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The Best New Surfboards Of 2020!

2020 is here and the surfboards planned for this year, along with some already dropped, have us all frothing.

There is a board for every kind of surfer in the selection for the year ahead, whether you’re progressing or a ripper you are going to be inspired and excited…enjoy.

Skindog

One of the best longboarders on the world tour puts all of his knowledge into shaping some of the best longboards and midlenghts in the world. All made in Cornwall, UK.

Ova

Skindog Ova

The Skindog Ova mid length surfboard looks bloody amazing and surfs even better. Everone knows about Ben Skinner AKA Skindog, Unbelievably good surfer, really sound bloke and a definite eye for board design that is both functional and great to behold. We've been talking to Ben about a Mid Length with a difference and its finally here it is, Ladies & Gentlemen...The Ova

The modern Mid Length surfboard has to tick a lot of boxes to satisfiy the demanding modern surfer and rest assured the Ova does that. It has paddle power in spades to make sure you get your wave count in the crazy line up we have today, flow and glide and down the line speed, and maybe, most impotantly the ability to get it turning from the middle of the board.

Firewire

Grovelers, Mid Lengths, Fish, Firewire have it all this year, prepare to have your mind blown!

Dominator 2.0

Firewire Dominator 2.0

The Firewire Dominator 2.0 surfboard in the new Helium technology is going to revitalize what is still one of the most versatile hybrids available, take it from us its a beaut. Its got a new look which is super clean and on point, a great blend of tech and cool. Ian was lucky enough to surf this board at Slaters surf ranch back in March and he loved it, he ordered one straight away and even offered to pay for it there and then (thats a first!).

The Dominator 2.0 is an update of the original with design features that allow it to work well in a wider range of conditions and enhance its performance.

The obvious outline change is the tail going to a squash from the round tail. Also, the rails are slightly more refined and performance oriented. The concave is the same under the front foot but splits into a subtle double-barrelled concave with V out the tail in the last to improve release.

The squash tail is there to provide a bit more release in the turns, normally you'd lose some of the stability of the thicker round tail on the previous version but so far that doesn't seem to be the case, it still feels rock solid under foot.

Glazer

Firewire Glazer

The Firewire LFT Glazer surfboard boasts some instantly desirable curves and looks like a board with plenty of 'flow'.

Rob Machado's Glazer model is named after his friend and test Pilot Todd Glaser who's been riding numerous versions of this board for almost 10 years! Rob has been working closely with Todd, modifying and fine tuning the Glazer, adding a little width here and a little bit of thickness there...until they finally agreed that it was ready to introduce to the surfing world.

The Glazer is all about versatility, appealing to a wide range of surfers of differing abilities and being a more than capable sled in anything from knee high to overhead waves!

The Glazer has all the indicators of a really surfable board; wide point sits directly under your chest so it's going to paddle fast and catch waves early. The Glazer is only being produced with a 3-fin setup but this still offers some really exciting fin options; fast and loose with a large set of twins, add a stabilizer for a little more control, or how about a standard thruster set for some control in larger waves?

Seaside & Beyond

Firewire Seaside & Beyond

We always suspected the Seaside and Beyond from Firewire, based on Rob Machado surfing a 7ft model in almost every one of his Instagram clips, would be a smash hit and that’s exactly how its turned out!  All the heavy hitting brands are on it now, Channel IslandsLostLib TechFORM as well as Firewire and Slater delivering boards that perfectly marry form and function. 

Luckily enough we had the chance to ride the demo model of this board late in 2019, before release, and we were shocked in the best way possible. The expectation was for a great paddling, easy riding, “cruisey” mid length that could draw out turns on and enjoy. The Seaside & Beyond delivers all of that and more. We were blown away but the ease of manoeuvrability off the tail of the board and also the speed, but maybe the most surprising aspect of this surfboard was the wave range, from first glance you’re thinking knee high peelers and maybe a touch over, but head high, fast breaking beachies and the board worked and reacted in a way you find hard to believe. The S&B got into every wave early so making the most of every critical section and more time up and riding than you’d ever get on most other.

The board is designed for fun, and that’s what you get, if you want a board to give you happiness over and over again, here it is. This is a board that almost anyone can pick up, jump on and get psyched, from people jumping off their first beginner boards, to the highest level of surfer and anyone in the middle.

Twice Baked

Firewire Twice Baked

The Firewire Timbertek Twice Baked is the latest addition to the ever popular 'potato' family of small wave surfboards.

Without wanting to state the downright bloody obvious; the Twice Baked is the squash tailed little cousin of the crowd-pleasing Baked Potato which set the 'groveller' world alight with its ability to rip in crappy small waves and it's surprising composure in surf up to and a tad over head-high!

The most obvious change is to the tail shape, but there are less conspicuous changes which have a significant effect on the Twice Baked performance and behaviour.

So the diamond tail has been swapped out for a more traditional squash which will loosen things up and deliver a more traditional shortboard feel, but arguably the biggest change is to the bottom contours where the TB mirrors the BP's double-barrel concave with a single concave under the front foot but slightly less aggressive and with the addition of a split concave into vee just ahead of the rear fin 6-7 inches up from the tail.

Dan Mann (Mannkine) has also refined the deck contours, smoothing things out creating a 'cleaner' more pleasing look.

These upgrades or tweaks to the original BP groveller have resulted in a really performance oriented groveller, a board designed to be surfed with your back foot firmly planted over the fins and pushed hard through turns with a low stance and centre of gravity.

Generate speed easily down the line, sail over mush and softer sections and then bury the tail when you want to jam a turn or smack a section...fun fun fun.

According to Dan and the team, sizing is simple; ride the Twice Baked the same as your Baked Potato.

Timbertek construction is the combination of a lightweight EPS core, and sustainably-grown timber deck skins, Firewire's legendary parabolic rail construction, and an Entropy bio-resin hot coat give an extremely lightweight and durable surfboard with ALL of the high performance flex traits of Firewire's existing technologies.

Even more impressive, this tech has lead to a significant reduction in exterior lamination significantly further reducing the boards carbon footprint. TIMBERTEK, it's simply High Performance Art!

El Tomo

Firewire El Tomo

The off the wall  (but amazing) mind of Daniel Thompson AKA Tomo surfboards brings us the El Tomo Fish.

This board is a similar option to the EVO, in terms of wave range, and also, with the fact that the El Tomo Fish has insane bottom contours, the most radical looking tail shape and you can tell this board is bursting with speed.

Designed to tackle the smaller side of the wave scale, the El Tomo will be suited to waves from knee to head high and I think it would push to just slightly overhead. The released board will be in the LFT construction, which is a favourite of TOMO for the feel and added touch of weight you get compared to Helium.

There is a bespoke Futures fin to be released to be used with this board specifically, like you need more speed! Other wise the Split Keel FCS II fin might be a good option.

If you are an average surfer, weekend warrior, or if you are an old boy who still wants a shortboard in your quiver, get an El Tomo Fish and have your mind blown.

Channel Islands

2020 is looking like another banging year for Channel IsIands surfboards, hot on the heels of a killer 2019 the new  models in the line up look like winners. 2019 saw The Rocket Wide and Neck Beard II absolutely fly, especially in the Spinetek epoxy construction, so fast and so responsive, maybe the best of the current epoxy techs. On the subject of Spinetek, CI are introducing a grading system to the Spinetek inlays, smaller boards will have a narrower spine and the larger end of the board range a wider spine.

The Mid

Channel Islands Mid

We're super stoked to bring you the Channel Islands Mid surfboard, a true 'mid-length' and a modern classic destined to put a massive grin on your face, and (should you need it) rekindle your love and stoke for surfing.

This model is super popular and we are struggling to keep it in stock. I think the longest we've held onto one is about 2 days.

Channel Islands have collaborated with Devon Howard, a Southern Californian surfer and champion of all things in the midlength genre, who has been riding and refining these boards for the last couple of decades.

The Channel Islands Mid has been inspired by the beautiful clean lines and extended rail-lines of traditional 'eggs' and single fins, blending these classic outlines with the sensitivity and surfability that a performance surfboard manufacturer can bring to the table.

As you'd expect the Mid has a low entry rocker and carries plenty of foam forward under your chest for an easy paddle and effortless trim-speed. This stunning mid-length offers so much to the surfer, lighting up those average days, boosting your wave count when its crowded and still offering heaps of fun on those bigger days when the waves have some size.

A modern set of concaves and some hard, slightly tucked rails at the tail allow the board to perform way beyond what you'd expect from a regular mid-length, pivoting from the tail and boosting down the line thanks to the double-barrel concave and graduated rocker.

This is a fantastic all-rounder which will scoot over the flatter sections on small days and absolutely thrive on the bigger days from shoulder high to almost double overhead days at the point!

Fish Beard

Channel Islands FishBeard

The first new model is the Fish Beard in both PU and Spinetek construction. Looking like a combo of the Neck Beard II and Fish models it will be more user friendly in a wider range of conditions. You’ll have seen Parker Coffin on various video clips throwing it around at Trestles, it looks a lot of fun and without the usual drawbacks of a Fish Twinny.   

Flow and performance seem to be the key features, speed and flow through weaker sections and then engage the fins and hit it in the better sections! Ride with the Futures Merrick Keel fins for maximum stoke!

Pyzel

Pyzel surfboards is the brainchild of long-term Hawaiian surfboard shaper Jon Pyzel. Pyzel's surfboards are just about the most highly rated boards out there right now. Here's what they're giving us in 2020

Pyzalien 2

Pyzel Pyzalien 2

The Pyzel Pyzalien 2 is one of the most anticipated boards for ages, after the staggering success of the Phantom, Gremlin and Ghost this daily driver fills a gap in the Pyzel offering which will be relevant to 99% of surfers.

The Pyzalien 2 will work in a huge variety of waves, from points to reefs to beach breaks, and has a really user friendly yet with a high performance rocker. The medium to low entry rocker runs through to an accelerated medium tail rocker to keep things loose.

The bottom has a single concave starting in the nose, running under the front foot which then blends into a double concave and then vee through the tail. This really helps with release and the ease with which the board turns.

This rocker line and bottom shape gives the board quick, effortless speed from your take off and also increases the responsiveness and control this in turn allows for easier rail to rail transitions at high speeds.

The outline is classic, clean and simple just a fuller nose and wider tail which keeps the speed and makes the board feel drivey, making it easier to keep the flow through flatter sections.

Pukas

There are some phenomenal boards from Pukas this year! Everything you could ever need from Midlengths and High performance Shortboards. Take a look!

La Cote

Pukas La Cote

Welcome to the mid length game, Pukas and Axel Lorentz. We are not 100% what the name really means but we are sure on one thing, this board is excellent!

Mr Lorentz designed this beauty initially for his little girl, wanting a board that she could surf easily in almost any waves and they can have as much fun as possible, and when doing so, this translated into a board that would work not just for his little grom, but for almost everyone!

Suited to almost every surfer once you have mastered the very basics. Axel has given the La Cote a sweet spot that is ginormous, helping with surfers still learning the trade, but this is paired with refined rails in the back third, so you can really lean on a rail and throw spray and turn hard.

If you are a more seasoned surfer, the La Cote fills the hole in your quiver for the board you need to go and compete with anyone in the line up for most waves caught, and most fun had.

If you are wanting an easy riding, wave hogging, funboard, add the La Cote to your "Must surf" list.

 69er Evolution

Pukas 69er Evolution

As it says in the name, the 69er Evolution is a development of all the fantastic 69er family of boards blended and evolved into the next wonder stick from the Pukas factory.

So, what does the 69er EVO give you, the answer is, pretty much close to everything you want in one board. A "one board quiver" to rival the very best out there.

In bigger waves this board is comfortable and actually makes you feel like you can surf anything the ocean throws at you.

If you have a good sized, clean wave, the board can go through manoeuvres with ease, and what makes this board special is that in smaller weaker surf, it still flies.

The paddle speed you can generate gets you in to any sized wave and the slightly lower entry rocker and wide point being slightly forward of centre gives you the ability to rip any wave.

Suited for the surfer who is looking for a "do it all" one board solution. Perfect for travelling due to the boards versatility and the friendly nature means anyone from the intermediate surfer and up can pick this up and go shred.

Slater Designs

As always Slater Designs is at the fore front of Surfboard deisgn and 2020 is no different. This year is set to be amazing for Slater Designs and is certainly going to keep you at the top of your game! 

Sci-Fi 2.0

Slater Designs Sci-Fi 2.0

Another mouth watering prospect for 2020 is the updated version of one of Slater Designs most popular boards.

We would like to introduce you to the Slater Designs Sci Fi 2.0!

Luckily (for him) the big boss, Ian, had the chance to surf this at Kelly Slaters Wave Ranch just last week and has come back absolute waxing lyrical about how good the Sci Fi 2.0 is!

The board has had the wide point pushed slightly more forward of the centre point, and they have also pulled in the tail to give the board a better feel off the back foot, the Sci Fi original felt big under your back foot at times, so this little tweak makes a big difference.

The Sci Fi 2.0 has a great wave range, with a slight change to the rocker on the board, this is now ready to tackle waves from knee high to 1/2ft overhead.

Another fast, fun but still friendly surfboard that will have you stoked to surf every time you pull it out of the bag!

Lost

There are some exceptional Lost models coming for 2020, something for everyone for sure. Here’s an early glimpse.

Rocket Redux

Lost Rocket Redux

A favourite for years, before the days of social media, the Rocket Redux has been ridden under the radar by pro’s such as Kolohe Andino, Coco Ho, Mason Ho and maybe others for years and years now, but as it wasn’t a “stock” model, this board was kept underground, until now!

Suited to waves from just over knee high to 1-2ft overhead, this is a hybrid performance model that has funky features which enable the board to have a unique feel. The outline and rocker is one that is suited to getting the board into waves with minimal paddle effort and the low entry rocker gives you great wave catching ability and speed right from the take off, then the tail shape, call it “Rocket” shaped, gives you the best of a variety of tail shapes, exaggerated break points, from incredible release, the wide extended round tail allows hold when in steeper waves and the control is needed, this blends the best of both worlds and allows the board to be as versatile as surfboards come.

Swordfish

Lost Swordfish

The next cab off the rank, if you will, from Lost, is the introduction of the first official model to be design by Matt Biolos and Mr Kolohe Andino, and this model is called the Swordfish.

Aimed to be a performance/hybrid board, the Swordfish boasts pretty friendly dimensions for a grab and go daily board and has a heap of features to keep the board manageable for almost any surfing ability.

The dimensions are very interesting on the board, a 5ft 8 will pack in almost 30 litres, this paired with a medium set rail line running the length of the board gives you a surfboard that will feel super easy to surf, but will allow you to throw the board around and you get speed and release off the swallow/fish style tail design.

Thanks to Mayhem and Andino allowing the board to be of a friendly nature, this model is set to be great for most surfers. It would be a great choice for an intro into performance surfboards and getting to know your way into shorter boards, and if you already well versed in this scene, this is another model to add to your “Boards to try” list, as you will surf with as little stress as possible, while surfing with a great flair.

Hydra

Lost Hydra

The Lost surfboards Hydra is, in the words of Matt Biolos, a small wave equalizer and a fun machine, when you look at it you know what he means.

Looking at the technical side of this board, its designed to be surfed shorter than normal boards, it has a flat and low rocker, giving the board almost unparalleled paddled speed and wave entry, the double concave with chinned rails work seamlessly together to allow the board to be fast and free. This little machine will have you flying around sections, getting top to bottom in a flash and you can whip this board around with style and speed.

The Hydra is another board with features that will translate to wave pools perfectly. Some wave pools, not mentioning names, seem to have sections and areas where the waves get fat and flat, having a board like the Hydra will solve this as the board will fly over these sections and get you back into the best parts of the waves.

A board for waves from 1ft to 4ft, and for all surfing abilities above out and out beginner, this creation from Lost is a must surf for everyone.

Conclusion:

Every year you kind of think there is nowhere else to go with surfboard design, that its all been covered and done. Every year the brands and shapers astound us with new constructions, bottom contours, rail lines and more to make sure that in terms of boards there has never been a better time to be a surfer. Boardshop works hard to get the right boards for our customers, we don’t sell every brand going because some boards just doesn’t work as well as others and too much choice gets very confusing for us too!

Don’t forget we offer 0% finance, our unique online surfboard trade in program and are even more unique our 30 Day ride out guarantee. We’re always here to help on the phone 0044 1243 674250 or email info@boardshop.co.uk

Here’s to a wave heavy year, its been a brilliant start eh!