Have you ever taken a long ride on a longboard and shortboard? If yes, you would experience a big difference in their maneuverability, speed, control, glide, paddling, and more.
Funboards give you a sweet taste of shortboards and longboards. Somehow, you may just have one board instead of two. Regardless of your experience level, you can use a funboard.
I have compiled and comprehensively reviewed the best funboard surfboards options you should consider. Also, I’ve included a buying guide to help you select the best suitable ones for you.
What Is a Funboard Surfboard?
Funboard surfboards combine the perks of regular longboards and shortboards. Explicitly, they are considered as half-longboards and half-shortboards. They are ideal for many wave sizes and conditions.
The funboard surfboards have the perfect dimensions to suit your surfing preferences. Generally, they measure between 6ft and 8ft, i.e., they are longer than shortboards and shorter than shortboards. They appear round-shaped, and are moderately wide and thick.
Depending on size, they are quite beginner-friendly and can help riders improve faster. It offers easier paddling and speed than shortboards. Also, it has more control than longboards.
If you want to perform tricks, you will find them responsive, especially to cutbacks, bottom turns, and barrel. If you would like to enjoy a longboard and shortboard at the same time, funboards are your best bet.
My Top Picks
A number of funboards that pose as the best options may not be the best for you. For excellent options to consider, check the best funboard surfboards below.
- Best Overall: 7′ Ruccus by South Bay Board Co.
“Exceptional durability, great value for money, GoPro support, comes with a heat-release valve.” - Best Budget: Giantex 6′
“Great shape, easy to transport, impressive design, lightweight, suitable for beginners.” - Best for Beginners: South Bay Board Co. Guppy
“Perfect for kids, easy to paddle, attractive design, lightweight, comes with a soft top.” - Best for Intermediate Surfers: South Bay Board Co. Hybrid 6’8″ Casper
“Swallowtail, high buoyancy, waterproof, 220-pound weight limit, good for tricks, and stunts.” - Best for Older Surfers: Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst
“Durable, dent-resistant, soft deck, large area, 200-pound weight limit, easy to paddle, and catch waves.” - Top Rated: Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Pro EZ Rider
“Durable, easy to ride, 30-day warranty, excellent aesthetics, suitable for beginners and intermediates.” - Best Value for the Money: Thurso Surf Aero 7′ Soft Top
“Thick, lightweight, robust, great values, easy to carry, beginner-friendly, high weight limit, soft deck.” - Best Lightweight: GYMAX 6′
“Colorful, lightweight, portable, versatile, traction pad included, fits into car racks.” - Best for Big Guys: Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline
“Removable fins, leash included, soft deck, textured traction pad, attractive, reinforced with three stringers.”
Comparison Table
Surfboards have their key features, and these may distinguish them from one board to another. These features contribute largely to your overall performance and learning curve. To select the best funboard surfboards among the compiled 13 surfboards, see the key features below.
The 13 Best Funboard Surfboards Reviews
Purchasing surfboards without detailed knowledge of the particular surfboard is more like a gamble. Of course, you may or may not get the best, most suitable option depending on your luck.
The selected surfboards are one of the best funboard surfboards available in the market. Notwithstanding, you need a good knowledge of them to make a decision. Therefore, I have reviewed each product below to improve your chances.
See more related reviews:
1. 7′ Ruccus by South Bay Board Co.
(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)
The 7’ Ruccus Funboard Surfboard is an excellent masterpiece from the reputable South Bay Board Company (SBBC) brand. Designed to provide scintillating surfing performance, it can be used by inexperienced and experienced riders, including kids.
With its double concave bottom, water is efficiently channeled, and its beginner-friendly rocker reduces pearling. Its tapered rails, in conjunction with its thruster fins, enhances its maneuverability and control.
A fiberglass and two wooden stringers reinforce the board’s EPS foam core and resin shell. With this durable construction, you don’t need to worry about waxing since it has a fingerprint-textured, IXPE foam deck.
Despite its softcore, the 7’ Ruccus Funboard Surfboard, 22-inch wide and 2.85-inch thick, is heavy, weighing 20lbs. Offering more value, the Ruccus features a mount for GoPro camera, rubber bumper, and long leash and anti-heat valve for extra durability.
Pros
- Great for inexperienced and experienced riders.
- Flaunts a durable construction and an anti-heat-damage feature.
- GoPro mount, rubber bumper, and a long leash.
- Fingerprint-textured, no-wax deck.
- A beginner-friendly rocker.
Cons
- Heavy.
2. Giantex 6′
(Best Budget)
One of those exceptional choices for kids and teens is the budget-friendly, lightweight Giantex 6’ Funboard Surfboard. Available in three eye-catching designs, your kids will appreciate the aesthetics.
It doesn’t offer much speed, but it has a unique shape and concave bottom that enhances its performance. There is a thruster fin system that moderates the board’s stability and control in any wave condition.
Providing an excellent platform to learn faster, it has a soft top traction pad, and a leash that ensures safety. It gives enough durability in its construction. It has an EPE-EPS core and HDPE-PP bottom.
Although it’s not for adults, it can accommodate surfers of about 200lbs. Due to its size, the Giantex 6’ Funboard Surfboard is easy to carry and handle.
Pros
- Portable and easy to handle and transport.
- Slick, concave, HDPE bottom enhances performance.
- Ideal for kids.
- Lightweight and affordable.
- It can carry up to 200lbs.
Cons
- May fade or scratch quickly.
- Not the best for advanced surfers.
3. South Bay Board Co. Guppy
(Best for Beginners)
If you’re to choose the perfect surfboard for beginners or kids, it might probably be the South Bay Board Co Guppy Funboard. It is a decent surfboard to groom your kids into an expert surfer.
The Guppy board is available in two sizes – 6’ and 8’ – and two colors – pink and blue. Your kids are safer during wipe out, thanks to its soft deck, included leash and soft plastic fins.
Owing to its width and thickness, your kids would enjoy its buoyancy as they also find it easy to paddle. Also, it can catch waves easily while it is relatively responsive to controls.
The 6’ Guppy funboard has an EPS foam core, HDPE shell, and its core has a wooden stringer embedded in it. There is also a carry handle for portability.
Pros
- Options of colors and sizes available.
- Designed for kids and teens.
- Easy to carry and transport.
- Soft deck and reinforced core.
Cons
- Low weight limit.
4. South Bay Board Co. Hybrid 6’8″ Casper
(Best for Intermediate Surfers)
The South Bay Board Co is famous for its performance-driven, quality surfboards. These attributes are also noticeable in the Hybrid 6’8″ Casper Surfboard from the company. It has a high weight limit of 220lbs.
The board comes with an EPS core, Fiberglass-Epoxy-Resin shell, and strong wooden layers that run from the nose to tail. It has a fingerprint-textured IXPE deck and a heat-release valve to preserve its integrity.
It is not too narrow or thick, and it possesses a slightly raised rocker, thruster fins, and a round nose. These attributes, together with its lightweight, ensure high responsiveness, speed, and steady glide on water.
You also get more control for tricks, quick turns, and stunts, thanks to its hand-tapered rails and swallowtail. The Hybrid 6’8″ Casper Surfboard comes with a 7ft leash and a 30-day warranty.
See my reviews of the 15 Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers in 2022 here!
Pros
- High weight limit.
- Performs tricks, quick turns, and stunts with ease.
- Responsive design and rugged construction.
- Features a heat-release valve.
- Comes with a 30-day warranty and free leash.
Cons
- No GoPro mount included.
5. Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst
(Best for Older Surfers)
Big surfboards such as the 8ft long Wavestorm Sunburst Funboard Surfboard are often the most decent choice for beginners. Owing to its large area, it is incredibly stable, comfortable to catch waves with, and can carry about 200lbs.
Possessing a round nose, you can enjoy high buoyancy and even gain more momentum depending on the wave’s speed. Also, its squash tail favorably enhances the overall balance while contributing to buoyancy and stability.
Controlling the Sunburst may seem difficult. Hence, it may not appeal to experienced surfers. With its plastic thruster fins and traction pad, it is a foam, soft deck board, implying more safety to riders.
The board has a quality HDPE shell that is resistant to dents, holes, and scratches. To enhance durability, the Wavestorm Sunburst Surfboard has an IXLE water-resistant skin and three wooden stringers.
Pros
- Catches waves easily.
- Decent for beginners.
- Soft deck.
- Durable, watertight, and resistant to dents and holes.
- High weight limit.
Cons
- High tendency of pearling.
- Not the best for quick turns.
6. Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Pro EZ Rider
(Top Rated)
The Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Pro EZ Rider is a rugged, efficient board for many conditions. Tested and certified by Gravy himself, it can be wielded by both experienced and inexperienced riders.
Measuring a length of 7ft, the egg-shaped board can help you catch waves painlessly while you paddle with ease. Its shape, thickness, and large size permits terrific balance, high responsiveness, and some cruise but only on small-medium waves.
Constructed from EPS, HDPE, and strengthened with two stringers, the board is pressure-molded for maximum stiffness and resistance against dents. It has a soft deck, but you still need to wax correctly for better traction.
The Wave Bandit EZ Rider comes with thrusters (three fins), a leash plug, leash, and a 30-day warranty. Another exciting aspect of the board is its excellent aesthetics.
Pros
- Suitable for all skill levels.
- Excellent aesthetics.
- 30-day warranty.
- Easy to paddle and catch waves.
- Resistant to dent and scratch.
Cons
- Waxing is required.
- Less responsive in heavy waves.
7. Thurso Surf Aero 7′ Soft Top
(Best Value for the Money)
This Thurso Surf Aero Soft Top Surfboard measures 7 feet, 21.5 inches, and 3.5 inches in length, width, and thickness. With this dimension, it has a large area and volume; hence, it has a high buoyancy and responsiveness.
Its lightweight, ruggedness, and resistance to dents are as a result of its EPS core and HDPE shell. Notwithstanding, it has three stringers arranged in its foam core. These materials are heat-laminated so that it can accommodate about 210lbs.
The deck is made from IXPE foam, which makes it a soft-top board. The slick is well-finished, and the board can cut and channel water swiftly.
On the deck, there is a traction pad for more grip. The Thurso Surf Aero 7’ Soft Top Surfboard comes with a leash and three removable fins.
Pros
- It is very thick, hence, exceptionally buoyant.
- Rugged and lightweight.
- Heat-laminated.
- It can carry up to 210 pounds.
- Comes with a leash and removable fins.
Cons
- No warranty.
8. GYMAX 6′
(Best Lightweight)
Small riders will find the GYMAX 6’ Funboard Surfboard appealing. It is a lightweight board and offers enough buoyancy due to its thickness. Due to its dimensions, it’s portable and easy to transport.
There are two color options to pick, and the overall aesthetics are impressive. It’s incredibly lightweight, and robustness can be attributed to its foam EPS core and HDPE slick.
Apart from its size, the board’s soft deck and traction pad provide enough grip and control. As it glides through the water smoothly, there is a removable thruster fin configuration that increases its speed and steadiness. Also, the GYMAX 6’ surfboard comes with a leash for safety.
Pros
- Impressive aesthetics.
- Versatile and lightweight.
- Comes with a traction pad.
- Removable fins and free leash.
Cons
- Colors are likely to fade.
- Not for tall riders.
- Likely to experience fin-related problems.
9. Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline
(Best for Big Guys)
The Wavestorm 8’ Classic Pinline Funboard Surfboard is spacious and more forgiving; hence, it’s ideal for beginners, kids, and teens. It is one of the popular soft-top surfboards with a weight limit of 200 pounds.
Although it is lightweight, its core and shell are constructed from EPS and HPDE, respectively. Its overall strength is bolstered with three wooden stringers. It has a colorful design on its deck that is resistant to fading.
The round nose and squash tail imply extraordinary stability and balance on waves. It has three plastic thruster fins that contribute to its speed. Notwithstanding, you shouldn’t expect to perform tricks effortlessly.
For safety, the Wavestorm 8’ Classic Pinline Surfboard comes with a pre-installed leash plug and a leash. For those trying to learn, you will be delighted that it catches waves quickly.
Pros
- Features soft plastic fins, pre-installed leash plug, and a leash.
- Foam deck and stringer reinforcement.
- Attractive, lightweight, and easy to ride.
- It’s equipped with a traction pad.
Cons
- Less responsive due to its soft rails.
- High possibility of pearling.
10. Wavestorm 8′ Classic
Here’s another fascinating surfboard from Wavestorm. For anyone in the beginner stage of surfing, the 8ft Wavestorm Classic Funboard Surfboard is a decent choice. In terms of aesthetics, it is alluring.
Being a beginner-friendly surfboard, it showcases a shape (round nose and squash tail) that guarantees high buoyancy and exceptional stability. Its resilient construction, which comprises an EPS core buttressed with three wooden stringers, and HDPE shell, can withstand about 200lbs.
Despite its construction, it’s relatively lighter than similar boards. It comes with an IXPE water-resistant skin, traction pad, and a soft deck that requires no cleaning and waxing.
Also, it is equipped with three removable plastic fins and a leash. The Wavestorm 8’ Classic Surfboard performs excellently on waves; however, riders, especially experts, may find it challenging to maneuver.
Pros
- Soft and comfy deck.
- No waxing is required.
- Incredibly buoyant and stable.
- 200lbs weight limit.
- Reliable construction.
Cons
- Low maneuverability for experts.
- Not for heavy surf.
11. Komsurf Fiberglass
(Most Versatile)
Although it may not seem popular, the Komsurf fiberglass board is an honorable mention on this list. For convenience, there are multiple colors and four sizes available to prospective buyers – 6’4″, 6’10”, 7’6” and 8’6”.
This well-shaped, dependable board is built from a series of quality materials, which include EPS, epoxy, resin, and Fiberglass. It has a center-placed fiberglass stringer and a quality weather-resistant polymer finish.
A fascinating feature of the board is the five fins included, allowing riders to enjoy multiple fin configurations. Depending on your preferred size, the board is spacious and will remain steady and buoyant always.
With its pointed nose and single-double concave design, it cuts through water smoothly, allowing you to ride at high speeds. Also, the outline of the Komsurf fiberglass board includes a flat rail rocker that supports easy rail-to-rail transitions.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Multiple colors and sizes.
- Includes a leash, pre-installed leash plug, and five fins.
- Versatile.
- Easy to paddle and ride.
Cons
- Requires waxing.
12. Paragon Lil Dipper
Do you need a trustworthy funboard that will serve you as a beginner and intermediate? Check out the Paragon Lil Dipper Surfboard. As a funboard, it combines the perks of a shortboard and longboard for an exciting surfing experience.
There’s not much concerning its aesthetics, but this 6ft 11in board has a perfect shape that matches the occasion. It paddles swiftly like most longboards yet offering above-average maneuverability like shortboards.
For such a high-performance board, there is a reliable build that is made from epoxy and Fiberglass. It has a single-double concave bottom and a glossy finish that contributes to the board’s general capability.
Controlling the board is relatively easy, thanks to its tail design. The Paragon Lil Dipper Surfboard comes with three fin boxes and fins that you can install effortlessly.
Pros
- Large weight limit.
- Perfect for beginners and intermediates.
- Comes with fins and fin keys.
- Heavy-duty build and gloss finish.
Cons
- No warranty.
13. Liquid Shredder 7′ Hybrid Soft
Regardless of your level of experience, the Liquid Shredder 7’ Hybrid Soft Funboard Surfboard is a very forgiving surfboard. It has an EPS core, dual wooden stringers, EPE deck, and PP slick bottom heat-laminated together for maximum stiffness.
There are three color options – yellow, pink, and blue. It has a soft, anti-slip deck that increases traction and ensures maximum comfort and safety. With a width of 21.5” and thickness of 3”, it has a volume of 65L.
With its full nose, the board offers balance, and you also find it easy to get into the action faster. Even in massive and mushy waves, its stability is well above-average.
The board’s tail design supports more control and lift. The Liquid Shredder 7’ Hybrid Surfboard comes with three fins and a 90-day warranty but no leash.
Pros
- 90-day warranty.
- Comes with a hard bottom, wooden stringers, and anti-slip deck.
- Comes with three fins.
- Suitable for inexperienced and experienced riders.
- Heat-laminated.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a leash.
Choosing the Right Funboard Surfboard
Depending on your experience, a particular funboard may suit you better than the other. However, you need to take some factors into consideration in order to find the best funboard surfboard of your choice.
Your budget is the first thing to consider. If you are looking for the best among other best funboards, you may have to part with more money. Nevertheless, you still need to consider four more essential factors.
1. Size, Weight, and Experience
Several factors can influence your preferred size of the surfboard. Your body size is more crucial alongside your experience. You should consider a surfboard that is slightly taller than you. You should also know that thick boards are far buoyant.
Some surfboards can be as broad as some bodyboards. As a beginner or big surfer, a wide board affords you more space and stability. More importantly, your board should accommodate your body weight. Therefore, check its weight limit before purchase.
Another reason why size is important includes portability. You want a board that you can carry around or fit into racks with ease. Below is a table on size and weight selection.
| Your weight (lbs) | Length | ||
| Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | |
| < 100 | 6’5” – 7’0” | 6’3” – 6’6” | 6’ – 6’5” |
| 100 – 170 | 7’ – 7’6” | 6’5” – 7’4” | 6’4” – 7’3” |
| 150 – 200 | 7’6” – 7’8” | 7’4” – 7’7” | 7’3” – 7’6” |
| 170 – 225+ | 7’8”+ | 7’5” – 7’8”+ | 7’6” – 7’8”+ |
2. Construction and Design
Durability is subject to the construction of the surfboard and maintenance. Notwithstanding, it pays so well to buy a board with excellent construction.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Polyurethane (PU) are the most commonly used materials for surfboard cores. For the surfboard shells, Fiberglass or Polyethylene (PE or HDPE) may be used.
Generally, EPS cores are lighter and far cheaper than the PU cores but less durable. Also, Fiberglass shells are more massive, costlier, and more reliable than those made from PE.
Some boards come with various features (especially stringers) to reinforce their strength. Wooden and Fiberglass are the most familiar stringer materials. Boards with heat-lamination or pressure-molding are often super strong.
3, The Board’s Nose, Fin, and Tail
Boards with flat rockers like skimboards offer more speed. Conversely, those with raised rockers allow more control. If you want more stability as you cruise the waves, surfboards with a round nose will do the trick. Those with a pointed nose are for speed.
For your tail preference, a board with a round tail will provide more speed and less control than a squash-tail board. You also get to choose between different fin configurations – single, dual, thruster, 2+1, quad, and five fin arrangements.
4. Extra Features
Boards with traction or textured decks may not need waxing. Therefore, you won’t be spending on surf wax. Also, you may also want to check for warranties.
There are many boards with colors that match your surfing wetsuit and surf watch; hence, you may also consider aesthetics. For increased safety, soft top boards and leashes are required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In case you need further enlightenment about funboard surfboards. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions related to funboards on the internet. Please go through carefully.
What Size Funboard Should I Get?
The longer a board is, the higher its speed, stability, balance, and buoyancy of the board. Conversely, the smaller the board, the easier it is to control and perform tricks, stunts, and jumps.
Your experience level and preferences are essential when picking the right size. Shortboards are more suitable for intermediate/advanced surfers, and the longboards are best for heavy riders and beginners. You can check my table in the buying guide section for more clues.
Are Fun Boards Good for Beginners?\
Yes! There are many ideal funboards for beginners. All you need to ensure is your safety. Because of that, you should go for soft-top funboards that come with a leash and leash plug. Also, the bigger funboards are the ideal options to consider.
What Is the Difference Between Funboards and Longboards?
The most apparent difference between funboards and longboards is in terms of length. Longboards are longer and can reach up to 12 feet. However, funboards are shorter and have a length range of 6 to 8 feet.
Other differences are observed in their performance. The longboards have more speed and tracking, but the funboards have more control and room for more tricks.
WindSurfingMag Overview
Riding the best funboard surfboards translates to the best fun time. For directions on how to pick the best boards, check out my buying guide carefully.
Among the best funboard surfboards compiled, my top pick is the 7′ Ruccus by South Bay Board Co. For those who have a small budget but desire an excellent funboard, go for the Giantex 6′.
Suppose you want a beginner-friendly option, the South Bay Board Co. Guppy is decent for you. For extra value for money, the Thurso Surf Aero 7′ Soft Top is best.
Do you have contributions, suggestions, and comments you’d like to share? Do you have questions that were not covered in the FAQs? Kindly put them into the comments section down the page.
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