The Best Boards Of The Year...So Far!

The Best Boards Of The Year… So Far!

We are half way through 2021 and to say its been a normal year would be very wrong, a lot of things this year have been bad, but surfboard releases and the boards that we are loving have been GREAT!

Its always good to make a list of favourite boards of the year (so far), there are lots of hissy fits, arguments and strops as we work through the very long list of boards that we stock and sell.

We’re not including the perennial favourites that we still love to surf and that sell in crazy numbers, we’re are focusing on the newer models that have been released in the last 12 months or so. The Seaside, Evo, Gremlin, Flow Stik, Puddle Jumper etc are all incredible boards but we’ve drooled over those for long enough…

So our picks for this year are:

1. Pyzel Mini Ghost

One of the most hyped releases from Pyzel, the all-new Mini Ghost is already making waves around the world!

It is no secret that Koa Smith’s favourite surfboard is the Pyzel Ghost, so when Koa and Jon Pyzel collaborated to create a board he could surf everyday, not only when it was firing, we can see why they conjured up this squashed down, flatter, wider version of the Ghost.

The outline and rocker on the board promote paddle speed and early wave entry but being paired with a pulled in nose and a squash tail, you have the ability to get the board turning.

The Pyzel Mini Ghost is made for surfers who want a board they can push as hard as possible but is also a great option for surfer’s working their way into the high-performance world as the distribution of the foam and the volume provides a more forgiving ride.

Designed to be size a touch shorter than you would ride your standard shortboard, the Pyzel Mini Ghost will freshen up your quiver and give you the stoke to tackle any wave you have on offer.

2. Pyzel Mid Length Crisis 

The Pyzel Mid Length Crisis, adds even more coverage to the already impressive wave range coverage by the Pyzel stable of boards!

The Crisis appears to be a pretty standard Mid at first glance but its got more about it than most others. The wide point is forward of centre, with the flattish rocker and a subtle concave this board paddles like a cruise liner and surfs like a much shorter board.

The rocker is a touch more than say the CI Mid, or Album Darkness, this allows the board to work in hollower, beach break style waves, as well as excelling in rolling waves.

The 2+1 set up, which is stock on most Mid Lengths, gives you the single fin feel with drive and the side bites provide added control. The stock glassing is 4 bottom and 6+4 deck for a little added weight and strength.

The Mid Length Crisis is perfect for a more manoeuvrable option compared to other mid length boards and a touch more performance and speed, this is ideal for a board to catch heap and heaps of waves without compromising on performance.

3. Lib Tech x Lost Freak Flag Bean Bag

The Freak Flag Bean Bag is the very latest collaboration between Lib tech and Lost Surfboards. This surfboard is absolutely perfect for this construction and is set to become a class-leading 'uber-groveller' for those weak and uninspiring days when you might be tempted to reach for a log or foamie.

The Lib Tech x Lost Freak Flag Bean Bag was inspired by the original Mayhem 'double ender' Bean Bag, but this time tweaked with a 'bump wing' to allow the tail to release sooner and the board to execute tighter turns with the extra grip and bite this outline brings.

This funky little board will have broad appeal throughout the surfing tribe; those looking for their first "short board" will absolutely love the stability and wave catching ability and the tough tech makes a lot of sense at this stage of the learning curve.

More experienced surfers who may be on the wrong side of 40 and don't get in as much as they'd like will rejuvenate their 'stoke', and lastly the rippers are really going to enjoy the small sizes in gutless surf when they'd often not bother getting wet.

4. Siren Sailor’s Ruin

The Siren Sailors Ruin surfboard looks stunning and surfs just as well.

It’s a classic Long Fish style board designed for easy paddling and wave catching but don't be deceived by the soft curves and beautiful sprays, this board has all the drive, hold and performance you could ever want.

This Long Fish is a lovely board to surf, you get lots of glide to carry speed but precision performance in a wide range of wave types. It’s ideal for anyone looking to up their wave count but not compromise on performance. If you don't want a higher volume mid length that’ll be hard to control, then the Long Fish style is well worth a look.

If it’s a styled-out cruiser you want then go longer, if you're focusing on performance then shorter is better. A single concave runs the length of the board to help generate lift and so speed whilst keeping the board stable, that speed gives you the ability to get the board trimming and turning that bit easier.

The Sailor’s Ruin is a great addition to any quiver as it works in anything from thigh high peelers to waves with serious winter juice, it handles it all.

5. Pukas 69er Evolution – INNCA

The 69er Evolution is the latest addition to the '69er' family of beautiful surfboards.

The INNCA epoxy construction delivers an incredible response...all the power you apply through your turns is rewarded with a ""zingy"" return powering you into your next manoeuvre.

Just like the Original Sixtyniner, the Evolution is a brilliant all-rounder and would make an excellent travel board covering most conditions you're likely to encounter either at home in Europe or further afield.

Competent surfers will love this latest offering from Axel Lorentz, it’s a brilliant wave catcher on the smaller days and the fast paddle speed and fine-tuned tail will get you out of trouble when the bigger more challenging waves arrive.

We're convinced that the 69er Evolution could be one of the best 'one board quivers' we've set eyes on!

6. Pukas Lady Twin

If Devon Howard inspired the Mid Length revolution, then blame Torren Martyn and Morning Of The Earth Surfboards for the channel bottom twin fin Mid Length take over. Joining the party is the Pukas Lady Twin from Axel Lorentz.

The Pukas Lady Twin has a whole heap of amazing design features; the tail channels give instant acceleration and better grip on the wave, which allow you to push the Lady Twin harder without fear of spinning out.

The rails are also paired down to give faster, more precise turning. This makes you feel like you’re riding a board that is 6 inches shorter, yet the board still paddles well so you can keep your wave count high.

This board is a brilliant wave catcher on the smaller days, but the fast paddle speed and tail channels will get you out of trouble when the bigger more challenging waves arrive.

Ultimately this board is a work of art! We have been lucky enough to have this out in some waist high peeling waves as well as some big, rolling winter swells and the Pukas Lady Twin passed every test.

7. Harley Ingleby Thunderbolt Red Moe

The Harley Ingleby Moe mid-length surfboard is undeniably beautiful in the Thunderbolt technology and has a wide appeal amongst surfers of all abilities and preferences.

Harley & Billy Tolhurst wanted to create an easy riding mid-length that would be easy to paddle and forgiving for the beginner, but at the same time deliver some performance (and heaps of fun) for the more experienced rider, and they certainly achieved this.

Whatever you do though, don't confuse the Moe with a minimal, there is a hell of a lot going on in this genius little board besides the cutting-edge tech and looks to die for.

The Moe is constructed using 'Thunderbolt Red' a 100% hand layup Xeon Fibreglass Lamination which delivers a competition weight and flex surfboard.

These boards are 100% hand layups and finished to the very highest standard, and it's worth remembering that the board you buy from us is exactly the same as Harley is riding!

8. Channel Islands Twin Pin

When it was announced that Britt Merrick was working on a model alongside Michael February, the excitement levels here grew, and then with every clip of M Feb that followed, the anticipation levels just got higher and higher and now the board has landed and it has not disappointed at all!

Almost throwback-esk in the shape, with the board having a touch more length and being a touch narrower, compared to modern equivalents, this board has glide and easy wave entry and speed and flow when you are riding. You can really feel the Micky February influence in the style and grace the board surfs with. Pair these with a semi upright twin fin set and you are going to love it! 

9.Seastix Deckhand

Now this is a surfboard you will want to pay attention to… The Deckhand is a hybrid style surfboard that ticks the boxes for every surfer looking for an amazing new surfboard to take on a huge array of conditions. The Seastix Deckhand is an easy paddling, wave catching monster that has more performance than may appear first glance.

Designed and propose built to cater to almost any surfer, the Deckhand is ideal for a surfer coming off a beginner style board looking for more response and feel without sacrificing wave catching ability or the experienced high-level surfer looking for a Hybrid style, do it all stick that can pivot on a dime and hold its own in bigger surf too! Size this correctly and it can fit 99% of surfers.

To conclude, this is a magic board for surfers of almost any ability that can be relied upon in a wide variety of conditions. This board will be your friend thanks to the blend of a friendly profile, huge “Sweet Spot” and hidden performance.

10. Channel Islands Rocket Wide Squash Tail

Following the incredible success of the Rocket Wide (Swallow Tail) the Gudauskas’ brothers produced the second iteration of the Rocket Wide, this time with a squash tail and this is another winner!

The change in the tail gives the board a touch more speed and loosens the tail for a slightly faster turning, more manoeuvrable version of the Rocket Wide.

A super versatile, grab and go, do it all board for waved from thigh high to 1-2ft overhead, this will have you covered in any condition and wave type!

We highly recommend the board being paired with a 5-fin set. The versatility this adds is amazing. Go for a quad set up for a touch more speed and drive in weaker surf, and when the surf picks up the thruster gives you the hold and control needed!

That wraps up the pick of the boards for now. With more and more boards being released this list will grow and 2021 will get even better with other models coming from most brands on the market. Keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media sites for new releases and news on what is coming.

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