Buying guide
Best longboard surfboards (2026)
Five longboards for noseriding, cruising and easy wave catching, plus how to choose length and fins.
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Quick answer
For most riders, a 9’0″–9’6″ longboard is the right size. Our top pick is the Firewire Taylor Jensen Special T, a versatile board that both noserides and turns. If you want a pure noserider, look at the Channel Islands CI Noserider.
Not sure about size? Use the board finder →Our picks at a glance
| Category | Board | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Firewire Taylor Jensen Special T | Surfers who want one longboard for everything |
| Best for noseriding | Channel Islands CI Noserider | Surfers focused on noseriding and traditional style |
| Best classic log | Channel Islands CI Log | Traditional longboarders and point-break days |
| Best value | Degree 33 9′ Ultimate Longboard | Beginners and budget-conscious surfers |
| Best soft longboard | Catch Surf Odysea Log 9’0″ | Beginners, families and crowded breaks |
What is a longboard?
A longboard is a surfboard 9’0″ or longer, with a round nose and lots of volume. It catches waves earlier than any other board, glides through flat sections and lets you walk to the nose. Longboards work for every level, from beginners to world champions.
There are three main styles:
- Noserider / log: heavy, stable and built for walking the board and hanging ten. Usually a single fin.
- Performance longboard: lighter, with more rocker and often a 2+1 or thruster setup, so it turns more like a shorter board.
- All-round longboard: a mix of both, and the best choice for most surfers.
The best longboard surfboards
Firewire Taylor Jensen Special T
Designed with world longboard champion Taylor Jensen, the Special T is a do-it-all longboard. It noserides well, turns well and comes in a wide range of lengths, so it fits most riders and waves.
- Noserides and turns
- Wide range of sizes
- Light, durable construction
- Costs more than basic longboards
- Not a heavy, traditional log feel
Best for: Surfers who want one longboard for everything
Channel Islands CI Noserider
The CI Noserider is built for walking the board and spending time on the nose. Its stable outline and nose design help you stay up front longer.
- Excellent for hang fives and tens
- Very stable and smooth
- Classic longboard feel
- Heavier and less agile
- Best on clean, peeling waves
Best for: Surfers focused on noseriding and traditional style
Channel Islands CI Log
The CI Log is a traditional single-fin longboard with plenty of weight and glide. It suits surfers who love a relaxed, flowing style on small, clean days.
- Smooth, classic glide
- Heavy and stable
- Great in small, clean waves
- Heavy to carry
- Slow to turn in steeper waves
Best for: Traditional longboarders and point-break days
Degree 33 9′ Ultimate Longboard
The Degree 33 Ultimate Longboard is an affordable way into longboarding. It is easy to paddle and stable, which makes it a good first hard longboard.
- Friendly price
- Easy to paddle and stable
- Good first hard longboard
- Less refined than premium boards
- Heavier than high-end builds
Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious surfers
Catch Surf Odysea Log 9’0″
A soft-top longboard is perfect for crowded breaks, family sessions or learning to noseride without worrying about dings. The Odysea Log 9’0″ is one of the most popular options.
- Safe in crowds
- Very durable
- Fun for the whole family
- Less glide than a hard longboard
- Soft deck feels different when noseriding
Best for: Beginners, families and crowded breaks
How to choose a longboard
Length
Most adults ride a 9’0″ to 9’6″ longboard. Lighter riders can go 9’0″, heavier riders 9’4″ to 10’0″. Longer boards glide more but are harder to carry and turn.
Width and volume
Longboards are usually 22″ to 23½” wide. Wider boards are more stable and better for noseriding. Narrower boards turn more easily. Most longboards hold between 55 and 85 liters, so volume is rarely a problem.
Rocker and concave
Flat rocker makes a board fast and great for trimming. A nose concave (a scooped-out area under the nose) helps you hang ten. More rocker helps in steeper waves.
Fins
- Single fin: smooth and classic, ideal for noseriding and trimming.
- 2+1: a single fin plus two small side fins. More control in turns, and the most versatile choice.
- Thruster: found on performance longboards. Turns tighter and holds better in steep waves.
Construction
Traditional polyester (PU) longboards are heavier and feel smooth and classic. Epoxy boards are lighter, tougher and float more. Soft-top longboards are the safest and most durable.
Longboard size chart
| Your weight | Board length | Typical volume |
|---|---|---|
| 100–130 lb | 9’0″ | 50–60 L |
| 130–160 lb | 9’0″–9’2″ | 55–65 L |
| 160–190 lb | 9’2″–9’4″ | 60–70 L |
| 190–220 lb | 9’4″–9’6″ | 65–75 L |
| 220–250 lb | 9’6″–10’0″ | 70–85 L |
For pure noseriding, go a little longer and wider. For performance surfing, go a little shorter. Our surfboard size guide explains volume in detail.
Is a longboard right for you?
Choose a longboard if your waves are usually small and clean, you love a smooth, flowing style, or you want to catch as many waves as possible. If you want tighter turns in punchier surf, a mid-length is more versatile. If you are brand new, a soft top is safer while you learn.
One practical tip: a 9’6″ board needs a roof rack or a big car, and it is harder to travel with. Plan for transport before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What size longboard should I get?
Most adults ride a 9’0″ to 9’6″ longboard. Lighter riders can go 9’0″, and riders over 200 lb often prefer 9’6″ to 10’0″.
Is a longboard good for beginners?
Yes. Longboards catch waves easily and are very stable, which makes them great for learning. A soft-top longboard is the safest option for your first sessions.
Single fin or 2+1 on a longboard?
A single fin is smooth and best for noseriding. A 2+1 adds control in turns and is the most versatile choice for most surfers.
What is the difference between a log and a longboard?
A log is a heavier, traditional style of longboard, usually with a single fin and flat rocker. It is built for trimming and noseriding rather than sharp turns.
How do I transport a 9’6″ longboard?
Most surfers use a roof rack with soft pads or straps. Use a board bag to protect it, and always tie it down securely.
Find the right longboard for you
Answer four quick questions and our board finder will size your board in liters and match it to the waves you surf.
Open the board finder →Browse board types: