Best Foam Surfboard Reviews 2023

The best foam surfboard is not always the most expensive, just as the cheapest isn’t always the worst in quality. There are various aspects that determine the cost of these products. The mix of various features that different boards come with determines the differences in price. Among these factors include availability of fins, traction pads and size. At a price anywhere from $40 to above $600, you can get a good surfboard depending on your preferences and style.

Foam surfboards can either have fins or come without. Those that come without tend to be cheaper than those with fins. The number and placement of fins on these boards also vary, with those with more fins being more expensive. You may want to get one with fins if you are a beginner since they allow you to maneuver easily when surfing.

While some surfboards come with waxed surfaces to prevent you from slipping off, foam boards can either have wax or tracking pads. Consider going for those with tracking pads if you are just learning. However, if you are an experienced surfer, you can just take those without. Wax and tracking pads serve the same purpose, which is to prevent your back foot from slipping off, especially when making sharp turns. The less you get wiped off the board, the faster you learn, and the more fun you have. Be ready, though, to pay some more for the tracking pads.

Finally, the size of the foam surfboard also varies from board to board. You will pay less for smaller boards that are short (less than 6 feet), weigh less and have a small volume (less than 50 liters). Smaller boards are, however, suitable for experienced surfers. If you are a learner, you may want to go for the larger boards (7 feet and above). It is possible to get a cheap foam surfboard considering the choices you have, but don’t compromise quality for price. The higher the quality, the more the fun you will experience, irrespective of your riding level.

The type of surfing board you choose will greatly determine how quickly you learn if you are a learner, or the nature of experience you get if you an experienced rider. You do not want a board that cannot catch waves easily, or one that will have you slipping off or dragging when everyone else is having the time of their lives.

Here are some of the important features you should check before getting that surfboard:

• Design - Check the shape, the thickness and the length of your board. Wider and longer boards are better
• Size - Longer boards catch waves easily. Also consider the weight since there are different categories for different weights
• Pad - Surfboards come with and without traction pads. These are important since they give your back foot a good grip
• Fins - Fins are essential for speed and maneuverability, especially during sharp turns; also, check whether they are removable or not, as removable fins allow you carry your board more easily
• Color - Bright and aquatic colors bring vibrancy to your surfboard—you want to appear cool while cruising those waves

Get a surfboard that suits your weight and skill level as well as most of these features, and you won’t regret it.

Foam surfboards come in various designs and construction. There are short, long and egg boards. These designs are determined by the surfboard’s shape, length, width, thickness and weight. If you are a learner, or are buying a board for your son or daughter who is just starting to surf, you may want to consider boards that are at least 6 feet and above. Boards that size have more volume, enabling you to catch waves easily. Shorter boards can really frustrate you if you are a beginner. Experienced surfers can do with the shorter boards, but amateurs may limit their performance. In general, when it comes to length, longer is always better.

Some surfboards come with fins placed either at the back, in the middle of the board, or at either side. Fins assist you with maneuverability especially if you are a learner. You can easily make quick turns and maintain your stability if your board has fins. Removable fins are an added advantage when carrying your board since you can just remove them to prevent them from breaking.

A foam surfboard with a traction pad is ideal for beginners. While you can do without it if you are skilled enough, beginners may find it important as it provides added stability to your back foot. It prevents you from slipping off the board, especially when turning.
A leash is also important as it helps you keep track of your board when you slip off. You should, however, check its strength to ensure it doesn’t break easily.

The more frequently you surf, the more skilled you get and the shorter a board you will eventually ride. Ideally, when you are choosing a suitable surfing board, you should consider your skill level, your weight, and your location. Big long surfboards are ideal for adult learners; these boards have more volume and catch waves easily. This is important if you are a beginner, since you are not yet skilled enough to ride bigger waves. However, children can begin with shorter boards since they have a much smaller weight. The smaller boards also enable them to paddle easily than would larger boards.

If you are an experienced surfer, you can have fun with both small and bigger boards, but you also need to consider your weight. You don’t want a board that can barely support your weight.

Surfing requires a considerable level of balance. You are going to get better with time, but before then, a surfboard with a traction pad can help maintain your balance and prevent you from slipping off. It is normally at the back of most surfboards to prevent your back foot from slipping off and to enable you to turn easily.