is very good in its design and the deck is also clad in full layers of materials for the best kind of durability possible. The layers of fiberglass material on this longboard surfboard measures at a weight of 6 ounces each of the two layers and each of them are equipped with high quality epoxy for superior stability in the long run as a longboard surfboard. This longboard surfboard is also equipped with a foam core which has been made from durable EPS material.
The bottom has a hard and a slick design and a feel so it helps to speed up on the water more properly and the foam layer that is part of the composition of this longboard surfboard is very soft in its build. The stringers are either wood or composite so you get a mix and a best of both worlds for this awesome and superior longboard surfboard and there is also a convenient leash plug for attaching your favorite or new leash for safety purposes.
The deck is made from high quality soft material which also includes the rails of the longboard surfboard and the fins that are included in this awesome longboard surfboard are made from soft plastic that is light weight and yet durable in its build and are also safe. The size of the board dictates the molding material for the stringers and the deck is made from high quality and optimal IXPE material for safety and overall comfort.
Gliding and maneuverability is also boosted by the slick skin bottom part of this awesome longboard surfboard. The skin covering is made from high quality ASA material which helps to increase durability and traction and the composite skin is made from fiberglass that has been impregnated with epoxy resin for the covering plus a core that is made from polystyrene or EPS. The polyethylene composite board deck has a soft skin and a closed cell composition for added traction durability and glide. Its soft top is a great plus for beginners as well as for using the longboard for many hours of surfing.
Ideal Longboard Surfboard with Maple Wood Stringers
Catch Surf Mens One-Size Sea Foam
The Catch Surf Mens One-Size Sea Foam has a great graphic design which will not fade over the time passing or due to harsh UV rays of the sun and the durability of this awesome longboard surfboard is backed by a bottom part which is made from high density material in its build. The core is also resistant to water so it is very durable in its design and it is also very strong in its build so there will not be much foam bubbles on this material that is used for the surfing longboard and the light weight build of this awesome longboard makes it viable for use by beginners and the like.
Drive is also forced better in this longboard surfboard due to its build that is great and you can also use it to make better carves along with the drives. The fin system helps in achieving a great performance and the fin is also capable of being removed for your added convenience and the beater board shape of this longboard surfboard is packed with a twin fin system which helps to boost your speed on the water. The bottom part is also equipped with high density material so it can last for years and the stringers are dual ply in their construction and are made from hard and high quality maple wood for longer lasting durability and performance on the go.
The thickness of this longboard surfboard is at 2 1/2 inches and it is also highly recommended for people who are up to 175 pounds of weight and at around 5 feet more or less in their height. The width of this longboard surfboard is at 20 inches and it is highly applicable for wave heights that are around knee to head in their height. It is also highly applicable and advisable for intermediate to expert levels of riding.
Ideal Longboard Surfboard with an IXPE Deck Material
Empire 8′ Orange Hula Soft Surfboard
The Empire 8′ Orange Hula Soft Surfboard is a great IXPE deck longboard and the core of this awesome longboard surfboard is made from high quality extended polystyrene or EPS material that is of high density in its build and quality and is also found to be very waterproof in its design at a rate of one hundred percent. The material that has been used for the deck is made from high quality cross link IXPE material that is very smooth in its design and is at 8 pounds of weight.
The stringer used for this longboard surfboard is made from high quality wood that has been laminated in resin for added durability and stability and is molded and there are four stringers in total with this longboard surfboard. Moreover, this surfing board longboard also measures 8 feet in its total length so it is quite fair for a longboard with its length in total and it is also equipped with a triple fin system in its build as a longboard surfboard. There is also an included surfing leash for safety for the surfer and it is a great longboard surfboard for shredding through the waves.
Ideal Longboard Surfboard with a Recessed Deck Design
Litewave 6′ 1″ DV8 Surf
The Litewave 6′ 1″ DV8 Surf is an awesome surfing longboard surfboard which is equipped with straps for the foot as well as future fins amounting to three in this set. The total height of this awesome longboard surfboard is 6 feet and 1 inch so you can also easily make up winds with this longboard surfboard and the rocker for the tail has been reduced for a great and durable.
The construction of this surfing longboard surfboard is made from a combination of wood material and EPS material for supreme durability compared to market competitors in the category of the longboard surfboard and the deck and the full deck designs are both recessed for added convenience in freestyle moves on surfing and the like. The foot straps help in sustaining moves and achieving performance on the go and the surfboarding longboard surfboard measures 19.8 inches on its width and it has a thickness of 3.8 inches in its size yet it is only 1 cm in its thickness on the center so you can definitely achieve a better and lower center of gravity. Moreover, you can use ollies and the like due to its flexibility of the thin design of the deck as the full deck pad is also a good option for advanced users for those who would like to go strapless.
Reliable Longboard Surfboard with a TLPC Construction
Surftech Munoz Ultra Glide TLPC Surfboard
If you want a TLPC deck construction for a longboard then go for the Surftech Munoz Ultra Glide TLPC Surfboard as this high quality surfboard longboard is made from high quality and high density TLPC or tough lite pro carbon material that has been a composite for its build which adds to the durability of this surfboard longboard. The thickness of this surfboard is at 3.6 inches so it is quite durable in its design and in its build and the core is also made from the very highly durable material when it comes to quality as the EPS material of the core makes it very reliable in times of need to make the surfboard highly durable in its design as combining itself with the TLPC carbon and the EPS is also high quality in its fused cell construction in a composite way.
The fin has a set up of 2 + 1 in its design and is also made from FCS material for the fin construction and the total volume of this TLPC longboard surfboard is at 120 1/2 liters. The total length of this longboard surfboard is at 11 inches and is coated a gray design and the gliding ability of this surfboard is very reliable. The width of this surfboard as a longboard is at 25 inches.
Reliable Longboard Surfboard with a 2 + 1 Fin System
Bic Sport Big Boy E-Comp Surfboard
If you want a triple fin system then go for the Bic Sport Big Boy E-Comp Surfboard as the configuration of this longboard surfboard is at a 2 + 1 configuration setup for its fins It has one center dolphin fin at FCS style with a length of 10 inches and it also has two side fins with the FCS brand at M5 model for stability on the water. It can cope with beginners and it is also great for advanced users and the size of this longboard surfboard is at 9 feet and 6 inches.
The design of this longboard surfboard will also not fade away over time due to the harmful UV rays of the sun and the durability of this surfboard for a longboard is considerably good. It is also very stiff in its construction and it will not break easily in any situation and any large paddler will be greatly accommodated by this surfboard because of the very fact that it has an epoxy construction for added durability. The handle that is on the surfboard is easily integrated to make transporting the longboard surfboard a breeze along with the epoxy technology that is present with this BIC surfboard.
It also has a unique yet authentic classic longboard shape that people from the old school days will definitely love and it is also very light weight for its design so it is easy to carry for many people. Surfers who are beginners can definitely benefit from the unique and awesome design of this longboard surfboard that can be used for learning on how to surf properly.
Reliable Longboard Surfboard that is Customizable
Surftech Revelation 9′ HD-E Surfboard
The Surftech Revelation 9′ HD-E Surfboard spans at a total length of 9 feet in its build and it has a total volume of 67.66 liters in its design. The thickness of this longboard surfboard is at 3 inches and the width of this longboard surfboard is at 22.4 inches. The foam blank part of this surfboard longboard is at a dual density build for durability and the capability to customize it to your liking and the board of this longboard surfboard is made from high density powerflex material which makes it good even for advanced users. Moreover, the longboard surfboard also includes futures plus five fins.
The tail has been designed to be concave in its build so you get a lot of boost on the water and the nose has a concave design as well that is subtle to help you feel more fluid in your rides. The mid section is also flat to add to the speed and flexibility as well as the maneuverability of the longboard surfboard.
The Competition
Longboard surfboards that did not make it to our list are the ones that did not meet our expectations because they lacked in quality as well as in comfort and their size was not enough to be a sturdy and reliable longboard.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of a longboard surfboard?
A: According to Surf Science , you get more days to ride on because of the fact that you can use the design of this longboard surfboard to go through a lot of kinds of waves in its diversity and maneuverability as well as versatility.
Q: How are longboards different from shortboards?
A: According to Drifting Thru , shortboards are more for advanced users whereas longboard riders are more of the beginners.
Wrapping It Up
In the long run, the Greco Surf 8′ Performance Soft-Top Longboard is our best longboard surfboard for those who want to go traditional in their means of surfing and catching waves I the ocean anywhere and anytime.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.