With the best balance boards, surfers can practice and focus on the fundamental aspects of surfing. Without weight distribution, core strength, balancing, stability, and coordination, surfers will be overwhelmed when on the water.
Balance boards afford you the luxury of “surfing” and training anywhere and anytime. Of course, more quality practicing fosters better control and performance. You can also use a balance board for rehabilitation and fitness exercises.
There are many other reasons why balance boards are important. But the major challenge lies in how to identify the best balance board for yourself. This article contains a simple buying and detailed reviews of 15 best balance boards you should consider. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- My Top Picks
- Comparison Table
- The 15 Best Balance Boards for Surfing Reviews
- 1. Yes4All Wooden Wobble
- 2. EveryMile Wobble
- 3. INDO BOARD Original
- 4. NALANDA
- 5. 4TH Core
- 6. URBNFit
- 7. Revolution 101 Balance Trainer
- 8. Blue Planet Balance Surfer
- 9. StrongTek
- 10. Aduro Sport Wobble
- 11. Whirly Board Spinning
- 12. N&M Products
- 13. Bona Balance Trainer
- 14. ELA Design
- 15. Branded Boards Surf Trainer
- How to Choose the Right Balance Board for Surfing?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- WindSurfingMag Overview
My Top Picks
Are you looking for the best balance board for surfing? Among the several options to go for, take a look at the best balance board to consider below.
- Best Overall: Yes4All Wooden Wobble
“Wide range of motion, high stability, lightweight, well-constructed, good quality, great for everyday use.” - Best Budget: EveryMile Wobble
“Sturdy plastic construction, lightweight, comes with two handles, durable, excellent value for money.” - Best Rated: INDO BOARD Original
“Ten color choices, attractive, grip strips on the roller, comes with an instructional disk.” - Best for Beginners: NALANDA
“Beautiful deck, hard plastic roller, anti-slip surface finish, can be used by beginners, intermediates, and experts.” - Best for Seniors: 4TH Core
“Environment-friendly, a durable wooden roller, 500-pound weight limit, easy to use, features roller stoppers.” - Best for Core Strength: URBNFit
“Good range of motion, versatile, non-slip, reliable plywood deck, has a maximum tilt angle of 30 degrees.” - Best for Kids: Revolution 101 Trainer
“Attractive, 400-pound weight limit, extreme durability, can be used with bare feet or without shoes.” - Best Value for the Money: Blue Planet Balance Surfer
“Excellent versatility, seven balance modes, impressive responsiveness, high traction, good for all skill levels.” - Best Quality: StrongTek
“Solid construction, portable, easy to use, less likely to skid on any surface.” - Best Lightweight: Aduro Sport Wobble
“Plastic construction, wobble style, versatile, simple, easy to carry, high stability, weighs less than two pounds.”
Comparison Table
Balance boards come in various shapes, designs, sizes, and with different features. All these attributes influence your rate of development and the efficiency of your workout sessions.
By considering these attributes, you can determine what works best for you. Below is a quick comparison table of the 15 best balance boards for surfing.
The 15 Best Balance Boards for Surfing Reviews
Investing in the best balance board cannot be overemphasized. It can help you develop at a fast rate safely and effectively. That’s why I have researched the market and reviewed the best balance boards for surfing.
All that is left is determine which works for you by going through each review carefully. You may also make use of the buying guide in the next section for better decision-making. Below are the detailed reviews of the 15 best balance boards for surfing.
See more related reviews:
1. Yes4All Wooden Wobble
(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)
Good balance and stability is an essential skill for every surfer. For a decent wobble board for warmups, you can opt for the Yes4All Wooden Wobble Balance Board. For beginners to experts, the board makes an incredible choice.
Its wooden board and its hard plastic bottom (pivot) can carry about 350lbs altogether. The deck has an anti-skid surface to provide traction and safety. The plastic bottom can allow you to reach a tilt of 15 degrees.
For portability, it has two handles, and its plastic bottom is removable so you can pack it in your bag easily. It can perform side-to-sides, front-to-backs, and circular drills with relative ease.
There are multiple color options of the Yes4All Wooden Wobble Balance Board available. This budget-friendly and lightweight board also comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Large anti-skid surface.
- Comes in multiple colors.
- Budget-friendly and lightweight.
- Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
- Removable bottom makes it easy to carry.
Cons
- The pivot plastic bottom might be slippery on hard floors.
2. EveryMile Wobble
(Best Budget)
You can also get better as a surfer with the EveryMile Wobble Surfing Balance Board. It is an excellent, budget-friendly, easy-to-use board for kids and adults as well as inexperienced and experienced surfers.
Unlike most balance boards, it is made entirely from plastic, featuring a circular board fixed to a dome. As a result of its plastic construction, it is lightweight, weight about 3.5 pounds, but possesses a weight limit of 350 pounds.
It is deck textured to provide an anti-slip platform and ensure better safe workout sessions. It can accommodate all heights, physique, barefoot, and shoes. The board can tilt down to 15 degrees and perform 360s.
People that consider aesthetics will be delighted with the multiple color options available. The EveryMile Wobble Surfing Balance Board also features two handles to foster more portability.
Pros
- Features two handles.
- Anti-skid, tear-resistant, and durable surface.
- Can be used with shoes or barefoot.
- Lightweight.
- Three color choices.
Cons
- May be unstable on hard surfaces.
3. INDO BOARD Original
(Best Rated)
Measuring 30 inches by 18 inches, the INDO Board Original is a large balance board for big (tall) guys. There is enough surface area for various footwork. Also, its recommended weight limit of 300lbs is within the range of big guys.
It is a two-piece balance board that comes with a wooden board and a 6-inch thick indestructible roller. It’s got excellent deck traction for barefoot activities. There are stoppers underneath at opposite ends to keep the roller from skidding off.
Furthermore, it can be used on any surface as the plastic roller comes with grip strips for safety. In terms of aesthetics, the INDO Board Original balance board is available in 10 beautiful designs with foot guides.
There is an instruction DVD guide included, which contains a two-hour content, making it useful for beginners to learn. Although it is a reliable, performance-driven board, it weighs about 15 pounds, which can be a huge turnoff.
Pros
- Ten color choices.
- Incredible deck graphics.
- Comes with foot guides and instructional disk.
- Less liable to skid on hard surfaces.
Cons
- Heavy.
4. NALANDA
(Best for Beginners)
A fascinating feature of the NALANDA Surfing Balance Board is the three adjustable distances. It allows you to set the level of difficulty to suit your preference. Subsequently, you can make necessary adjustments as you get better.
Regardless of your experience level – beginner, intermediate, or advanced, you can train with this unique balance board. It is roller-styled with a board dimension of 11.8” by 29.1” and roller dimension of 4.3” by 17.5”.
The NALANDA Surfing Balance Board is made from wood and its heavy-duty, vibration-dampening roller from plastic. The ideal weight limit for the board and roller is 300lbs.
Its deck is well finished to ensure an anti-slip surface to train safely. Also, the roller is finished with anti-slip strips to keep it steady on hard surfaces. Two fixed roller stoppers are placed under the board at both ends for protection.
Pros
- Three adjustable distance.
- Suitable for beginners to experts.
- Comes with roller stoppers.
- Vibration-dampening roller with anti-slip strips.
Cons
- Roller seems too big.
- Entire weight is about 12 pounds.
5. 4TH Core
(Best for Seniors)
Most balance boards have their weight limit between 300 and 350 pounds. If you exceed this range, you can settle for the 4TH Core Balance Board for surfing. It has a weight limit of 500 pounds, perfect for heavy people.
For such a heavy-duty balance board, there is a reliable construction to support it. It comes as a roller style board made from 10-ply wood cold-pressed into one another.
The deck has a skin-friendly plastic-rubber that allows you to maintain your grip on the board with bare feet. Two roller stoppers help to keep the roller under the board at all times when in use.
The 4TH Core Balance Board’s roller is made from solid oak. Interestingly, this environment-friendly roller holds well on most surfaces without scratching or slipping off.
Pros
- 500-pound weight limit.
- Features roller stoppers.
- Environment-friendly materials.
- Skin-friendly, high traction, plastic-rubber deck.
Cons
- The two-piece design might feel too bulky for some people.
6. URBNFit
(Best for Core Strength)
A little bit of workout on a versatile balance board such as the URBNFit Balance Board might be all you need. With this fascinating exercise board, you can tone your entire body muscles to get prepared for surfing.
It’s a wobble style balance board with a wooden deck and a screwed-in hard plastic pivot bottom. With a diameter of 15.7 inches and a weight of 4.4 pounds, it is portable and requires a small storage space.
Your first session on the board may seem wobbly, but you should be able to adapt quickly. You need not worry about grip since there is enough traction on the deck. However, the bottom pivot may appear too loose on hard floors.
The URBNFit Balance Board is an ideal board for endurance and coordination training, and to strengthen the lower back muscles. An intriguing aspect is that it offers a maximum inclination angle of 30 degrees, providing a more challenging workout.
Pros
- Comes with a free workout guide.
- It can tilt more up to 30 degrees.
- Versatile.
- Non-slip deck surface.
Cons
- May slip on hard surfaces.
- Deck area may seem too small.
7. Revolution 101 Balance Trainer
(Best for Kids)
High-performing boards are compulsory if you are keen on improving your fitness, balance, and coordination as a surfer. It is an excellent board to help you simulate boarding activities.
The Revolution 101 is a two-piece balance board, featuring a removable roller and the board itself. The deck, coming in two colors, is made from hard plywood. The board and roller can accommodate a weight of about 400lbs without snapping.
With its compact size and construction, it is easy to store, transport anywhere, or use it on different surfaces. It can also serve as a warm-up board before you move down to the shore.
The soft-grip deck on the Revolution 101 Balance Board Trainer makes it comfy even with or without shoes. Roller stops are fixed underneath to keep the roller from spinning off unexpectedly. However, experts may remove them if not needed.
Pros
- Removable roller.
- Comfortable soft deck.
- Two color options.
- Can be used with or without shoes.
Cons
- Less versatile.
8. Blue Planet Balance Surfer
(Best Value for the Money)
For an extra versatile balance board, the Blue Planet Balance Surfer Wooden Board Trainer should fit into your preference. It flaunts a user-friendly design that can be used anywhere.
The board is designed to offer seven balance modes. You can switch from the 2D (easy) balance mode to 3D balance modes depending on your preference. This way, it can accommodate all skill levels and ages.
There are two deck options, soft (barefoot) or hard (requires shoes) deck. Both offer excellent traction that fosters higher performance.
For these impressive features and ability, the Blue Planet Balance Surfer Wooden Board Trainer has a durable, reliable wooden construction. Its design also features arched up ends that allow more control and quality tricks training.
Pros
- High versatility; 7 balance modes.
- Comes with high-traction deck options.
- Durable construction.
- Can be used by all experience levels.
- Curved deck ends allow more controls and responsiveness.
Cons
- Multiple pieces can make it difficult to transport or store.
9. StrongTek
(Best Quality)
Made from a rigid plywood construction, the StrongTex Wooden Balance Board is one of the best boards for heavy surfers. Precisely, those that weight as much as 350 pounds can still make use of the board safely.
It is a rocker style balance board that doesn’t require assembly or come with removable parts. Almost anyone can use it as it has a very favorable learning curve.
With or without shoes, the StrongTex Wooden Balance Board’s anti-slip deck makes it safe to use. The edges are made blunt to reduce the chances of injuries further. With this balance board, you can bolster your stamina, reaction time, and agility.
As you improve your core stability, you’d be delighted to know that the board comes with a 30-day warranty. Also, it doesn’t damage or slip on hard floors as it comes with grip pads under the rocker.
Pros
- Doesn’t slip on hard floors.
- Pre-assembled and easy to use.
- Reliable construction.
- Blunt edges and an anti-slip deck provides safety.
- 30-day warranty.
Cons
- May seem less challenging.
10. Aduro Sport Wobble
(Best Lightweight)
Weighing less than 2lbs, you stand to enjoy portability with the lightweight Aduro Sport Wobble Balance Board. Like many wobble boards, it offers tremendous versatility coupled with a wide range of motion for various training procedures.
Its dimensions are relatively small; hence, it is easy to carry or move around. The round deck has a diameter of 14 inches, which is portable but might seem too small for some individuals. It has a maximum inclination angle of 16 degrees.
For safety, the surface is well-concentrated with anti-slip points; however, it is best to wear shoes. Although it has a weight limit of 300 pounds, it is ideal for people below 250 pounds.
The Aduro Sport Wobble Balance Board allows you to work on your stability, posture, and balance indoors or outdoors. It can also be used as a rehabilitation gear.
Pros
- Durable plastic construction.
- Textured, anti-slip surface.
- Extremely lightweight.
- One-piece, compact and portable design.
Cons
- May seem too small for some individuals.
11. Whirly Board Spinning
(Most Versatile)
The Whirly Board Spinning is a suitable skateboard-like balance board for experienced riders looking to improve your technique. The main structure is a plank of 7-ply maple wood and has a weight limit of 400lbs.
Beginners may find it slightly challenging, and it may not be the best for rehabilitation. It uses a triple-half-sphere technology, featuring a large center half-sphere and two smaller ones on either end acting like stoppers.
This triple-half-sphere technology allows for endless versatility. With a sandpaper-like texture, the deck offers impressive aesthetics and excellent traction. However, it is recommended to wear shoes while working out.
Both ends of the Whirly Board Spinning Balance Board are curved upward, providing stability as you fidget on the board. Should the board begin to lose its balance, you rest assured it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Three-point balance.
- Rigid, wooden construction.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Recommended weight limit of 400lbs.
- Skateboard-like design.
Cons
- May take a while to master.
12. N&M Products
(Best with Long Roller)
Are you a beginner looking to catch the surfboard feel before launching into full action? The N&M Products Wooden Surfing Balance Board poses as the right choice for you.
Due to its large area, there is enough space for users to find their balance. It is a roller style balance board. The roller here is more prolonged, allowing more versatility. The board has an anti-slip deck; however, it is ideal to use with shoes.
Like many other boards, it flaunts a board made from 12-ply hardwood. It is heavy but durable, sturdy, and should last a while. It features a grip tape that enhances its aesthetics as well as its safety.
The N&M Products Wooden Surfing Balance Board’s skateboard-like appearance provides a challenging platform to improve your coordination and stability. If you do not exceed 350 pounds, you can settle for this board.
Pros
- Great for beginners.
- Durable and sturdy.
- Large surface area.
- It comes with grip tapes to enhance stability.
- A long roller allows more versatility.
Cons
- No warranty.
13. Bona Balance Trainer
(Best with Adjustable Roller Displacement)
Here is another fascinating adjustable balance board for beginners, intermediates, and experts. The Bona Balance Board Trainer is a roller style board to help surfers strengthen their core muscles, stability, and surfing posture.
The wooden deck can accommodate surfers below 300 pounds. With the four removable roller stoppers, one can adjust the displacement of the roller. There are three possible distances you can choose – 4, 12, and 21 inches.
The rugged roller, made from PVC, is wrapped with a soft fabric. This fabric allows the roller to adhere firmly to the board. Also, it is less likely to slip on hard surfaces; hence, it can be used on many surfaces.
Courtesy of the anti-slip deck finish, you can enjoy unwavering grip on the Bona Balance Board Trainer. However, it is best to exercise with your shoes due to the sandpaper-like nature of the finish. The board also comes with two handles.
Pros
- Three different distance settings.
- Comes with two handles.
- Lightweight non-skid roller.
- Two color options.
- Sturdy and reliable.
Cons
- Roller has a small diameter.
- Roller may absorb dirt.
14. ELA Design
(Best With a High Weight Limit)
A surfer needs to master balancing and continue to improve in it as well. The durable ELA Design Wooden Surfing Balance board is made from pinewood and features a sandpaper finish on its deck for excellent grip.
860 pounds seems like an enormous weight limit for a balance board. With this massive capacity, you do not have to worry about snapping the board. The deck flaunts attractive graphics.
When you purchase this balance board, you get two plastic rollers – small and big. With the inclusion of these rollers, there is more flexibility. Beginners will like the idea of a small roller since it is more forgiving.
Non-slip tapes are fixed under the ELA Design Wooden Surfing Balance board to keep the rollers in place. Roller stoppers are featured under the board to prevent unwanted circumstances.
Pros
- Two different rollers.
- Beautiful deck graphics.
- Great value.
- Non-slip tapes.
- Top-notch traction.
Cons
- May not grip well on hard floors.
15. Branded Boards Surf Trainer
(Best with Anti-Slip Surface)
Another notable mention in this list is the Branded Boards Balance Board Surf Trainer. Designed for surfers with little surfing experience, it is crafted explicitly from plywood. It has a 300-pound weight limit.
It uses a crushed recycled glass surface to ensure firmness on its wooden deck. You won’t be having issues with training since it is safe to use with barefoot or shoes.
The roller is less likely to crumble under frequent use. It is made from plastic and wrapped with foam to protect you from slipping on hard floors. Similarly, it grips well on the board to ensure more efficiency.
Furthermore, fixed roller stoppers are positioned under the Branded Boards Balance Board Surf Trainer for added safety. It is a decent choice to improve your balance, agility, core strength, and coordination. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- It holds well with bare feet or shoes.
- The roller is wrapped in foam for extra grip.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Thick, removable roller.
- Features roller stoppers.
Cons
- It may be challenging for beginners.
- Not much in terms of aesthetics.
How to Choose the Right Balance Board for Surfing?
If you are keen on improving as a surfer, you must be ready to invest in the best balance boards for surfing. Just like when purchasing your wakesurf board, there are some essential things to consider when choosing a balance board.
First is your budget, which plays a crucial role. Apart from your budget, it can be pretty confusing due to the vast balance boards available. Below are the five things to consider when choosing a balance board.
1. Type of Balance Board
Although balance boards may differ from one another, they are broadly categorized into five different types. Each type has its advantage, required experience, and impact on your pre-surfing workouts.
- Wobble boards – As the name suggests, this type of balance board wobbles. They come with a center-placed dome on the underside of the board. These boards can allow movement in all directions (360 degrees). They are less challenging and easy to use.
- Roller boards – These boards often come in two pieces. It features a board and a roller. They allow side-to-side motion. The rollers can also be placed along the length of the board to simulate surfboard movements. They are the best option for experienced surfers.
- Rocker boards – They are less versatile than roller boards. They come in one piece with a curved base. They can only perform back-to-front and side-to-side movements. With performance like beginner surfboards, they are the best for children and beginners.
2. Board’s Construction, Size, and Weight
The construction of the balance board determines its durability. Most balanced boards are made from wood or plastic. Wooden balance boards are often more durable than their plastic counterparts.
While plastic boards are easy to maintain, wooden balance boards can be affected by improper storage and moisture. Also, plastic boards are generally lighter than wooden boards. You should consider the portability, durability, and maintenance of the board before decision-making.
Also, you should ensure there is enough space on the board for you. You should keep in mind the traction of the board. Some boards are best used barefoot, and some must be used with shoes. Whatever feels convenient should be your choice.
3. Your Weight
Just like skimboards, the best balance board for you should be able to accommodate the weight of the surfer. You should not exceed the weight limit of the board. Preferably, for safety, you should be at least 50 pounds lesser than its weight limit.
4. Your Experience Level
Your safety matters, and it is directly linked to your experience level. Rocker boards are ideal for beginners, while roller boards are for experienced surfers. Anyone can use wobble boards.
However, some roller boards come with adjustable roller displacement to confine the roller to a length. This way, it can accommodate beginners. Some wobble boards may come with higher tilt angles, and this implies more difficult for beginners.
5. Extra Features
Some boards have features such as warranty, extra rocker, adjustable roller displacement, among others. You might also be interested in the aesthetics of the board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are you seeking answers to questions related to balance boards? Take a look at some frequently asked questions that might be beneficial.
Do Balance Boards Help Surfing?
Sure. Your development can be aided using balance boards. Your surfing posture, coordination, balance, and stability can be improved. If improved, your surfing can be smoother and perfect.
Are Balance Boards Worth It?
Yes! Balance boards can help you improve faster as a surfer, especially if you are a beginner. It allows you to train and “surf” without the sea. You can train entirely indoors with them. However, extra caution should be taken. Also, never exceed the weight limit of the board.
How Long Should You Use a Balance Board?
Well, your preference matters. Ideally, an active session on a balance board should be approximately 15 minutes. Notwithstanding, you may exceed that. If it is your first time, it is advisable to start small.
Are Balance Boards Good for Knees?
Yes! You can perform a lot of moves that can help you strengthen your knees. Not just your knees, you can also strengthen your ankles and core muscles.
WindSurfingMag Overview
For any watersport, including surfing, training, exercise, and warmups are essential. With the best balance boards for surfing, you can conveniently improve your overall performance.
To identify the best balance boards, you should take a careful look at my simple buying guide. From my reviews of the 15 incredible options, the Yes4All Wooden Wobble is the best overall.
If you want a budget-friendly balance board, you should settle for the EveryMile Wobble. The NALANDA Balance Board is a fantastic choice for beginners.
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