Top 15 Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers in 2023

As you continuously improve as a surfer, you may start to outgrow your surfboard. Then, you have mastered all the primary skills and surfing etiquettes.

It’s time to replace your surfboard with one that matches your present needs. You need to move from using the best surfboards for beginners to the best ones for intermediate surfers.

Now, surf watches and surfing wetsuits, which are essential gears, will make more sense to you. Also, you will appreciate the essence of surf waxes. However, which surfboard will be the best for your new experience level?

Having taken the time to research the market, I’ve got 15 perfect surfboard options for you. I’ve highlighted their key attributes, carefully reviewed them, and included a simple buying guide.

My Top Picks

It’s time for a change once you’ve mastered balancing and paddling, and can ride without support. Changing your surfboard is paramount. Below are some of the best surfboards for intermediates.

• Best Overall: South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top
  “Durable construction, excellent value for money, comes with a camera mount, and storage rubber bumper.”
• Best Budget: Giantex 6′ Foamie
  “Budget-friendly, lightweight, exceptional durability, attractive, ideal for kids, and small riders.”
• Best for Older Surfers: Boardworks Froth! Soft Top
  “Soft top, versatile, multiple sizes, multiple colors, comes with a 1-year warranty.”
• Best Longboards for Intermediate: Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline
  “Robust construction, waterproof skin, spacious, fascinating deck, features a long leash, and traction pad.”
• Best Hard Surfboards for Intermediate: BIC Sport DURA-TEC
  “Reputable brand, waterproof, dent-resistant shell, traction pad included, easy to paddle, several sizes are available.”
• Best Fish Surfboard for Intermediate: South Bay Board Co. Mahi Hybrid 6′ Shortboard
  “4-fin system, fishtail, reliable construction, heat control features, 30-day warranty, can be used wax-free.”
• Best Rated: Wave Bandit Gravy Pro EZ Rider
  “Colorful, spacious, egg shape, streamlined, thruster fins, comes with dual stingers for extra strength.”
• Best Quality: Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst
  “High stability, rugged, decent aesthetics, removable fins, long leash, features three stringers in its core.”
• Best Lightweight: ATOM Softtop
  “Thick foam deck, ideal for lightweight riders, easy to carry, can fit into car racks.”
• Best for High Weight Capacity: Paragon Mini Log
  “250-pound weight limit, strong core, responsive, catches waves quickly.”
• Best for Small Waves: South Bay Board Co. Hybrid Longboard
  “Wide, durable, buoyant, high stability, very responsive, comes with features to prevent heat damage.”

Comparison Table

Among the 15 best surfboards for intermediate surfers reviewed, there are many features to put into consideration. For the primary attributes, see the table below.

The 15 Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers Reviews

With enough understanding of available surfboards, making your decision is simple. Consequently, you can highlight the best surfboards for intermediate surfers like you. I have reviewed the 15 potential options available; read through carefully.

1. South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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If you want a high-quality and well-fabricated surfboard, go for the South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top Surfboard. Three lengths are available, and they are 7’, 8’ and 8’8” with volumes of 49, 74 and 86 liters, respectively.

Its major highlight, the construction, comprises EPS foam, HDPE, and fiberglass. It has an EPS core with a slick made from HDPE and features a triple-stringer system for extra strength.

It has a tail bumper for vertical storage and a fingerprint-textured deck that requires no waxing. For longevity, it features a heat-release system to prevent heat damage.

Due to its well-streamlined shape and thruster, it is effortless to paddle, maneuver, and make quick turns. The South Bay Board Premium Surfboard comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, handle, GoPro camera mount, leash, and removable fins.

2. Boardworks Froth! Soft Top

(Best for Older Surfers)

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The Boardworks Froth! Soft Top Surfboard comes in longboard (9′), funboard (8) and shortboard (5′ and 5’6″) sizes. The sizes have a volume of 30.39, 37.4, 71.47, and 87.17 liters, respectively.

It has an EPS core like most soft-top surfboards, but it has a wooden stringer in the core’s center. It’s hot-coated with HDPE on its outer skin while its nose and tail are made from EVA for more durability.

It is considerably lightweight considering its dimensions, and its stability is quite impressive. It has a sleek, streamlined shape that helps it achieve smoother motion and control even for wake surfing.

Check out the 17 Best Wakesurf Boards Reviews in 2023 here!

Setting up is simple; you only need to install its removable fins and wax. Unlike the other sizes with thrusters, the longboard has a single fine. The Boardworks Froth! Soft Top surfboard comes with a one-year warranty and in three colors.

3. Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline

(Best Longboards for Intermediate)

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Do you want to learn new tricks and would like to have a more forgiving surfboard? The spacious Wavestorm 8’ Classic Pinline Surfboard should be on your list. It’s a beautiful surfboard with an attractive deck featuring graphic film technology.

It’s another soft-top surfboard; hence, there is a lesser chance of injury if you fall. The waterproof board has a volume of 86L, and it is reasonably buoyant because of its 4mm EPS foam core.

It has a high-impact bottom made from HDPE and three wooden stringers embedded in it for reinforced strength. It has a square tail, heavy rocker, and rounded nose, which contributes to its overall buoyancy and maneuverability.

It has a thruster fin set up with all three fins removable for more convenience. The Wavestorm 8’ Classic Pinline Surfboard comes with accessories – a long leash and traction pad.

4. BIC Sport DURA-TEC

(Best Hard Surfboards for Intermediate)

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The BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard is ideal for advanced beginner and intermediate surfers. The surfboard is available in many sizes – 5’10”, 6’7”, 7’, 7’3”, 7’6”, 7’9”, 8’4” and 9’4”.

It is a rigid surfboard that is highly waterproof and resistant to dents. It has a Polyurethane foam core and a high-density polyethylene shell. It doesn’t have a soft deck but a traction pad, however, waxing is still necessary.

Effortlessly, it balances on waves with decent stability to accommodate your experience level. Also, it offers space, and it is quite easy to paddle.

Depending on the size you’re settling for, you get to pick between a thruster, a quad, or a single fin set up. The BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard doesn’t come with a free leash.

5. South Bay Board Co. Mahi Hybrid 6′ Shortboard

(Best Fish Surfboard for Intermediate)

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Provided you have learned most of the surfing tricks; you’ll enjoy the overall performance of the South Bay Board Co. Mahi Hybrid 6′ Surfboard. You can ride in almost any surfing conditions, paddle effortless, and attain high speeds with ease.

It has an EPS core reinforced with wood and epoxy resin laminate (ERL) layers and a wooden stringer. All encased in fiberglass cloth with a heat-resistant ERL slick and deck from IXPE foam.

It is built to stay resistant to heat damage, and its textured, soft deck requires no waxing. This 40L shortboard features a quad-fin system. The South Bay Board Co Mahi Hybrid 6′ Shortboard Surfboard comes with a 30-day warranty and in multiple colors.

6. Wave Bandit Gravy Pro EZ Rider

(Best Rated)

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For intermediates or heavy riders interested in longboards, you should try out the Wave Bandit Gravy Pro EX Rider surfboard. It is a good option for those looking to gain paddle strength without losing their balance.

It’s a stylish board with a plain deck color and comical graphic bottom. It has an egg-longboard shape – a well-rounded nose and square tail. This unique shape significantly contributes to the board’s stability.

Ruggedness and lightweight are critical attributes as it comes with an EPS foam core, dent-resistant PE slick, and dual stringers. Though it offers high stability, the 8-ft surfboard may be challenging to turn.

Overall, the board is hydrodynamic and will catch waves effortlessly. The Wave Bandit Gravy Pro EX Rider surfboard comes with a 30-day warranty.

7. Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst

(Best Quality)

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Heavy surfers need a super-durable and rugged surfboard to bear their weight. An excellent option to consider is the colorful Wavestorm 8’ Sunburst Surfboard. If you’re around 200 pounds, you should go for it.

For such a heavy-duty, relatively lightweight surfboard, it is made up of an EPS core and HDPE as its bottom skin. To accommodate your weight and for rigidity, there are three wooden stringers arranged in its center.

Its soft deck features a traction pad close to the tail. The deck is attractive, courtesy of its graphic skin technology. Therefore, no waxing is needed.

It is considerably buoyant and maneuverable in light to medium waves. Also, it uses a thruster fin arrangement for added stability. The Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst Surfboard also comes with a long leash.

8. ATOM Softtop

(Best Lightweight)

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Young surfers who are intermediates and are below 125 pounds can simply opt for the ATOM soft-top surfboard. It is just 6 feet long and 5 pounds heavy; hence, it is portable and easy to transport.

A well-rounded, broad nose and a half-crest moon tail shape imply that it is effortless to control, paddle, and turn. To further increase its performance, it comes with thruster fins that are removable and easy to install.

Construction-wise, it has an EPS core, and HDPE slick like many others. It offers so much in terms of safety. To prevent injuries, it has a soft deck and rubberized fins when coming off.

If you care about aesthetics, you’ll be delighted to know that there are four color options for the ATOM soft-top surfboard.

9. Paragon Mini Log

(Best for High Weight Capacity)

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Wish to take a break or upgrade from soft-top surfboards? Take a look at the Paragon Mini Log Surfboard. It is available in two lengths of 7’6″ and 7’8″, which have a maximum weight capacity of 250lbs.

The Mini Log surfboard offers excellent aesthetics, and it is available in three colors. It’s ruggedness as a result of its high-quality polyurethane and polyethylene construction.

Both lengths have a single fin arrangement, and the removable fin comes with it. It has a low rocker for steadiness and a broad squash tail for smooth gliding.

Due to its size, catching waves is smooth, as well as paddling. The Paragon Mini Log Surfboard comes with a leash but lacks a traction pad.

10. South Bay Board Co. Hybrid Longboard

(Best for Small Waves)

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The South Bay Board Co. Hybrid Longboard is an excellent surfboard to improve faster as an intermediate surfer. Thanks to its length of 9’6”, it offers enormous stability, giving more room for improvement.

Featuring a full, rounded nose and square tail for easy paddling and effortless riding, it’s ideal for all skill levels. It’s got excellent construction to match its performance.

The EPS core is buttressed with wood, stringers, and epoxy resin laminate (ERL). It has an IXPE deck and a heat-resistant ERL bottom. The board features a heat-release valve, textured, soft deck (needs no waxing), and a 2+1 fin arrangement.

It has a large weight capacity and a volume of 330 pounds and 84L, respectively. The South Bay Board Co Hybrid Longboard Surfboard is available in three colors and includes a long leash.

11. Giantex 6′ Foamie

(Best Budget)

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With the Giantex 6’ Foamie Surfboard, you can advance into an expert surfer in a few weeks. Owing to its small size and lightweight, this board is perfect for lightweight riders (including kids) that weigh less than 200 pounds.

This foam board is one of the most attractive and affordable on my list with an exquisite multicolor design. Also, it is available in multiple color options. The board has a polyethylene deck, a lightweight EPS core, and heat-resistant and cold-resistant propylene bottom.

The deck features a traction pad to help improve your grip. On the waves, you can move at high speeds, thanks to its blunt rails edges, sharp nose, and concave bottom. The Giantex 6’ Foamie Surfboard comes with a leash and uses a thruster fin setup where the fins are removable.

12. GYMAX 6′ Non-Slip

(Best 6’ Foam Surfboard)

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For small surfers, the GYMAX 6’ non-slip surfboard might be the right choice. It is one of those versatile surfboards on the list. It is lightweight, hence, easy to move around on the beach.

Although it offers alluring aesthetics, you get to pick between two themes, yellow and white. Its lightweight isn’t a coincidence as it has an EPS foam core and tough HDPE slick.

To allow a better grip and more fun, the board has an anti-slip pad to keep you glued. It has smooth edges and a streamlined shape that cuts through the water seamlessly.

For extra control and stability, the GYMAX 6’ surfboard is equipped with the thruster (three) fin arrangement that is removable. It also comes with a safety leash.

13. Paragon Retro Fish

(Best for Advanced Tricks)

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The Paragon Retro Fish Surfboard is one of those you can use during your intermediate and post-intermediate level. If you haven’t mastered balancing enough, you will find it challenging to ride.

It has a weight limit of 200 pounds and sturdy construction to accommodate such weight. It is made from epoxy and carbon fiber, giving it the lightweight and rigid attribute.

It is another stylish fishtail surfboard with two attractive color options available in the market. If you want to perform tricks effortlessly, this is an excellent choice. Like many fishtail boards, it has exceptional maneuverability.

It has a concave outline. Also, it has a twin-fin arrangement. The Paragon Retro Fish Surfboard is available in two shortboard sizes – 5’10” and 6’.

14. North Gear 6ft Thruster

(Most Attractive)

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The North Gear thruster surfboard is a worthy mention on this list. Interestingly, it has a weight limit of 220 pounds and a length of 6ft.

Its well-rounded nose makes it buoyant, easy to paddle into action, and able to catch waves faster. It has soft rails that contribute to its volume and a rounded tail for control.

You have a core made from EPS foam, its deck from EPE, and the impact-resistant slick from Propylene (PP). The deck is a soft type that adds more grip and prevents injury if you get turned over. There is a traction pad on the top.

Notwithstanding, it can get slippery when wet; therefore, you still need to wax. The North Gear thruster surfboard uses a removable, easy-to-install thruster fin set up, and you can switch to dual fins if you wish.

15. Komsurf Fiberglass

(Best with Reliable Construction)

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Another worthy mention on my list is the Komsurf fiberglass surfboard. You get to pick between two shortboards (6’4″ and 6’10”) and two longboard sizes (7’6” and 8’6”).

Like other listed surfboards, it has a robust construction comprising epoxy-resin-fiberglass skin, wooden stringer, polymer finish, and EPS core. All these materials are well-compacted together to create the well-streamlined, high-performing Komsurf surfboards.

With its round nose and broad tail, it offers more surface area and stability. It can catch waves faster. It has the famous 2+1 fin arrangement and supports a single fin set up too. You can also bolster your paddling strength with the Komsurf fiberglass surfboard.

How to Find the Right Surfboard for Intermediate Surfers?

Several options, good or bad, are existent, but how will you identify the best? Everybody wants a quality, high-performing surfboard. In some cases, your budget can be a constraint.

There are some essential factors to consider when buying surfboards as an intermediate surfer. Notwithstanding, your budget still plays a crucial role in your decision-making.

1. Surfboard Type

Based on sizes and shapes, there are different types of surfboards. Below are the most popular categories.

Fish boards – You will recognize a fish board easily. They are wider with a flat rocker, a sharp nose, and a fishtail. They are one of the best options for many tricks and quick turns.

Longboards – They are surfboards between 8 and 12 feet. Since they are very responsive, they are best for locations with small, gentle waves. If you are still struggling with stability or paddling, you should go for this. Notwithstanding, it is not wrong if you want to be a longboarder.

Funboards – They are shorter than longboards, ranging between 6 and 8 feet. They may come with different nose or tail shapes that can influence performance.

Shortboards – They look quite small like skimboards. Generally, their lengths are less than 6 feet.

2. Your Weight

You should pick a surfboard that can accommodate your weight. Every surfboard has its weight limit. Often, it is indicated on the board’s packaging. From the surfboard’s weight, you can determine if it is for children or adults.

3. Surfboard Size and Weight

The length and breadth of a surfboard determine the buoyancy of the surfboard. A surfboard can either be short or long. Here, your height and body size is crucial.

Ideally, it is best to go for a surfboard that’s taller than you. That’s the recommendation when you were a beginner. However, since you are now an intermediate rider, you can balance and paddle excellently.

At this stage, you can ride short-sized boards. A shortboard will allow more tricks, quick turns, and maneuverability but less space and stability. Nevertheless, you can still go for longboards depending on your preference.

You should consider your surf location. Longboards are best for small, gentle waves; however, shortboards are perfect for fast, massive waves. Also, you should find a board that you can carry and transport without stress.

4. Buoyancy and Stability

Surfboards have a certain level of buoyancy, and it is indicated by its volume (liters). Of course, large volume surfboards have more buoyancy. Higher buoyancy implies better surfboard stability.

Like in bodyboards, several factors can contribute to a board’s buoyancy, such as thickness, length, width, material, etc. Most times, the shortboards have less buoyancy due to their size but more performance. For longboards, it is vice-versa.

As an intermediate surfer, buoyancy shouldn’t affect you pretty much. However, you should consider a reasonable surfboard volume considering your body weight.

5. Construction and Design

Polyurethane, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, and Wood are some of the most used materials in surfboard construction. There are three major sections in a surfboard – the core, slick (bottom) and deck (top).

The core can be Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Polyurethane (PU). PU surfboards are often attractive, sleek, and rugged, but they are often expensive. The EPS surfboards are lightweight and cheaper. The deck and slick are usually made from Polyethylene (PE or HDPE).

Some surfboards come with coating, textured surfaces, soft deck, or traction pad to improve users’ grip. Hence, they may not require waxing. Some surfboards are shaped to offer much speed and allow tricks, especially fishtail boards.

Those boards with a broad, round nose allow more stability and control but less speed than pointed boards. The tails and fin arrangements also play vital roles in the performance. Rounded tails allow more speed, and squash tails offer more control.

There are different fin arrangements – single, twin, thruster, 2+1, and quad arrangements. The single and 2+1 arrangements allow more maneuverability. For speed, go for the twin, thruster or quad arrangements.

6. Additional Features

Aesthetics is another thing to look out for, especially if you do not know how to paint a surfboard. You may consider safety features like soft decks, safety leash, and rubberized fins. If you want to use surf cameras, some boards come with camera mounts. You may also check for warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I have compiled some frequently asked questions on surfboards. If you are looking for direct answers to issues related to surfboards for intermediate surfers, check these out.

Why Surfboard Wax?

Surfboards get wet when surfing. Consequently, it may become slippery, and you may lose your grip and fall off frequently. By waxing your surfboard correctly, you can avoid this awkward circumstance.

What Is Considered an Intermediate Surfer?

You are an intermediate surfer if you can paddle alone, catch waves, and ride them using the principal surfing techniques alone. Of course, you should be able to do it several times. If you have expert surfers around, you can seek their opinion.

WindSurfingMag Overview

You’re familiar with the surfing etiquette and basic techniques, and experts have certified you as an intermediate surfer. The essential thing to change in this new level is your surfboard to the best surfboards for intermediate surfers.

By reading my buying guide carefully, you should be able to identify the best options for you. My top pick from the 15 reviewed options is the South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top.

For a budget option, kindly settle for the Giantex 6′ Foamie. Go for the Paragon Mini Log if you are a heavy rider.

I appreciate comments, suggestions, and questions. If you have anyone, kindly share in the comment section down the article.

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