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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Surfboards

Catching waves requires the right board for your skill and conditions. We compared boards from foam learners to performance shortboards.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
8' Classic Foam Surfboard

Wavestorm

8' Classic Foam Surfboard

4.6 (18,765 reviews)

The board that taught more people to surf than any other. You will catch waves.

Length

8'

Material

Soft foam

Fins

3 (removable)

Skill

Beginner

Pros

  • βœ“ Perfect beginner board
  • βœ“ Soft and safe
  • βœ“ Great float

Cons

  • βœ— Not for advanced surfers
  • βœ— Degrades over time
  • βœ— Heavy

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
8' Classic Foam Surfboard
8' Classic Foam Surfboard Best
Wavestorm
4.6
$180 View
Verve 8' Soft Top
Verve 8' Soft Top Value
South Bay Board Co.
4.5
$259 View
Mod Fun 7'6" Epoxy
Mod Fun 7'6" Epoxy
Torq
4.7
$529 View
6'0" Shortboard
6'0" Shortboard
Rock-It Surf
4.2
$249 View
Odysea Log 8'0"
Odysea Log 8'0"
Catch Surf
4.7
$399 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
8' Classic Foam Surfboard

Wavestorm

8' Classic Foam Surfboard

4.6 (18,765 reviews)

The board that taught more people to surf than any other. You will catch waves.

Length

8'

Material

Soft foam

Fins

3 (removable)

Skill

Beginner

Pros

  • βœ“ Perfect beginner board
  • βœ“ Soft and safe
  • βœ“ Great float

Cons

  • βœ— Not for advanced surfers
  • βœ— Degrades over time
  • βœ— Heavy
Best Value
Verve 8' Soft Top

South Bay Board Co.

Verve 8' Soft Top

4.5 (5,678 reviews)

A step up from basic foam. The EPS core provides better response.

Length

8'

Core

High-density EPS

Deck

IXPE foam

Fins

Tri-fin

Pros

  • βœ“ IXPE deck
  • βœ“ EPS core
  • βœ“ Leash included

Cons

  • βœ— Heavier
  • βœ— Larger to transport
  • βœ— Soft tops have limits
Premium Pick
Mod Fun 7'6" Epoxy

Torq

Mod Fun 7'6" Epoxy

4.7 (1,234 reviews)

The bridge from foam to fiberglass. The board you graduate to.

Length

7'6"

Construction

Epoxy

Rocker

Medium

Skill

Beginner-Intermediate

Pros

  • βœ“ Epoxy construction
  • βœ“ Great transition board
  • βœ“ Durable

Cons

  • βœ— Investment price
  • βœ— Harder than foam
  • βœ— Intermediate skill
Budget Pick
6'0" Shortboard

Rock-It Surf

6'0" Shortboard

4.2 (3,456 reviews)

Ready to ride something real? Rock-It delivers shortboard performance at an entry price.

Length

6'0"

Construction

Fiberglass

Fins

Thruster setup

Skill

Intermediate

Pros

  • βœ“ Real shortboard shape
  • βœ“ Fiberglass construction
  • βœ“ Good for learning turns

Cons

  • βœ— Not for beginners
  • βœ— Requires skill to catch waves
  • βœ— Easy to ding
Odysea Log 8'0"

Catch Surf

Odysea Log 8'0"

4.7 (2,345 reviews)

Where soft-top meets performance. Catch Surf made foam boards cool again.

Length

8'0"

Material

Triple stringer foam

Fins

Single fin + stabilizers

Style

Log

Pros

  • βœ“ Fun soft-top quality
  • βœ“ Great graphics
  • βœ“ Durable

Cons

  • βœ— Pricier soft-top
  • βœ— Heavy
  • βœ— Not a serious shortboard

Buying Guide: How to Choose Surfboards

How to Choose a Surfboard

Board Types
Longboard (9'+): Stable, easy to catch waves, classic style
Funboard (7'-8'): Transitional, easier than shortboard
Shortboard (5'-7'): Performance, requires skill
Foam/Soft-top: Beginner-friendly, forgiving

Frequently Asked Questions About Surfboards

What size surfboard should I start with?

Beginners: 8'+ foam board. The extra volume makes learning possible.

How long to learn surfing?

Standing up: 1-3 sessions. Riding down the line: weeks to months. Actual surfing: years.

Should I buy or rent first?

Take lessons with rentals first. Buy when you're committed and know what you want.

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