Hybrid surfboards are becoming more and more popular, due to their versatility in the water. One of its high points is the blending of a high-performance shortboard and a fish surfboard. This gives it its distinctive wider outline and maneuverability. We’ve decided to look at the best hybrid surfboards in this article, to help ease the burden of indecision you might be facing.
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Comparison Table for Best Hybrid Surfboards
Last update on 2023-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table could not be displayed.Best Hybrid Surfboards
Here is a list of the best hybrid surfboards you can get right now. Due to availability, some brands may not be available. But we’ve made sure that you will get what available alternatives.
South Bay Board Co. 6′ Hybrid Surfboard
South Bay makes good surfboards, and the Mahi stands out. It measures 6 feet in length with a 4-fin quad system. It also has 4 FCS fins, fin key & 6-foot leash for maximum control. The relatively hard rails allow give you clean transitions while the tail rocker gives the Mahi better acceleration. Also, the nose rocker helps prevents pearling.
This extremely durable board also has a heat-release valve, while the bamboo layers on the top and bottom deck provide head damage prevention to help your board last. The soft top is also integrated seamlessly with the fiberglass deck and provides a good foot grip.
In addition, the board has more buoyancy than most boards, though some folks wouldn’t like this.
Features
- Weight limit up to 220 lb
- Volume is 40 liters
- Length is 6 feet
- 4 Fins
- 6-foot leash
- Wood/Epoxy/Fiberglass deck
- Available in 3 colors: Aqua, Black, Red
PROS
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Fast
- Works great for regular swells
CONS
- Not for beginners
Paragon Surfboards Retro Fish Surfboard
This high-performance hybrid surfboard comes in 3 sizes of 5, 6, and 7 feet in length. This board is extremely light and performs quite well in a variety of wave conditions. The deck is made from high-quality polyurethane, and features dual fins for balance.
The board also has the capacity to support beginner, intermediate and expert surfers. It can also support weights up to 160 lbs. The board generates incredible speed, even in the smallest waves. It’s definitely a good bargain for the money, at just a little less than $500.
Features
- 3 sizes available
- Max weight 160lbs
- Double fins
- Volume of 36.5L
PROS
- Good construction
- Fast
CONS
- None
South Bay Board Co 7’7″ Hybrid Surfboard
This board is very much like its sibling above, except for the difference in size, price, and other minor variations. Its volume is up to 57 liters and supports up to 250lb surfers.
This board is extremely durable with its double L-beam stringer system which has 2 full-length L-Beam wood stringers, spanning nose to tail and top deck to bottom deck.
In addition, it is equipped with 4 FCS fins, 9” FCS longboard single fin, fin key & 8-foot leash. The tail rocker has a flatter profile, which in turn provides better speed. You also have more space to plant your feet, thanks to the rounded nose.
The heat-release valve and bamboo layers on top and bottom help to elongate the life of the board by providing head damage protection.
Features
- Length is 7.7 feet
- Volume is 57 liters
- Weight limit is 250lbs
- Quad fins
- 8-foot leash
PROS
- Fast
- Well built
CONS
- No wax top
Komsurf Fiberglass Surfboard
This board comes in 4 sizes, weighs like a feather, and is well constructed. The deck is made from fiberglass, while the rounded nose helps with entry into waves.
The capacity is put at 45-50 liters, depending on the model you chose. It is great for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Features
- Dual fins
- Leash
- 4 sizes available – 6’4”, 6’10”, 7’6” and 8’6.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Great for beginners
CONS
- None
South Bay Board Co. Verve/Heritage Surfboards
Another board from the staple of South Bay Board Company, this model comes in 3 sizes, 7′, 8′ (Verve), and 8’8 (Heritage). The Verve is great for beginners, but just about any skill level can surf with it comfortably. It comes with a wax-free fingerprint textured soft-top foam deck, carry handle, 8′ leash, and 3 surf fins plus a fin key.
Also, the double concave bottom deck helps to efficiently channel the water to the board’s fins and the entry-level rocker helps prevent pearling. The Verve is a large board with a volume of 74L and supports surfers up to 200 lb. The Heritage has a volume of 86L and supports surfers up to 260 lb.
The boards come in different colors, and we want to mention here that their customer service is great and offers prompt responses to any issue you might have. One of the issues some users have had with this board is that it doesn’t withstand heavy usage satisfactorily.
Features
- Supports max weight of 200 lb (Verve), 260 lb (Heritage)
- 3 sizes of 7′, 8′, and 8’8
- Different colors to choose from
- Volume of 74L and 86L
- 3 Fins, 9′ leash (Heritage), 8′ leash (Verve)
PROS
- Different colors to choose from
- Great for different skill levels
- Great customer service
CONS
- Durability issues
Formula Fun Shortboard Fish 5’3″ Flexible Foam Surfboard
The Formula Surfboard is designed from a solid, completely waterproof piece of copolymer foam. It also features finished rails, a contoured bottom, and Futures Fins for epic surfing performance.
This board is great for both beginners and pros, though most beginners will find it intimidating at first. The EVA deck pad has small grooves for a slip-free surface, which firmly plants your feet on the deck. The board is also durable, thanks to the copolymer foam material which makes it nearly impossible to break.
At 11 lbs, it doesn’t weigh a ton. You can easily plunk it in the car trunk due to is small size, with a volume of just 42 liters.
Features
- Volume is 42 liters
- Dimensions are 63″ x 21.5″ x 3″
- EVA deck pads
- 2+1 Fins
- Can take up to 200lbs
PROS
- Anti-slip EVA deck pads
- Lightweight
- Wax-free
CONS
- Size may not be ideal for some users
Wavestorm 5’6 Swallowtail Surfboard
The Wavestorm is one hybrid surfboard that kids can surf on comfortably. It is made from high-grade EPS Core with High Density Polyethylene. The high-impact bottom adds strength and durability too.
It also has a 3 fin system and Swivel PE leash, plus it also features a wider texture for better grip. At just 42 liters of volume, it’s perfect for a smaller adult or kid.
Features
- 42 liters of volume
- Measures 68 x 22 x 4.5 inches
- Weighs 12.25 Pounds
- 3-Fin system
PROS
- Sturdy construction
- Great for kids
CONS
- None
Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board
This is one board that is not perfect for beginners, but for those who consider themselves expert surfers. This board has a great design, featuring a hand-finished EPS foam core, with a rigid natural wood stringer. The glass epoxy resin on top of layered fiberglass is incorporated for extra strength.
Also, the Diamond Machine Cut EVA Traction Pad sheds water quickly and features a stout kicktail. There’s also a Futures F4 Quad fin set up, and you can also upgrade and customize your setup with compatible Futures Fins.
However, though this board isn’t for beginners, they will find this style of board the easiest to learn on. Advanced riders will enjoy its high speed, maneuverability, and responsiveness. This board is easily one of our best hybrid surfboards in this review.
- 195 LBS Weight Capacity
- Futures F4 Fins
- It comes in 3 sizes; 4′ 8″ and 4′ 6″ lengths.
- Quad fin system
- L (56″), W (20”), H (1.5″)
PROS
- Good construction
- Fast
- EVA Diamond Shape Traction Pad
CONS
- Not great for beginners
Buying Guide for Best Hybrid Surfboards
Hybrid surfboards are great for those who don’t want the regular thing, though they don’t work quite well in great swells. But then, some advantages of hybrid surfboards include the following –
- They are great for various conditions
- Perfect one-for-all surfboard
- Different types to suit your needs
Hybrids are characterized by flatter bottom curvatures, easy paddling and plenty of volume, and a rounder shape for easier surfing. Here are some other things to keep in mind.
Size
The following table should serve as a guide for calculating the volume of surfboard you should get, with respect to your weight and experience level. In simple terms, the volume is the amount of water the surfboard displaces.
| WEIGHT OF SURFER | VOLUME OF SURFBOARD | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LBS | KG | BEGINNER | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED |
| 110 | 50 | 34 | 23 | 20 |
| 120 | 55 | 35 | 24 | 21 |
| 130 | 60 | 37 | 25 | 22 |
| 140 | 65 | 40 | 26 | 23 |
| 155 | 70 | 42 | 28 | 25 |
| 165 | 75 | 46 | 30 | 26 |
| 175 | 80 | 50 | 32 | 28 |
| 190 | 85 | 52 | 34 | 30 |
| 200 | 90 | 55 | 36 | 31 |
| 210 | 95 | 58 | 38 | 33 |
| 220 | 100 | 60 | 41 | 36 |
Material
Generally, hybrids are constructed from either epoxy or fiberglass. So here’s what to know. Epoxy boards are lightweight, fast, durable, more prone to dings & dents. On the other hand, fiberglass surfboards offer better stability and hold in windy/messy conditions. They are also heavier, thus having a preferred ‘feel’ to the ride. Fiberglass is also traditional surfboard material.
Types of Hybrid Surfboards
Fish-tail hybrids – these types of boards are inspired by Fish surfboards. Great for early take-offs and can handle sharper turns. Semi-performance.
Mid-length – Generally ranging from 7′ to 9′ in length, best for mushy & fat conditions. They also make for easy paddling.
Funboards – these are a mixture of various different types of boards that make great all-rounder boards. They are generally more round in shape.
Fins
The fins also define how the surfboard responds to handling and maneuverability. These are general characteristics of the different fins.
- Single fin system- Longboard style, groovy riding
- Twin fin system– Original Fish surfboard style – snappy yet light characteristics on smaller boards
- Three fin system – Thruster, the most used setting on funboards, hybrids, and shortboards. This is usually the traditional choice.
- Quad fin system – these are super stable and allow surfers to carve and cruise.
- Five fin system – these are performance-driven and are hardly seen on hybrid boards.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hybrid Surfboards
Concluding thoughts
What’s your favorite hybrid surfboard? Did you find what you are looking for? Use the comment section to let us know. Also, check out other surfboard articles you might like. Have a great day and happy surfing!