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Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers Leveling Up Your Ride

Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers Leveling Up Your Ride.So you've got the basics down—you're popping up with confidence, trimming along the face, maybe even attempting your first turns. Welcome to the intermediate zone. This is where the real fun begins, and the board you ride can make all the difference in how fast you progress.

Choosing the right surfboard as an intermediate surfer means finding the sweet spot between stability and performance. You want a board that lets you improve your skills without being overly forgiving. Let’s dive into what makes a great intermediate surfboard and highlight some top picks.






What to Look for in a Surfboard as an Intermediate

Before getting into the board recs, here are a few features to prioritize:

  • Volume & Float: You still want enough volume to catch waves easily, but not so much that it feels like a beginner's log. Volume is usually measured in liters and depends on your weight, fitness, and wave type.

  • Length & Shape: Slightly shorter than your beginner board. Something in the 6’6”–7’6” range often works well. A funboard or hybrid shape gives you maneuverability and wave-catching ease.

  • Construction: Epoxy boards are lighter and more durable—great if you’re surfing a lot or still wiping out often. PU boards have a more traditional feel and tend to perform better on steeper waves.

  • Fins Setup: Look for boards with a versatile fin system (like FCS or Futures). Being able to switch between thruster and quad setups is useful as you explore different conditions.

Top Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers

1. Torq Mod Fun

  • Best for: Versatility and progression

  • Size Range: 6'8" to 7'6"

  • Why it’s great: The Torq Mod Fun is one of the most popular choices for intermediates. It's durable, paddles well, and has just the right blend of stability and responsiveness. It handles a wide range of conditions, so you won't outgrow it fast.

2. Firewire Seaside

  • Best for: Performance with a fun feel

  • Size Range: 5’6” to 6’10”

  • Why it’s great: Designed by Rob Machado, the Seaside is a performance fish that works great in smaller, punchy waves. It’s fast, loose, and turns beautifully—perfect for intermediates looking to spice things up.

3. NSP Elements Funboard

  • Best for: Durability and learning on various waves

  • Size Range: 6’8” to 7’6”

  • Why it’s great: The NSP Elements series is known for its toughness. This board is forgiving, stable, and still maneuverable—ideal if you’re still dialing in your turns and timing.

4. Lost RNF 96 (Round Nose Fish)

  • Best for: Small wave performance

  • Size Range: 5’6” to 6’6”

  • Why it’s great: This board brings speed and style to smaller waves. It’s a fish, but more refined—great for intermediates looking to work on their rail game without jumping into a shortboard too soon.

5. Catch Surf Odysea Log

  • Best for: Having fun and staying loose

  • Size Range: 7’0” to 8’0”

  • Why it’s great: Okay, it’s technically a soft top—but don’t sleep on it. The Odysea Log is incredibly fun, especially on summer days with mushy waves. Great for experimenting with style and footwork, plus it’s nearly indestructible.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Board

  • Test before you buy: If you can, rent or borrow a few different shapes to see what feels best under your feet.

  • Talk to your local surf shop: They know your local breaks and can match you with a board that fits the wave and your goals.

  • Think ahead: Get something you can grow into. A board that challenges you just enough will help you improve faster.

Ready to Level Up?

The Solid surfboards produced by us are designed to achieve the highest performance, utilizing sustainable materials. All those guys and gals want to create your magic board! Fourth Surfboards work better and ride better with less harm to the environment. Organic hemp, volcanic basalt, and less toxic materials mean no more trees cut down to produce wooden stringer reinforcements, thereby minimizing the toxic fumes released during production; our foam cores and shaping waste have full 100% recycling.Choosing the best surfboard as an intermediate surfer is all about balancing comfort with challenge. Whether you’re cruising on a funboard or starting to flirt with high-performance shapes, the right board can elevate your stoke and help you unlock new levels of surfing.

Got a favorite board that helped you break through the intermediate stage? Drop it in the comments—we're always down to hear what’s working out in the lineup.

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