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For those who have moved beyond the beginner stage and are looking to enhance their skills, choosing the Best Surfboards for Intermediate is crucial. These surfboards strike a perfect balance between stability and performance, enabling surfers to tackle more complex waves with confidence. In this article, we will explore the Best Surfboards for Intermediate, focusing on models that offer the ideal combination of speed, maneuverability, and ease of use. Join us as we dive into the top picks that can help elevate your surfing experience to the next level.
A Detailed Buying Guide to choose the Best Surfboards for Intermediate:
Finding the perfect surfboard as an intermediate surfer can be a thrilling yet challenging task. This guide aims to simplify the process by breaking it down into key steps. By understanding different types of surfboards, their materials, and crucial features, intermediate surfers can make an informed decision that suits their skill level and surfing style.
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Understanding Surfboard Types
Shortboards: Shortboards are designed for performance. They offer agility and speed, allowing surfers to perform advanced maneuvers. For intermediates looking to push their limits, shortboards can be a great option.
Funboards: Funboards, also known as mini-mals, are a perfect balance between shortboards and longboards. They offer stability and maneuverability, making them ideal for intermediates transitioning from beginner boards.
Fish Surfboards: Fish surfboards are wider and shorter, providing excellent stability and buoyancy. They work well in smaller waves, making them a good choice for intermediates who want to surf in various conditions.
Longboards: Longboards are longer and thicker, offering maximum stability. While they are more suited for beginners, intermediates can enjoy the smooth, relaxed ride they provide.
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Choosing the Right Material
Polyurethane (PU) Boards: PU boards have a traditional feel and offer excellent performance. They are versatile and provide good flex, making them suitable for intermediates aiming to refine their skills.
Epoxy Boards: Epoxy boards are lighter and more durable than PU boards. They are buoyant and provide extra floatation, which can be beneficial for intermediates surfing in smaller waves or needing extra paddle power.
Soft-top Boards: Soft-top boards have a foam top that makes them safer and more forgiving. They are ideal for intermediates who still experience occasional falls and need a durable, easy-to-handle board.
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Key Features to Consider
Volume and Buoyancy: Volume is a critical factor as it affects the board’s buoyancy. Intermediate surfers should look for a board with enough volume to provide stability but not too much to hinder maneuverability. A volume range between 30-40 liters is often suitable for intermediates.
Length and Width: The length and width of the board should match the surfer’s height, weight, and skill level. Generally, a board that is slightly longer and wider offers more stability, which is beneficial for intermediates.
Tail Shape: The tail shape impacts the board’s performance. Square tails provide more stability, while rounded tails offer smoother turns. Intermediate surfers might prefer a rounded pin or squash tail for a balanced performance.
Fin Setup: The fin setup affects the board’s control and speed. Thrusters (three fins) are common for their balance between stability and maneuverability. Quads (four fins) provide speed and hold, which can be great for intermediates looking to surf faster waves.
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Additional Considerations
Wave Conditions: Consider the typical wave conditions you will be surfing in. For smaller, mushier waves, a board with more volume and a wider outline is ideal. For larger, more powerful waves, a narrower and more performance-oriented board is preferable.
Personal Goals: Think about your surfing goals. If you aim to improve your maneuverability and tackle more complex waves, a shortboard or a fish might be best. For a more relaxed, versatile experience, a funboard or longboard could be the right choice.
Budget: Surfboards can vary significantly in price. Set a budget that aligns with your commitment to surfing. Investing in a high-quality board can enhance your performance and last longer, providing better value in the long run.
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Top Recommendations
Firewire Seaside: The Firewire Seaside is an excellent fish surfboard for intermediates. It offers stability, speed, and great performance in small to medium waves.
Channel Islands Average Joe: The Channel Islands Average Joe is a funboard that provides a perfect balance of stability and maneuverability. It’s ideal for intermediates looking to improve their skills.
Lost V3 Rocket: The Lost V3 Rocket is a versatile shortboard that performs well in various conditions. It’s perfect for intermediates aiming to advance their maneuvers and speed.
Choosing the best surfboard as an intermediate requires understanding your needs and matching them with the right board type, material, and features. By considering these factors and aligning them with your personal goals and typical wave conditions, you can find a surfboard that enhances your surfing experience and helps you progress to the next level.
Highline PU Surfboard Review: The Best Surfboards for Intermediate
Description:
The Modern Surfboards Highline PU Surfboard offers an easier ride for novice-to-intermediate surfers, helping them develop their skills more quickly and maximize their enjoyment. Designed for progressing riders, this board is buoyant and easy to paddle, providing stability for confident pop-ups and control for perfecting turns. With less effort required to catch waves, the flat rocker ensures quick paddling and speed maintenance. The raised vee and double concave on the back half facilitate easier rail-to-rail transitions during turns.
Product Specifications
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 74 x 24 x 5 inches
- Weight: 19 Pounds
- Volume: 45L
- Construction: Polyurethane
- Thickness:81 inches
- Tail Shape: Square
- Brand Name: Modern Surfboards
- Suggested Users: Men
Why & Which Type of People Buy It?
Intermediate surfers buy the Highline PU Surfboard for its user-friendly design that facilitates skill development. It’s perfect for those looking to transition from beginner boards to more advanced surfing with ease and confidence.
Pros and Cons
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Final Verdict
The Highline PU Surfboard, Clear, 6ft 2in, is an excellent choice for intermediate surfers aiming to refine their skills. Its robust construction and well-thought-out design offer a great surfing experience, making it a worthwhile investment.
Paragon Surfboards, Groveler Hybrid Surfboard Review: One of The Best Surfboards for Intermediate
The Paragon Surfboards 6’2″ Groveler Hybrid Surfboard bridges the gap between longboard and shortboard, offering an exciting ride for surfers at all skill levels. With its unique epoxy fiberglass construction and performance-oriented design, this board promises a fun and easy surfing experience. The wide nose, full rails, and extra foam under the chest provide excellent paddling power and increased float, while the thinned-out tail enhances maneuverability.Product Specifications
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Length: 6’2″
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 6’2″ x 22″ x 3.0″
- Volume: 44L
- Material: Epoxy, Carbon Fiber, Innegra
- Color: White
- Fin Setup: Future fin boxes (includes fin key and fins)
- Recommended User: Weight Up to 220 lbs
Why & Which Type of People Buy It?
The Paragon Groveler Hybrid Surfboard is perfect for surfers transitioning from a longboard to a shortboard, and for those seeking a versatile, high-performance board that performs well in various wave conditions. Beginners and intermediates will appreciate its stability and ease of use, while experienced surfers will enjoy its responsiveness and maneuverability.Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
Modern Surfboards Falcon PU Surfboard Review: One of The Best Surfboards for Intermediate
Setting a new benchmark in the funboard category, the Modern Falcon PU Surfboard is designed to offer a stable and buoyant option for beginner-to-intermediate surfers aiming to progress quickly. Its wide point provides plenty of stability for confident pop-ups, while the tapered tail enhances turning ability in smaller waves and control in slightly larger ones. Suitable for those transitioning from softboards or longboards, the Falcon delivers a stable, cruisy ride, and offers surprising speed and response for more aggressive surfers.Product Specifications
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Brand Name: Modern Surfboards
- Color: Blue
- Material: Polyurethane (PU)
- Suggested Users: Men
- Number of Items: 1
- Size: 6ft
- Volume: 35L
- Length: 6ft, 6ft 4in, 6ft 8in, 7ft, 7ft 6in, 8ft
- Thickness:625in (6ft), 2.66in (6ft 4in), 2.75in (6ft 8in), 2.81in (7ft), 2.875in (7ft 6in), 3in (8ft)
- Tail Shape: Square
Why & Which Type of People Buy It?
Beginner-to-intermediate surfers buy the Falcon PU Surfboard for its stability and ease of use, which aid in quick skill development. It’s ideal for those transitioning from a softboard or longboard, and even more experienced surfers will appreciate its speed and responsiveness.Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer Review: 6’6″, White: One of The Best Surfboards for Intermediate
Take your shredding to new heights with the Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer, a high-performance surfboard designed for fun and versatility. Its fish shape and rocker are perfect for flying down the line, chasing barrels, and enjoying every moment in the water. This board features twin wood stringers and a dual-composite core for maximum stiffness, ensuring durability and performance. The high-density slick bottom and 4.5-inch performance thruster fin set add to its impressive capabilities. Note that surf wax is required for use.Product Specifications
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Package Weight:1 Kilograms
- Brand Name: Wave Bandit
- Warranty: 30 Days
- Model Name: WB66
- Color: White
- Material: Foam
- Suggested Users: Unisex-adult
- Number of Items: 1
- Included Components: Soft Surfboard
- Size: 6’6″
- Volume: 55 Liters
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 6’6” x 22.0” x 3.125”
- Tail Shape: Swallow
Why & Which Type of People Buy It?
Surfers looking for a fun and versatile board buy the Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer. Its fish shape and high-performance features make it ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers seeking to enhance their performance and enjoy a variety of wave conditions.Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
Wavestorm 5’6″ Original New Modern Swallow Tail Surfboard Review
The Wavestorm 5’6″ Original New Modern Swallow Tail Surfboard, Navy, brings a fresh, modern design to the classic surfboard line, offering specialized performance for surfers seeking something new under their feet. With the newest proprietary EBS-IXL (Elastomer Barrier Skin), this board features vivid color and UV protection, along with a wider texture for better grip. Reinforced plug inserts and Silica rings enhance stability and reduce water absorption. The Wavestorm 5’6″ provides excellent drive, flotation, and paddling ease, ensuring you’ll master waves quickly and effectively.Product Specifications
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 68 x 22 x 5 inches
- Brand Name: WAVESTORM
- Warranty: 30 Days
- Model Name: Wavestorm 5’6″ Surfboard Navy
- Suggested Users: Surf, Street, and Snow
- Number of Items: 1
- Included Components: Surfboard, three fins, and a leash
- Height: 5’6” / 1676mm
- Width: 21” / 533mm
- Thickness:75” / 42mm
- Volume: 42L
- Weight:8lbs / 2.1kgs
- Core: Superior Grade EPS Core with 3x epoxy set marine-ply stringers
- Bottom: HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) High Impact Bottom
- Fins: 3 x 4.5” bolt-thru fin set
- Extras: Reinforced fin-plug inserts with water barrier Silica rings, Wavestorm Swivel PE leash, Complimentary 15-day trial for Surfline Premium membership
Why & Which Type of People Buy It?
Surfers looking for a modern, high-performance board with excellent stability and ease of use buy the Wavestorm 5’6″ Original New Modern Swallow Tail Surfboard. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediates who want a reliable board to help them quickly improve their skills and enjoy the water.Pros and Cons
PROS
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Final Verdict
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