Surfboards & Soft Boards

What Materials Are Used in Surfboard Construction?

Surfboards, used in surfing, are typically lightweight and sturdy. They often feature a core made from polyurethane (PU) or polystyrene (EPS) foam that is encased in layers of fibreglass. However, manufacturers continually explore various materials, including composites, to design more sophisticated boards.

Surfboards can be categorized by their size and shape, with shortboards, longboards, and funboards being the most prevalent styles. Shortboards excel at tricks and acrobatics, offering the greatest manoeuvrability and are thus favoured by intermediate and skilled surfers. Longboards, with their larger surface area, offer increased stability, catch more waves, and are suitable for all skill levels. Funboards are mid-sized, aiming to blend the benefits of both shortboards and longboards.

Regarding material construction, boards made from a foam core covered with a hardened fibreglass or epoxy layer are known as foam surfboards or soft top boards. These boards have a gentler construction, made from dense EPS foam with a softer EVA or EPE outer layer. In contrast, boards with a rigid exterior are referred to as hard top boards.

Which Surfboard Should You Choose?

For beginners seeking their first surfboard, a soft top surfboard may be a good option. These boards are less fragile than traditional hard top surfboards and are more suited for smaller, less intense waves. Additionally, it's important to consider the board size. Wider and longer surfboards offer greater stability, making it easier for novices to catch waves and advance more quickly.

Experienced surfers might prefer shorter boards to tackle larger, more demanding waves. Shortboards provide increased dynamic manoeuvrability and a different surfing experience altogether. However, they demand more skill, experience, and paddle strength.

If you're an advanced surfer seeking new challenges, you might explore hydrofoil surfboards, which offer an entirely different surfing experience and opportunities. More information about hydrofoiling is available on our Hydrofoiling Category Page.