Are you an intermediate surfer looking for a new surfboard to improve your surfing technique or take your surfing to the next level?
If so, it’s a good idea to know exactly what you’ll be looking for before you start looking for surfboards.
So there’s no risk of making the wrong choice when it comes to your next surfboard purchase, I’ve scoured the market for you and hand picked the best surfboards for intermediate surfers.
It’s the perfect selection to help you choose the best surfboard based on your surfing preferences and skill level.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Wavestorm 8' Classic Surfboard | Best Overall |  |
| Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer | Budget Pick |  |
1. Wavestorm 8' Classic Surfboard
Pros:
- It’s a well-made board with good design
- Will not be damaged easily after getting it wet several times
- Excellent for both beginners and intermediate surfers
- It’s a good-sized board for smaller waves
- It’s very lightweight
- You can take it wherever you go
- Priced fairly
Cons:
- There’s risk of the board breaking if you hit the ground too hard
- You may run into some problems when it comes to its construction
Although the board is great for beginners, it’s really not for the advanced surfers who would like to try a bigger board. Beginners who are looking for a heavier board might not be able to use this one. This board is perfect for those looking for a good performing, sturdy board without having to spend a fortune.
2. BIC Sport DURA-TEC Wahine Surfboard
Pros:
- Cheap price
- Good quality for the price
- Durable polyester foam core
- Great for both beginners and more advanced surfers
- Good for both surfing and long distance paddling
The BIC Sport DURA-TEC Wahine Surfboard is an affordable option for those who are just starting out in surfing. It features a durable polyester foam core which allows you to surf for longer distances. This sleek, stylishly shaped board is available in a range of colors.
The BIC Sport DURA-TEC Wahine Surfboard is a board designed specifically for the increasing number of female surfers. It is an ideal entry level board for the increasingly popular SUP (stand up paddle) discipline.
The design allows you to get the most out of the board both when paddling and surfing. Its affordable price makes it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice surfers.
3. Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer
", 9.6 lbs
A softer outline and a single to double concave help provide smooth, dependable rail progression on the medium to high performance Wave Bandit by Ben Gravy. A versatile sized board at 5’6”, the Ben Gravy is easy to balance and ride for almost any surfer. The prominent nose helps the board track straight whether foot or duck and the entire deck is assembled with a single layer of fiberglass and a high-gloss finish. The swallow tail is generous in size and shape and also makes it easy to balance. The Ben Gravy is a perfect addition for anyone who lives on the East Coast, Florida or the Gulf Coast and wants to explore the east coast line-ups.
The average size of the Wave Bandit is 5’6” in length and weighs 9.6 lbs.
4. Wave Bandit Shred Sled 48 Twin
Pros:
- * You get a lot of good performance for the price you pay * The board is great for both shredding the waves and having fun in the water * The fin setup has been thoroughly tested in a variety of surf conditions to ensure stable performance
This is a great option for beginners who want to use the board more for fun or fitness instead of racing. It’s been designed to be easy to handle and easy to control.
There are some high-quality materials here, including EVA foam, fiberglass, PVC foam and a kevlar wrapped leading edge. The two fins are a FCS C2 tri fin set up, giving you a tri-fin with scooped V bottom, and the rails have hot pressed cold rails.
If you’re looking for a fun board that will last for a long time, this is a great option for you. Although it’s designed for surfers of any experience level, it’s particularly great for beginners.
5. StormBlade 9ft Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard
Experience // Lightweight Less than 6 lbs, Strong, Durable,Will Last a Lifetime //100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
StormBlade looks fantastic and is the perfect longboard for beginners looking to learn the basics of surfing. It is also great for experienced surfers who don't have access to a surfboard. The quality is amazing for the price. A lot of time and research goes into the materials that they use.
6. Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer
Pros:
- Accessories available
- Excellent quality in general
- Good for learning
This model is not available in all stores, even on Amazon. You may need to be proactive in your search
For intermediate surfers, the Ben Gravy Performer EPS board is one of the best surfboards to be found. It is made from EPS foam, a durable and lightweight material. This board is ideal for surfing in smaller waves, although it is also great for more advanced surfers looking for a board that is flexible and easy to maneuver. It is ideal for both long board and short board surfers.
The board measures 11 feet 8 inches overall, and has an 8-inch nose and a 30-inch tail. It is 66 inches across at the rails. It has a smooth bottom design, a confidence-inspiring V bottom, and an EPS core. It comes equipped with soft rails, so it avoids chipping and easy tearing that you may experience with more rigid designs.
7. South Bay Board Co. Hybrid Surfboard-Wax-Free Textured Soft-Top Foam Deck & 6oz Fiberglass Bottom Deck-Available in Shortboard. Funboard
Pros:
- Compatible with FCSII fin system
- Great board for a beginner to intermediate surfer
- Great for someone who doesn’t have a lot of money to spend
Cons:
- Beginners should also purchase wax
- Bottom is too soft, breaks easily on shallow water
- Not good for surfing in medium to high waves
The South Bay Board Co Hybrid is an excellent item for someone who is just beginning to learn how to surf. It is a great board for someone with no previous experience in surfing.
It comes in various sizes so that you can choose what best fits your height.
The South Bay Board Co Hybrid Surfboard is a maple sandwich top with a foam deck and a fiberglass bottom deck. It also comes with a 32in center fin. It has different measurements for its shortboard, funboard and longboard and is made to be able to fit in the FCSII fin system. This surfboard is available in a right or a left. It comes with one of the best hardware on the market. It also has 6.75 inch surfboard fins.
8. South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top Surfboard Fun
Pros:
- The soft foam material offers a great level of durability and is really easy to handle
- You can tack on this board in the waves
- The wide tail design provides you with more control on the board
- The design is also really easy for beginners to learn on
- The premium soft top design is extremely light
- Easy to carry along with you
- The board is made from the best materials available
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- The board is a lil too soft
- Not the best quality of foam
9. North Gear 6ft Surfing Thruster Surfboard Ocean Beach Foamie
This board is similar to the last one in that you will need to assemble it when you first get it. North Gear has thought about that though and their board comes with a one on one tutorial video. You may also need to pay a little more attention when you get the board as it is eInexpensive. It may need to be returned due to defects or just getting a dud.
Verdict:
If you're on a tighter budget and want something durable that will give you a good ride, then the North Gear Surfing Thruster Surfboard is a great choice.
10. Grande Juguete 6' Surfboard Surf Ocean Beach Foamie Boards Great
Pros:
- Longboard design made of high-density EPE foam
- Great for beginners and intermediate level surfers
- Great for surfers of all skill levels
Cons:
- 6' by 22" board is too short for adult surfers
- Foam board can leak
This surfboard is not designed for surfers who want to surf heavy surf. It is a great beginner's surf board and it is very reasonable for its price. The board has a nice cruising speed and is very easy to get up on the board.
The board only weighs a little more than 6 pounds, so you won't have to worry about it pulling you under, especially if it is windy. The 6 foot length is ideal for a beginner and it allows you to really learn how to balance on the board and keep your feet up as you paddle into the wave.
11. BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard
Pros:
- It is made in the US
- It is designed for a great performance
- It is very durable
- It is weight-forward and becomes faster with a flex
- The rail is very flat and gives it amazing control
- Water Flow Channels
- It is very stable and comfortable
Cons:
- Limited in size
- Some parts may be hard to purchase if broken
- Is not ideal for beginners
The BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard is one of the intermediate-level boards. This is a great board for people who are looking to improve their performance and speed. It has a gentle-flex that allows you to rock with the wave and become faster very easily.
For BIC, this board is great for any waves with a gentle to moderate wave. This will make it a great choice for the waves around California.
This Gboard comes from BIC as extreme-performance soft board that can really can take on long tours and over the waves.
12. Grande Juguete 6' Surfboard Surf Ocean Beach Foamie Boards Great
Pros:
- Longboard design made of high-density EPE foam
- Great for beginners and intermediate level surfers
- Great for surfers of all skill levels
Cons:
- 6' by 22" board is too short for adult surfers
- Foam board can leak
This surfboard is not designed for surfers who want to surf heavy surf. It is a great beginner's surf board and it is very reasonable for its price. The board has a nice cruising speed and is very easy to get up on the board.
The board only weighs a little more than 6 pounds, so you won't have to worry about it pulling you under, especially if it is windy. The 6 foot length is ideal for a beginner and it allows you to really learn how to balance on the board and keep your feet up as you paddle into the wave.
13. BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard
Pros:
- It is made in the US
- It is designed for a great performance
- It is very durable
- It is weight-forward and becomes faster with a flex
- The rail is very flat and gives it amazing control
- Water Flow Channels
- It is very stable and comfortable
Cons:
- Limited in size
- Some parts may be hard to purchase if broken
- Is not ideal for beginners
The BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard is one of the intermediate-level boards. This is a great board for people who are looking to improve their performance and speed. It has a gentle-flex that allows you to rock with the wave and become faster very easily.
For BIC, this board is great for any waves with a gentle to moderate wave. This will make it a great choice for the waves around California.
This Gboard comes from BIC as extreme-performance soft board that can really can take on long tours and over the waves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the best surfers?
It’s important to keep in mind that good surfers are so simply because they enhance around skill and experience. The best surfers in the world have worked to earn that title and usually have been surfing since they were kids. Although, it is undeniable that there are surfers that are considered more effortless on the water than others. The best surfers make the waves come to them. By this I mean that they can read the conditions and predict the movement of the waves a full 360 degrees. They simply catch the wave at the right moment every time.
What are the best surfboard fins?
The ideal fin compliment for any surfboard is a fin best suited for the surfer’s weight and skill level. Beginners will want smaller fins which will help them maneuver more easily. As intermediate surfers improve their skills, they’ll want to tackle bigger waves. For this, bigger fins are necessary.
When buying surfboard fins, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re designed to be interchangeable. Although surfboard companies mostly offer a set of fins which they think will go best with their designs, often times surfers will choose to exchange different sets of fins instead.
What is the best surfboard for an intermediate surfer?
There are tons of surfboards out there, each with a different shape and length, designed for different types of waves and surfers. To help you find the most suitable board, we've rounded up the very best surfboards for intermediate surfers – check out our in-depth reviews below.
If you're after the "best all-around" board for intermediate surfers, the FCS Surf, C-Quence and Killer Whale are all great options. The Fish by FCS features a �'finless' design that's becoming increasingly popular for its maneuverability and lightweight feel (designed to improve agility).
Meanwhile, the C-Quence and Killer Whale's full fins make them extra responsive when you're riding the waves, and the boards' shape is able to cope well with a range of different wave conditions.
What is the best brand of surfboard?
It’s somewhat dependent on personal preferences in terms of the type of board you’re looking for as well as what purpose the board will be used for. Some popular surfing brands include:
- Quiksilver
- Billabong
- Ripcurl
- O’Neill
- Travis Rice
- Tatta
- Channel islands
All these companies have produced multiple models of the best surfboards, and are considered the best in the world by many avid surfers.
Conclusion
When you're an intermediate surfer, you've probably taken some surf lessons and have at least one year under your belt. If you're an avid surfer, you've probably had your share of wipeouts and come out of the water more beat up than you did when you first started.
When you go from a beginner to an intermediate, you're going to notice a huge shift in waves. At this stage, you'll need to have stronger core muscles because your body will be challenged by the way waves hit you in the chest, shoulders and abdomen. It's especially important to have strong arms that can hold you in place as you try to catch a wave.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Wavestorm 8' Classic Surfboard | Best Overall | |
| Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer | Budget Pick | |