[Updated: March 2021]
After having presented the main rules that make it easier to choose a surfboard for a beginner in the article Which Surfboard for a (real) beginner ? it is high time to present the different models of surfboards available to a beginner, whether it is a Mini-Malibu or a Softboard (foam board).
Our 2021 comparison of Surfboards for beginners will only take into account the Surfboards available on the French market. In order to make comparisons easier, we will be looking at boards that are closer to 8 feet (about 243 cm).This comparison is relevant for the American market but also for the European market from which many brands originate.
The first part is dedicated to Softboards, the second part to Mini-Malibu.
Softboards
Softech
Price : 320$
Model : Softech 8’0 (handshaped series)
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the intermediate surfer (for soft waves)
Comment : A model widely used by surf schools because of its many qualities: solid with a double-latte foam pad (the board scores relatively little on shocks and should not break in two at the slightest fall), light, voluminous (84L), easy to paddle and stable. The price is well placed and the fins (3) are offered (the boxes are installed). All that’s missing is the leash and you get your first surfboard. A very good choice for a softboard.
CatchSurf
Price : 399,99$
Model : Odysea 8’0 LOG
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the intermediate surfer (for soft waves)
Comments: In the same vein as the Softech’s, the CatchSurf brand has taken the lead in making foam boards popular with both experienced surfers (team riders: Jamie O’brien, Kalani Robb or Julian Wilson) and beginners. Originally designed for Californian surfers who want to have fun in the shorebreak with short and solid old school boards, the LOG model retains the rigidity (triple-latte) of the Odysea and Beater range, without neglecting manoeuvrability. The volume of the board (86L) and its shape give it good qualities to catch a maximum of waves. Numerous colour options, the fins are provided. Another excellent choice.
Olaian (Décathlon)
Price : 199$
Model : 8’6 (mousse 500)
Targeted public : great beginner (1st wave and foams)
Comments: Olaian is the water sports brand of Decathlon, the French leader in mass distribution specialised in sports and leisure articles and mainly produces Softboards (unlike BIC boards).
These boards mainly target the “great beginners”, i.e. surfers who evolve in the foam and learn how to stand up. The 500 foam model is made of heavier and denser foam than the 100 model, so it is more resistant and easier to handle (in return for a higher price). A very affordable board to reserve only for those who want to buy a board for their first foams, for this summer (indeed renting a board can cost you a board in a few days). Leash and “non-sharp” fins are provided !
Sum Up:
Mini-Malibu
BIC
Price : 394$
Model : Bic Natural 7’9″
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the advanced beginner (take-off and turns)
Comments : What surfer has never surfed a BIC, at least once in his life?
These surfboards reputed to be “indestructible” are often proposed by surf schools to learn how to surf. Heavier and less manoeuvrable than Softboards, the models presented by BIC (including the 7’9″) are aimed above all at the great beginner, or even the beginner looking for progression even if the limits of the board will quickly be felt (for those who wish to surf all year round). The board keeps a good price on the second hand market and will be easily resold to move on to a more advanced model. The model is less voluminous than Softboards with nearly 58L (rather spread out towards the front of the board in the quest for an easy paddle/maneuverability compromise) and the fins will be provided (plus pad for some models). Made in France. Beware of shocks compared to a foam board!
NSP
Price : 650 $
Model : Longboard Elements HDT 8’2″
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the advanced beginner (take-off and turns)
Comments : NSP or New Surf Project is the other leader of surfboards for beginners (with BIC), of Hawaiian origin. It is very similar to the Bic Natural 7’9, maybe a bit more progressive, but we must admit that the price and the Made in China side are not very favourable to it. The board is nevertheless very solid and just like the Bic, you have to be very careful about shocks with others or with your own body!
Notox
Price : 999 $
Model : Quantum 8’0
Targeted public : from the ambitious/impatient beginner (a future regular surfer) to the advanced surfer
Comments : The Notox brand has become known for its 100% linen surfboards (which gives the brown colour that is so characteristic of Notox boards) 100% made in France.
If the price of its models leaves no stone unturned (999 $ for our Quantum 8’0), it is easily justified by a GreenOne technology which makes the board very high performance (light and reactive thanks to the linen) and more environmentally friendly (less waste in production, boards that are 75% recyclable and a lower carbon impact due to local sourcing).
These boards are aimed above all at resourceful beginners (at the very least) who want to invest in a board that will accompany them throughout their progression.
Shaper
Price : between 500$ and 700€ (no option)
Model : Mini-malibu 8′ (Illustration : Minvielle Surfboard)
Targeted public : from the ambitious/impatient beginner (a future regular surfer) to the advanced surfer
Comments : The meeting with the Shaper is an essential part of every surfer’s life. His advice is (very) precious, the board is custom-made and it doesn’t cost much more than a factory foam/mini-malibu board for a durable result and a high-performance board. Of course, this also concerns resourceful beginner surfers who will have made their first steps on foam boards (rental or purchase) since the investment is important but profitable.
Gong
Price : 480 $
Model : Acidolly Bamby
Targeted public : from the complete beginner (1st wave) to the intermediate 
Comments : Gong is a French brand of SUP and Surfboards. The common thread of the different ranges of Gong could be summed up by an advertising message which would say : ” boards accessible to all, voluminous, easy to row, with a good quality-price ratio (short circuit and marketing costs compressed)”. This objective seems to us to have been achieved, even if we have to fear that they will be less robust than usual. Indeed, if the boards are made in China (like the great majority of “industrial” surfboards) or even in Portugal and there are good returns on the shapes developed by “The Bear” (the shaper/owner), the fragility of the boards using Bamby technology (vacuum bamboo sandwich deck) would seem to score faster than on a classic board (shaped with a “solid” glass). A possible alternative to the second-hand market, with the additional risks of mass production .
BlackWings
Price : 800 $
Model : 8’0 Egg Mini Malibu
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the intermediate
Commentaires : I will try to remain objective about the last studied models, quoted for the example, but I wouldn’t recommend them for many reasons: very bad value for money (same price as for custom made shaper), very fragile boards (I personally saw cracked boards on the deck in just a few sessions), boards made in China (even the design, i.e. the shape elaboration phase is not French contrary to Gong for example). Thus, despite the high price, the pressure on costs has many consequences on the board: less solid resin, poorer fibre, less dense foam. If the boards work rather well and are rather aesthetic, they are not a good investment, in my opinion. And even if we have to admit that these brands represent a non-negligible sales volume for our surf shops (with high margins), it is important not to give in to low-cost, especially when it comes to a sport like surfing.
Surfactory
Price : 550 $
Model : Malibu 8’0
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the intermediate
Comments : Surfactory is a Made in France (Brittany) brand, for the rest of the arguments see the comment of BlackWings (see above).
Venon
Price : 670 $
Model : Mini-malibu 8’0
Targeted public : from the great beginner (1st wave) to the intermediate
Commentaires : Same as BlackWings (see above). It should be noted that Edouard Delpero is part of the Venon team (which doesn’t change anything to the quality of the boards)..
Sum up :
Thank you for reading, if you have any questions or would like to contribute your experience, please do not hesitate to comment!