Collection: Surfboards

Surfboards split broadly into a few categories — construction type and shape — and understanding both helps narrow down what you're actually after.

Construction is the first fork in the road. Composite boards (sometimes called hard boards) use a foam core wrapped in fibreglass, or in higher-end constructions, carbon fibre and alternative materials. They're lighter, more responsive, and more performance-oriented. Soft tops use a foam deck and softer materials throughout — more forgiving on impact, easier to handle in the shore break, and often more fun in smaller or messier surf. The gap between the two has narrowed significantly; modern soft tops like the SIC Darkhorse use hybrid constructions that deliver genuine performance rather than just beginner friendliness.

Shape is the other major variable, and it broadly tracks with experience level and surfing style, though it's not a strict rule.

Shortboards are typically under 7 feet, with narrow outlines, significant rocker, and low volume. They're designed to be surfed in the pocket of the wave with speed and aggression — snapping, carving, and generating vertical performance. They reward commitment and technique, and they need a decent wave to work properly. In weak, mushy surf they can feel sluggish and frustrating.

Longboards run from around 9 feet upwards, with wide, rounded noses, flatter rocker, and high volume. They paddle easily, catch waves early, and generate a completely different style of surfing — smooth, flowing, and cross-stepping up to the nose rather than snapping off the lip. They work in conditions that would leave a shortboard floundering. The trade-off is size and manoeuvrability.

Mid-lengths sit between the two — roughly 7 to 9 feet — and have become the most popular category in surfing over the last decade for good reason. They combine enough volume and length to paddle well and catch a wide range of waves, with enough rocker and outline curve to turn properly. They suit surfers who want one board that works in most UK conditions, and experienced surfers who want something more forgiving and fun on smaller days.

Browse our composite surfboards and soft top surfboards collections for the full range.