5 Best Longboards for Surfing 2026

The Thurso Surf Spire 8 ft isn’t just another foamie—it’s a game-changer for first-timers and progressing surfers who want confidence without compromise. With its buoyant EPS foam core, triple wood stringers, and heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom, this board delivers a rare combo of stability, speed, and durability that most soft-tops only pretend to offer. The IXPE deck feels secure underfoot, even when wet, and the textured traction pad keeps your back foot locked in during cutbacks and pivots. If you’ve ever struggled to pop up on a wobbly board or watched your confidence sink after a wipeout, this one rebuilds both with every paddle out.

In real-world testing across gentle beach breaks and choppy shore dumps, the Spire glides effortlessly through flat sections and holds a solid line on mid-sized rollers. Its 86-liter volume and 22.5-inch width provide a stable platform that makes catching waves feel almost too easy—perfect for building muscle memory. The removable fin box system lets you switch from beginner-friendly tri-fin setups to a more performance-oriented single fin as skills improve. That said, it’s not designed for steep drops or aggressive turns; push it too hard in punchy waves and the soft deck compresses slightly, reducing edge control. But for what it’s built for—learning, progression, and reliable fun—it excels.

Compared to the budget-focused Wavestorm models, the Thurso Spire stands out with superior lamination, better flex response, and a more refined shape that actually mimics performance longboards. It doesn’t just float you—it helps you surf. While it’s heavier than some EPS boards, the trade-off is enhanced durability and a stiffer flex pattern that translates paddle power into forward momentum. Ideal for teens and adults serious about progressing beyond the white water, this board bridges the gap between beginner gear and intermediate performance. It’s the only soft-top that feels like a real surfboard—without the dings or the steep learning curve.

The Wavestorm 8ft Foam Surfboard is the blueprint for accessible surf stoke—a no-frills, go-anywhere longboard that turns first-timers into wave riders with minimal fuss. Its EPS foam core, three wood stringers, and HDPE slick bottom deliver surprising rigidity for a board at this price, making paddling efficient and pop-ups consistent. The WBS-IXL water barrier skin keeps water absorption in check, while the 86-liter volume and 22.5-inch width offer a stable launchpad for nervous beginners. If you’re tired of boards that feel spongy or flex like a trampoline, this one strikes a sweet balance between soft safety and usable stiffness.

Out on the water, the Wavestorm shines in small to medium waves—exactly where most learners spend their time. It paddles well, catches waves early, and tracks straight thanks to its removable center fin and classic longboard outline. The included leash, fin, and traction pad mean you’re ready to surf right out of the box, a huge plus for casual buyers. However, after repeated use, the deck shows compression marks from foot pressure, and the tail can crease under aggressive weight shifts. It’s not built for cutbacks or rail-to-rail transitions, but for gliding, trimming, and standing up, it’s impressively capable.

When stacked against the Thurso Spire, the Wavestorm lacks the same level of lamination quality and flex control—but it’s also significantly more affordable. It doesn’t pretend to be a performance board; instead, it focuses on durability, simplicity, and instant usability. Families, rental shops, and beachgoers who want a one-and-done board will love its ruggedness and low maintenance. For those testing the waters before investing in a higher-end model, this is the smart entry point. It may not ride like a pro board, but it gets you standing faster than almost anything else in its class.

The SBS Butterfly Fin is the secret weapon many soft-top riders don’t know they need—a high-performance upgrade that transforms a sluggish foam board into a rail-carving, pivot-happy machine. Crafted from semi-transparent fiberglass with a stiff base and flexible tip, this fin mimics the legendary Greenough 4-A design, delivering a unique blend of drive and release that soft boards typically lack. The moderate rake and medium flex allow for smooth turns while maintaining tracking stability, making it ideal for longboarders who want to add style to their cutbacks and cross-steps.

In real-world use, swapping in the Butterfly fin instantly improves responsiveness—especially on wider beginner boards like the Wavestorm or Thurso. It cuts through chop with authority and holds a clean arc in trimming runs, eliminating the “slippery” feeling common with stock plastic fins. The included no-tool fin screw and plate make installation a breeze, no wrenches or frustration needed. That said, it’s a single fin—so don’t expect the hold of a thruster setup in steep or fast-breaking waves. It’s best suited for mellow beach breaks, long glides, and classic longboarding maneuvers.

Compared to the stock fins on most entry-level boards, the SBS Butterfly is in a different league—more responsive, more refined, and built to perform. While it won’t turn a foamie into a shortboard, it bridges the gap between beginner gear and real surfing feel. For intermediate riders upgrading their board’s DNA, or purists who love the soulful glide of single-fin longboarding, this fin is a no-brainer. It’s the cheapest upgrade that feels the most like a breakthrough.

The Wavestorm 8ft Classic is the barebones hero of beginner surfing—a no-nonsense, ultra-reliable soft top that gets you into waves without distractions. Built around a strong EPS core and three-stringer system, it offers the essential trifecta: float, stability, and resilience. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t come with a slick graphic deck or premium lamination, but it does deliver consistent performance wave after wave. For parents, schools, or surf camps needing a board that survives drops, dings, and daily saltwater abuse, this is a workhorse.

On the water, it paddles efficiently thanks to its high volume and long waterline, making it easy to catch even weak, crumbling waves. The wide outline keeps wobbles at bay, and the soft deck inspires confidence when you’re learning to stand. However, the lack of a traction pad (on some versions) means you might slip during turns, and the stock fin feels loose at high speed. It’s best used in gentle surf—push it too hard and it feels like you’re riding a floating mattress with ambition.

Against the Thurso Spire, it’s clearly less refined—no heat lamination, no textured deck, no advanced bonding—but it’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to get into surfing. It’s not trying to be a performance board; it’s built to last and teach. For kids, casual riders, or anyone who surfs occasionally, it’s more than enough. It’s the surfboard equivalent of a trusted beater car—ugly, reliable, and always ready to go.

The Wave Storm 8ft Surfboard stakes its claim as the toughest soft top in the lineup, engineered for surfers who prioritize longevity over luxury. With its WBS-IXL water barrier skin, HDPE slick bottom, and EPS core with triple stringers, this board resists dings, delamination, and waterlogging better than most budget competitors. The exclusive graphic art deck isn’t just for show—it’s sealed deep beneath the surface, so scratches don’t ruin the look. If you’ve ever seen a foam board peel apart after a season, this one is built to fight back.

In action, it performs like a standard 8ft longboard—stable, buoyant, and wave-catching with minimal effort. The 86-liter volume keeps it afloat even for heavier riders, and the 22.5-inch width offers a forgiving platform for balance drills. It paddles well in small surf and tracks straight, though the tail flexes slightly during aggressive turns. The included leash and fin are serviceable but not high-performance—perfect for learning, less so for progressing beyond the basics.

Stacked against the Wavestorm B08234JSSK, it’s nearly identical in specs—but the enhanced lamination and superior rail protection give it an edge in durability. It’s not lighter or faster, but it’s the one you’d pick if you’re tired of replacing boards every year. Ideal for rental fleets, schools, or anyone who treats their gear like rental equipment, this board sacrifices finesse for resilience. It won’t win style points, but it’ll outlast half the quiver at the beach.