Mid Length Surfboards

Mid Length surfboards, its officially a thing!

Mid Length surfboards, they have officially taken over and are a real thing!

If you are thinking about a mid-length surfboard you are not alone, we are inundated with surfers of every age and ability level wanting to know what the crack is with these boards.

We’re seeing more and more in the water, if you’ve been anywhere between Bali and Portugal in the last few months you will have seen lots of this type of board in the water especially at the softer spots.

The Mid length seems to have simultaneously replaced grovelers, longboards and everything in between, most mid length can be misinterpreted as just boards for the smaller days, where in fact they actually come alive more in better surf, for sure you can get these out and gliding in small waves but take these out when its firing and you will have your surfing life changed.

So, what’s making people consider a mid length surfboard?

Common sense for starters, not everyone has room or can transport a 9’ plus board and a mid-length can get you pretty close to the glide without all that inconvenience.

If you have surfed a groveler, mini-simmons or a fish on smaller days, but find you struggle with wave count and maybe generating speed mid length board might well be the answer.

The need to compete against hell paddling groms weighing next to nothing or longboards is what driving the popularity of this kind of board, who doesn’t want to catch more waves?!

The other key element with these boards is that they are so adaptable, they work in a wide wave range from smaller weaker days to pretty big stuff too.

They trim well, and if you get the right board turn nicely also.

What actually is a Mid Length Surfboard?

There are different styles of mid lengths designed to suit certain waves and conditions.

Someone coming down from a bigger board like a longboard will have different expectations to someone stepping up in length from a shortboard.

Size wise mid lengths run from 6’ 6 to about 8’ 0. This isn’t a definitive size ratio, it just gives an idea of what you’re looking for.

Boards under 6’ 6 are invariably hybrids, grovelers, shortboards etc they don’t have the same design ethos as a mid length and work in a different way.

The added length and the reduced volume in nose and tail gives you paddle power but still allows the board to turn.

Anything much over 8’ begins to be more longboardy. Longboarding is a different style of surfing compared with surfing shorter boards more about the glide and trim side of surfing rather than tight turns and getting vertical!

We’ll get into the different types and styles of boards shortly.

The other thing that sets a mid length apart from shorter boards especially is the single fin, 2 + 1 or 4 + 1 fin set up.

Generally mid lengths have this option which opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Different fin set ups can radically transform how the board surfs.

Who surfs mid lengths?

Maybe you! If you normally ride a shortboard but are just simply looking to take new lines without drastically changing the way you surf.

If you are struggling with wave count and sick of watching younger fitter surfers get your waves then maybe it’s time to take a look.

Surfing a mid length doesn’t carry the same stigma it did years ago, and anyway who cares what anyone else thinks as long as you’re having fun and enjoying your surfing!

It doesn’t mean you have to lose all the performance of a shortboard either...

Coming from the other side of things, if you’re are normally on a log a mid length is just the type of board to give you a different but not totally alien aspect on your wave riding.

The front runners in the world of the modern mid length.

Our Top Picks For Mid Lengths And Why:

Don’t forget you can order a custom version of these boards (not the Mid 6 though) for no extra cost, trade in an old board or two against a new one and pay on 0% finance.

1. Ryan Lovelace Love Machine FM

The definition of an alternative surf craft is… well pretty much anyone of Lovelace’s designs but bloody hell they work so well. The FM from a usability point is the pick of the bunch, instant lift and speed that feels completely controllable, the release from rail to rail is exceptional, the board might not deliver the tightest turns of all time, but when the rail bites the reaction is immediate, this thing just makes you smile.

The added speed gives great stability as well which means even in bumpy conditions its always controllable.

Surf with the bespoke True Ames Twinzer set

Best for: trying to ignore working out what all the features of the board do and just going surfing!

2. Lost RNF 96 Kingfish

This one caused a bit of a stir when it landed. A mid-length version of the all-time RNF 96? Yes please. The Kingfish takes all the fun and familiarity of the shortboard original and stretches it out into a fast, versatile, wave-magnet of a mid.

It’s got a flat deck, full rails, and a wide, balanced outline for paddle power and stability. But thanks to a pulled-in tail, clever bottom contours, and low entry rocker, it still turns like something half its size. It’s one of those rare boards that works for just about everyone.

Ride it as a 2+1 and enjoy the best of both worlds, cruisy flow with twin fin speed and surprising hold in better waves.

Best for: effortless speed, forgiving feel, shortboard DNA in a mid-length body

3. Channel Islands Mid Twin

The Mid Twin takes the beloved CI Mid and gives it a looser, faster twin-fin twist.

With extra foam up front for easy paddling, twin boxes set for balance, and classic Devon Howard style, it’s ideal for carving long walls or snapping into the pocket.

4. Thunderbolt Harley Ingleby Moe Mini

The Thunderbolt Mini Moe by Harley Ingleby has us buzzing! It combines the paddle power and stability of a mid-length with added performance and versatility. The design features a flat bottom with a double concave between the feet for smooth carving, paired with responsive, foiled rails that enhance drive and speed through turns.

It’s a next-gen mid-length that balances ease of use with precision for surfers looking to elevate their game.

 

5. Firewire TJ Pro Mid

Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t just for pros. The TJ Pro Mid is an everyday weapon that delivers paddle power, control, and flow, without feeling big or clunky. It’s mid-length meets modern performance, and we couldn’t get enough of it.

A mellow rocker and clever concaves give it lift and glide, while the pulled-in tail and tuned-up rails bring the spice. It’s more responsive than most mids and can handle anything from junky knee-highs to dreamy shoulder-high peelers.

Plus, the Volcanic construction keeps it light, lively, and tougher than your average epoxy board. Fin it how you like 2+1, quad, single it’ll deliver.

Best for: modern flow, versatility, surfers looking for a bit more spark in their mid-length.

Honourable Mentions

Maurice Cole - Red Dingo

The Red Dingo doesn’t mess around. It’s fast, responsive, and feels buttery smooth rail-to-rail, all thanks to Maurice Cole’s signature Reverse Vee design. Don’t worry if that sounds a bit out there… you’ll feel the difference straight away.

With a fuller mid-length outline and that magic five-fin setup, this thing will cruise through mush and still come alive when the waves turn on. Quad for speed, thruster for control, it’s your call.

It’s one of the best all-round hybrid mids we’ve surfed and a real wave magnet that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Best for: versatility, smooth transitions, and that classic Maurice Cole drive

Slater Designs - Boss Up

The Slater Designs Boss Up from Firewire turned heads the second it landed at Boardshop HQ. Mid-length glide with serious high-performance firepower. If you’ve been hunting for that one-board quiver, the Boss Up is it.

Designed by Dan Mann with input from Slater himself, it packs glide, speed and control into a shape that turns hard without ever feeling twitchy. You’ll get easy paddling, loads of lift from the double concave spine, and just the right amount of rocker to keep it fast but forgiving.

We’ve been surfing it as a quad and loving the extra drive, but it’s the way this board lights up off the back foot that really sells it.

Best for: carving, cruising, and surprising yourself in bigger waves

Channel Islands - Mid

Will, a customer of of ours, comes from both a short and longboarding background, he wanted a mid-length board that he could take out on those bigger days, duck dive with ease but still catch every wave.

After purchasing the CI Mid and taking it out for the first time, he was impressed by how smoothly it paddled into the waves and allowed him to catch everything!

He claims he was gliding and styling like Devon Howard. Whilst we can’t claim it has magical powers (who wouldn’t like to surf like Devon!?), we can confirm this board is great fun, a pleasure to surf and will no doubt put a smile on your face!

Initially the CI Mid was designed and released as a 2+1 set up, but a lot of people looked at the stunning outline of the board and the flatness in the rocker and all thought the same thing, what if this was a twin fin. With some fin box positioning adjustments, the CI Mid Twin was brought to life.

Giving the board more speed, with a loose feeling tail and plenty of fun, the Mid Twin is just as good as the original model. You want to pair this with a fin template like the Channel Islands Keel fin and you will have the perfect board and fin combination.

Take a look at his actual review:

"Great service as ever from Boardshop - board arrived as planned with no issues. First surf in 3-4 ft clean East coast - went very well - thought I was the older stockier less talented northern version of Devon Howard.... perfect!"

This is also one of Boardshop Co-owner Roger’s go-to boards. Forever stoked about surfing, he is keener than most groms; heading out in literally anything and this is the board just for that. Rog can often be seen ripping (and occasionally dropping in on our warehouse groms) at our local break on this beautiful board, usually catching more waves than anyone else… much to the annoyance of anyone out on a shortboard and any groms that get in his way.

This board flies in all conditions; from those messy, smaller days to overhead clean waves. If you are looking for the perfect all-rounder and one board quiver -look no further than the CI Mid.

Form - Flow Stik

Mikee has 2 young kids, had to get rid of his van and buy a sensible estate, his longboard used to slide in the back of the van easily and go everywhere with him. He now has a car that will accommodate a 7’ 6 board max and a roof box. Life changes and you need to adapt your quiver accordingly.

We loaned Mikee a FORM Flow Stik 7’ 6, he looked far from convinced when he inspected it and referred to it as tooth pick. Off he went with very low expectations, he came back smiling. Plenty of glide, lots of fun, paddled in early and fast and gave him the fix he needed, oh yeah and it fit in the family car.

Mikee loved it so much he spared some time to leave a review on the board which went like this:

"After a lot of consideration and advice from the Boardshop team, I went with a 7'2 Form Flow Stik as something to progress on, catch more waves and ultimately have more fun. It's fair to say the Flow Stik delivers on all fronts. It's an easy paddle, catches waves early, sooooo fast, super agile but not unstable. 4-5ft seems to be the sweet spot and it just comes alive, but you can still have a lot of fun in 2ft slop. Just wish I'd got one sooner. If you want to catch more, smile more and learn more, don't hesitate."

Mark Phipps - One Bad Egg

This is where it all began, Phippsy contacted us a good few years ago now about having a look at this board, we were young bucks (well, in our late 30s/early 40s) and were fixated with riding short high volume boards as the fashion of the time dictated. Eventually Phippsy sent us a couple of boards to try… it was a eureka moment. Much to our annoyance, everything he said about the board was true, it blew our surfing minds.

The design might be a good few years old now but the One Bad Egg is still very hard to beat, much copied but never bettered.  

Surf with a 7” centre fin and medium side fins up to 7’ 2.

Best for: paddling, high wave count, wave range

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 So there it is, a small insight into the world of mid lengths, most of us here are converted.

We’re not giving up our other boards just yet but it’s a very refreshing change to surf a mid length either now and again or in concentrated bursts.

The old adage that the best surfer is the one having the most fun is a bit clichéd and makes most surfers cringe when they hear it, give a mid length a go, you never know you might like it.

So there you have it, there are new brands and new models arriving all the time, most shapers out there are planning on releasing mid lengths and those that have will have alternative iterations to be released to, so your mid length craving will continue for a while yet.

At Boardshop you can trade in your old boards against new boards, a maximum of two trade ins per new board, order a custom version of most of the boards we sell.

On the customs you can detail sprays, fin systems and set ups etc.

We also offer 0% finance, it’s an easy option to spread the cost of your new board over 6 or 12 months and with interest free credit it’s a no brainer!

The final reason to buy your boards from us is our unique Ride Out guarantee, never get left with a board you don’t like! Obviously some terms and conditions apply so check the m out on the site.

As always if you need any advice we’re here to help on 0044 1243 674250 or on email [email protected]