Unfortunately, even the most consistent spots sometimes don’t offer the conditions you expect, whether it’s a heavy shore break or small onshore choppy waves. Or, sometimes places just don’t get good waves. Don’t let these conditions keep you out of the water!
These 5 boards have been made with one goal in mind: to help you HAVE FUN when conditions aren’t right. And don’t worry, they’re amazing when waves are pumping too!
PARAGON MINI SIMMONS – BEST RETRO-SHAPE
BRAND: Paragon Surfboards
MODEL: Mini Simmons
BOARD TYPE: Hybrid/Retro
WAVE SIZE: 1ft – 4ft
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to advanced
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: 5’6” – 35L Quad Fin Mini Simmons
WHAT MAKES IT PERFECT TO RIDE SMALL WAVES: This board is a small wave classic. Paragon gave it a great forgiving shape that not only will generate a ton of speed regardless of the size of the waves, but will also give you the control to produce some stylish turns.
ADDED BENEFITS & TIPS: Go at least 6 inches shorter than your traditional shortboard.
BUDGET: $$ – starts at $375.00 – That’s pretty much a steal for this classic shape that will never age.
ZEFR FUSION BOARDS – BEST FOR THE SHOREBREAK
BRAND: ZEFR FUSION BOARDS
MODEL: Fusion
BOARD TYPE: Hybrid surfboard/bodyboard
WAVE SIZE: 1ft – 4ft
SKILL LEVEL: All – Beginner to advanced
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: 4’8” Electric Fusion.
WHAT MAKES IT PERFECT TO RIDE SMALL WAVES: The board is crazy strong, which makes it a shortbreak favorite. Its short size makes it versatile, whether you want to get barreled on the inside bodyboarding, or standing up on the wave you caught at the back to ride it all the way to the beach.
ADDED BENEFITS & TIPS: Designed in New Jersey, ZEFRs come with a leash, fins and a lifetime warranty!
BUDGET: $ – starts at $120.00 – The ZEFR Fusion is both affordable and very durable.
HAYDENSHAPES UNTITLED – BEST FOR PERFORMANCE
BRAND: Haydenshapes
MODEL: Untitled
BOARD TYPE: High-performance shortboard
WAVE SIZE: 2ft – 6ft
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: 5’9” Untitled FutureFlex
WHAT MAKES IT PERFECT TO RIDE SMALL WAVES: From the flat entry rocker, to the deep concaves and winged swallow tail, everything in the shape has been made to catch any waves regardless of their size or power, and carry extra speed through the flat sections.
ADDED BENEFITS & TIPS: The Untitled is ridiculously responsive. Expect extra sharp turns in the pocket and it might become your new favorite board! It should be ridden a step down: 5’9 works best for me even though my traditional shortboards are 6’0.
BUDGET: $$$ – starts at $750 – Premium boards come at a price, but this one is well worth the investment!
FORMULA FUN – BEST ECO-FRIENDLY SOFT BOARD
BRAND: Formula Fun
MODEL: Twinnie
BOARD TYPE: High-performance soft board
WAVE SIZE: 2ft – 6ft
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to advanced
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: 5’3” Navy Twinnie
WHAT MAKES IT PERFECT TO RIDE SMALL WAVES: It’s made of an extremely durable material, which means you can commit to critical turns in the most powerful or shallow sections of the wave without worrying you’ll ding your board!
ADDED BENEFITS & TIPS: No need to wax it, it floats like a boat (42L) and it’s a soft top so expect a ton of fun riding it! What’s not as common for a soft board is that it features molded rails and Future fins for high performance. Plus, it’s made in the USA and is 100% recyclable.
BUDGET: $ – starts at $250 – Excellent value/quality and even shipping is included in that price!
SLYDE HANDBOARDS – BEST SURFING ALTERNATIVE
BRAND: Slyde Handboards
MODEL: All
TYPE: Bodysurfing Handboard
WAVE SIZE: 1ft – 4ft
SKILL LEVEL: All – Beginner to advanced
@TheSurfingExpert’s PICK: Grom soft top board (electric lemon & turquoise)
WHAT MAKES IT PERFECT TO RIDE SMALL WAVES: This one is very user-friendly. It’s perfect to get a feel of what handboarding is all about. Getting pitted in the shorebreak has never been easier with this thing!
ADDED BENEFITS & TIPS: It’s lighter and smaller than any surfboards out there, so there’s nothing to prevent you from bringing your Slyde in your travels or on a day trip to the beach.
BUDGET: $ – Starts at $59.99 – A handboard won’t break the bank compared to a surfboard, but don’t expect less fun in the water!
To send us suggestions of products to review, or if you need surf gear advice, reach out directly to Joe @TheSurfingExpert on Instagram or email him at [email protected]
