The 3 best windsurf boards 2024?

Windsurf boards have undergone enormous development over the last few decades. The boards are expensive and finding the right one for your individual needs is not easy.

Beware of used boards:

Avoid buying second-hand windsurfing boards. Decades-old models are usually very worn and have poor volume distribution. With a surfboard like this, the first attempts at surfing can quickly lead to frustration.

Avoid buying mistakes:

In over 21 hours of research, BeyondSurfing took a closer look at the most popular windsurf boards 2024 and reviewed them against each other. Find out what is important when choosing a windsurfing board and which model suits you best.

The best windsurfing board 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite windsurf board:

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These are the top 3 windsurf boards in 2024

1st Fanatic Viper

Summary

The windsurf board from Fanatic is not only ideal for windsurfing, but can also be used as a SUP board.

The best:

Thanks to the removable fins in the tail and center of the board, the board enables better upwind riding.

The board is constructed with double layer technology, which ensures optimum stiffness and durability.

Anyone who prefers high performance and a fast driving style should opt for a different model.

Conclusion

For surfers who can’t decide between windsurfing and SUP, this board is a very good solution.

Product details

Volume: 355 liters | Length: 335.3 cm | Width: 85.1 cm | Weight: 15 kg | Daggerboard: N/A | Fin: Fly 19.5/24 cm | Fin box: US Box

FAQ

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2nd F2 Ride

Summary

This board is suitable for beginners and intermediates who are looking for a windsurfing board with plenty of volume and a certain amount of performance.

The epoxy sandwich construction makes the board robust yet lightweight. With a volume of 160 liters and a size of 255 x 80 centimeters, it weighs only 9.7 kilos.

The volume of the board is evenly distributed from tail to nose, making it easier for beginners to balance the windsurf board. The board glides easily and moves quickly across the water. Grip pads are located underneath the footstraps supplied to ensure a secure footing.

Conclusion

Freeride board for beginners and intermediates with a great price-performance ratio.

Product details

Volume: 160 liters | Length: 255 cm | Width: 80 cm | Weight: 9.7 kg | Daggerboard: optional | Fin: N/A | Fin box: PB (Power Box)

Customer ratings

FAQ

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3rd BIC Techno Foil

Summary

A windsurf board that also works well in light winds and can also be surfed as a foil board.

A width of 81.5 cm ensures that you can get on the board easily and control it well. Thanks to its low weight of 9.5 kg, the windsurf board planes easily and gets the best out of winds of 15 to 25 knots.

Who is the BIC Techno Foil suitable for?

It is the ideal choice as a first foil board and light wind fun board for advanced riders. It has too little volume for a beginner board. With a price of $1349, it is in the mid-price segment.

If the windsurf board is to be used with a foil, this must be purchased separately. This more than doubles the price of the board.

Conclusion

Light wind funboard and foil board for advanced riders.

Product details

Volume: 130 liters | Length: 230 cm | Width: 81.5 cm | Weight: 9.5 kg | Daggerboard: No | Fin: Fin or Foil | Fin box: Deep Tuttle

FAQ

Bestsellers: The most popular windsurf boards

(**Last update 2024-09-16)

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Buy a windsurfing board:
How to make the right decision

Windsurf boards are very popular. Finding the right board for your individual needs and abilities is not easy.

BeyondSurfing’s buying guide gives you the knowledge you need about performance and accessories. You are guaranteed to make the right decision when buying a windsurfing board.

The right windsurfing board size and width

The right windsurfing board size depends on various factors:

• Depending on the volume of the board
• The surfer’s height, weight and ability are decisive factors

When determining the right windsurf board size, the surfer’s height, weight and ability are decisive.

The right width depends above all on your personal preference as well as your windsurfing skills:

• Wide windsurf boards: are more stable in the water (even with the same volume).
• Narrow windsurf boards: Tilt easily, are less stable in the water and are not suitable for beginners.

In the board type section, you will find precise information on how heavy the respective board should be in relation to the surfer.

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The right windsurfing board shape

The different parts of the board can be combined with each other in a variety of ways and have an influence on the riding behavior and the board.

A windsurf board consists of the following elements:

• Deck
• Rail
• Tail
• Subship
• Rocker

The deck: The top of the windsurf board

• Has an impact on the overall volume of the windsurf board
• Surfer’s point of view
• Should feel good

The deck is the top of the windsurf board. The shape of the deck affects the overall volume of the surfboard and its distribution from nose to tail.

The deck of a windsurf board is thicker at the back (at the tail) than at the front.

Why?

To compensate for the surfer’s body weight, the board needs more volume at the back to prevent it from sinking under water.

The deck also has an effect on how well the board can be balanced before and during planing. The quality of the deck plays a major role; it should feel good on the feet and be made of high-quality material.

The rail: The edge of the windsurf board

• Influence on the maneuverability of the board
• Distinction between hard and soft rail

The rail is the outer edge of the surfboard that forms the transition between the tail and the bottom. The shape of the rail has a major influence on the maneuverability of the windsurf board as well as on the speed when riding straight ahead.

A distinction is made between hard and soft rails. This involves the shape of the rail at the transition to the lower deck. If the rail is rounded, it is called a soft rail, whereas if it is not rounded, it is called a hard rail.

Soft Rails

• Buoyancy
• Stability
• Forgiving
• Good for freestyle

Soft Rail is characterized by its rounded shape at the transition to the lower deck. With soft rails, the windsurf board has more stability and buoyancy in the water. The board can be spun with it, which is why boards with a soft rail are particularly suitable for freestyle windsurfing.

The best:

Soft rails are forgiving, which is why they are often found on beginner boards.

Hard Rails

• Cutting through water
• Agile
• Provide support during turns
• Good for slalom

Hard rails are characterized by the less rounded transition to the lower hull. Their angular shape means they literally cut through the water. This makes windsurf boards with hard rails very maneuverable. They provide good grip during turns and are quicker to turn. They are often found on slalom windsurf boards as they are perfect for tight turns.

What many people don’t know:

A windsurf board can also have a combination of hard and soft rail. A hard rail at the back for sharp turns and a soft rail in the middle to front area for buoyancy and stability.

The tail: The rear side

The shape of the tail affects the handling at high speed and the maneuverability of the windsurf board.

The three most common forms are:

1. Round Tail

   The end of the windsurf board runs round. This creates a lot of volume in the back of the board and the power of the sail is transferred well to the board to achieve high speeds.

2. Pin Tail

   Due to the pointed shape of the tail, the water flows directly along the rail contour. This gives the surfer a smooth feeling during turns and the windsurf board can be turned quickly.

3. Squash Tail

   The tail has a flat edge and fast rail-to-rail maneuvers are possible. Windsurf boards with this tail are maneuverable and well suited for quick changes of direction.

The bottom: the underside of the windsurf board

The bottom is the part of the board that has direct contact with the surface of the water. Its shape influences the speed and handling of the windsurf board.

Windsurf boards often have a combination of the following shapes:

• Channel
• V-Shape
• Concave
• Double Concave
• Cutout

Channels

• Windsurf board reacts quickly
• Frequently used by advanced and professional windsurfers
• Buoyancy and stability at high speeds

The shallow channels on the underside of some windsurf boards are called channels. The water flows under the board in a controlled manner through the channels. The board reacts quickly and has more buoyancy and stability at high speeds. The channels provide good support during turns.

Channels for beginners?

Channels are most commonly used for advanced and professional windsurf boards.

V-Shape

• V-shaped cross-section
• Maneuverability
• Control

If you look at the cross-section of a windsurf board with a V-shape, it quickly becomes clear where the name comes from. The centerline of the lower hull is lower than the sides to the left and right of it.

Boards with a V-shape are particularly easy to control at high speeds. They are very maneuverable and thanks to the shape, the board tilts easily in one direction, making rail-to-rail transfers easier.

Concave

• Underbody is curved upwards
• Buoyancy
• Control

Here, the bottom is curved upwards, allowing the water to flow under the board in a controlled manner. This provides more buoyancy, stability and therefore better control of the windsurfing board.

Double Concave

• Mixture of V-shape and concave
• Smooth driving behavior
• Larger sliding surface

The double concave is reminiscent of a mixture of V-shape and concave. The two sides of the V-shape each have a concave. This gives the windsurf board a smooth ride on the water. The larger gliding surface makes planing easier.

Cut outs

• Cut-outs at the tail
• Speed
• Maneuverability
• Stability

Cut outs are cut-outs at the tail of the windsurf board. The deck/tail remains wide on the upper side, while it is narrower on the lower side. This allows the board to planing well and has less water resistance while planing.

With cut outs, the windsurf board is stable, can reach high speeds and is still easy to maneuver. The board with cut-outs does not sink into the water so easily.

The rocker: the bend of the windsurf board

Rocker is the bend of the windsurf board from the nose to the tail. One speaks of a strong rocker when the board is strongly curved. A weak rocker means that the board is only slightly curved. The strength of the rocker has an effect on the turning and riding behavior of the windsurf board.

Windsurf boards with strong rocker:

On windsurf boards with a strong rocker, the board is lower in the water at the tail than at the nose. This makes the board easy to control and easier to turn. Thanks to the strong rocker, the windsurf board planes more easily in light winds, as the wind lifts the board. In strong winds, the board may be lifted too much by the rocker.

Windsurf boards with weak rocker:

If a windsurf board has little rocker, it moves faster through the water. The low curvature ensures that the windsurf board lies flat in the water and therefore has less resistance.

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Design and material of windsurf boards

Polypropylene, epoxy, carbon and fiberglass can be used in a windsurf board. But what is the difference and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials?

The material weight:

The materials used differ in their weight and therefore also influence the weight of the windsurf board. Most surfers prefer lightweight boards as they plane faster and provide a better ride.

First of all, a distinction is made between two basic types:

1. Standard manufacturing process

   Windsurf boards manufactured using this process consist of an upper and lower shell. The edges of such boards can crack as the board consists of two shells.

2. Monocoque construction

   In contrast to the standard construction method, boards in the monocoque construction method only consist of one shell. As there is no seam, the edges cannot burst open.

A distinction is also made between four construction methods, in which different materials are used:

1 Polypropylene sheathing

Due to their relatively low price, windsurf boards with a polypropylene cover are ideal for beginners and as a family board for your children. The material is very robust and therefore lasts a long time.

The thermoplastic outer skin is relatively heavy, which is why boards made from this material do not plane as easily as lighter windsurf boards.

2 Epoxy laminate

The core of the windsurf board is covered with a thermoplastic outer skin and a layer of epoxy resin. Such boards are well suited for beginners and advanced riders and feel better than windsurf boards with a polypropylene cover.

They are robust and therefore durable. They are lighter than windsurf boards with polypropylene sheathing, heavier than those made using the sandwich construction method and the material is soft.

3 Sandwich construction

A layer of hard foam and another of laminate encase the soft core of the windsurf board. These boards are light, stiff and deliver good performance on the water.

The laminate can be made of various materials such as carbon or Kevlar. As these boards are in the upper price segment, they are best suited to ambitious and regularly active surfers.

4 Inflatable windsurf boards

For a long time, inflatable windsurf boards were not a real alternative to conventional hard boards. In recent years, however, these boards have made enormous progress and can be a real alternative, especially for beginners and occasional surfers.

The material used is very robust. No matter how often the sail falls onto the board, it will not be damaged. In addition, inflatable windsurf boards have a high volume, are very stable on the water and glide easily.

Good to know:

Inflatable windsurf boards are very easy to transport when they are not inflated. They save space and are ready for use in a short time. They are also significantly cheaper than hard boards.

What are the disadvantages?

The biggest disadvantage reviewed compared to hard boards is the stiffness. Inflatable windsurf boards are softer than conventional boards. Stiff boards deliver better performance and a more comfortable ride on the water.

Inflatable windsurf boards are not suitable for windsurfing in waves due to the thick and round rails. They are heavier than hard boards and therefore glide less well, but this can be compensated for by the high volume.

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The bleed screw: the board needs to breathe

The vent screw is located above or below the mast track and is an essential part of the windsurf board. Air pressure fluctuations within the board can be equalized by opening the bleed screw.

Such fluctuations in internal pressure are caused by strong temperature fluctuations. Either due to heat if the board is in the sun for a longer period of time or due to cold, e.g. in the cold luggage compartment of the airplane.

Excess pressure can cause damage to the windsurfing board, which is why the screw should be opened regularly, preferably after every use. The screw can be easily unscrewed with a coin or similar and reinserted without force.

Proper care of the bleed screw

Always ensure that the seal of the bleed screw is intact and free of foreign bodies such as sand. Otherwise, water could get into the windsurf board and damage it irreparably. Of course, the screw should also be tightened again before going into the water.

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The foot straps: The connecting link

Foot straps are required for a good grip on the windsurfing board and to be able to transfer movements to the board as precisely as possible. They form the link between the surfer and his windsurfing board.

Footstrap types:

• Normal foot straps
• Adjustable foot straps (vario straps)

Normal foot straps

• Offer good support
• Only suitable for feet of the same size

Normal foot straps are usually attached to the board with two screws and ensure a good grip. They can only be used by people with feet of the same or similar size. They are not suitable for a family board.

Vario loops

• Offer good support
• Adjustable in size
• Suitable for feet of different sizes

Vario loops are ideal for family boards or windsurf boards that are used by several people. They are adjustable in size, making them suitable for feet of different sizes.

The correct footstrap distance

The distance between the foot straps also varies depending on your height. This table shows how far apart the loops must be.

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The right type of board: beginner, freestyle or wave

Windsurf boards are available in many different types. Some are suitable for waves, some for tricks and others are best suited for beginners. Find out what to look out for and what types of windsurfing board there are here.

There are many subtypes of windsurf boards. The most common types include

1 Beginner windsurf boards

• Lots of volume
• 50-100 L above body weight
• Stable
• The wider, the less sensitive to tipping

A windsurfing board must match your ability. The choice can be difficult, as the selection of shapes, sizes and volumes is very diverse.

What you need to consider when buying a windsurfing board:

The windsurf board must have 50 to 100 liters more volume than your body weight. With a body weight of 80 kilos, this corresponds to a volume of 130 to 180 liters. Exactly how much depends on your ability. Advanced users require less volume than beginners. The same applies to very wide boards, which tip less easily than narrow boards and therefore require less volume.

Important for all beginners:

Many of the characteristics mentioned above also apply to Formula Race boards. However, these are not suitable for beginners!

Is a used windsurfing board good for beginners?

As beginner boards are often exchanged for an advanced windsurfing board after one or two seasons, buying a used windsurfing board can be well worthwhile.

2 Formula Race Boards

• Reach high speeds
• Not for beginners
• Large sails
• Fast and stable in low/medium wind speeds

These windsurf boards are one thing in particular: fast. Formula boards are extremely wide, have a lot of volume and can carry sails up to 13 meters long.

They are easy to control in low and medium wind speeds. In strong winds, the board is easily turned over when planing, which requires some skill. Most surfers are better off with a freeride board in high winds.

3 Freeride boards

• Often the next step after beginner windsurf boards
• Good for calm waters
• Good maneuverability

If your beginner windsurf board is no longer enough for you, you often turn to a freeride board. They are well suited for calm water and carry sails between 5.5 and 7.5 meters, depending on the wind force and the weight of the surfer.

Volume in the tail area is particularly important to balance out the weight of the surfer. Freeride boards are less wide than beginner windsurf boards and have less volume. They should have 20-50 liters more volume than the surfer’s body weight. At 75 kilos, this corresponds to a volume of 95 to 125 liters.

Freeride boards are easy to maneuver and glide easily despite their low volume. They also behave relatively smoothly in turbulent water.

4 Bump&Jump/ Wave Slalom/Freestyle Wave Boards

• Combine features of freeride and wave boards
• Good for speed and small jumps
• Require a high level of skill with low volume

These board types combine the characteristics of wave and freeride boards. This also makes them suitable for smaller jumps over waves.

In terms of volume, these windsurf boards must have 20 liters more volume than the surfer’s body weight. A volume of 100L is suitable as an all-round size. The sails are usually 4.5-6.5 meters long.

Windsurf boards in this category require a certain amount of skill if they have a low volume. Then the board sinks into the water when the sail is raised and good timing and balance are required to planing.

5 Wave boards

• For windsurfing in and over surf waves
• Small and easy to maneuver boards
• Low volume

Wave boards are small windsurf boards that are suitable for surfing in surf waves. The small and easily maneuverable boards get their speed mainly from the power of the wave, but also from the wind.

The board should have as much volume as the surfer weighs. If the board is used especially in big waves, even less.

6 Freestyle boards

• For maneuvers
• Volume evenly distributed
• Do not reach high speeds

These windsurf boards are easy to turn and are suitable for various maneuvers on the water. They are relatively slow compared to other board types, but are very easy to control.

The even distribution of the volume across the entire board is striking. Viewed from the side, these boards are usually the same thickness throughout. They glide on easily and offer sufficient stability despite their length.

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The fin: often overlooked and yet important

Finns are small and usually invisible when reviewed against the rest of the surfboard. Nevertheless, they play a not insignificant role in how fast the board becomes, how well it can be maneuvered and how suitable it is for jumping. Boards are often supplied with a matching set of fins. With a second pair of fins, however, you can often tease more performance out of the board.

Types of fins

Finns come in many different shapes and sizes. But what effect does a certain shape have on the windsurf board’s handling?

• Long, straight and stiff fins: For high speeds
• Short, curved and soft fins: For maneuvers

Which fins are the right ones?

Fins must match the type of board. They are available in the same categories as windsurf boards:

• Race fins
• Slalom Finns
• Freeride fins
• Freestyle fins
• Wave fins
• Bump&Jump fins
• Fins for shallow waters

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What are actually foil windsurf boards?

Foil windsurfing has become a new trend in recent years. You glide with your board not on the water surface, but over it and almost fly over the water.

What makes a foil windsurf board?

There are special foil windsurf boards, but many “normal” boards can also be used for this purpose. Because the foil is what makes the difference in the first place. But not every windsurf board can be used with a foil. A reinforced fin box that can withstand the higher loads caused by the foil is important for this.

Are foil boards suitable for windsurfing beginners?

No. Foil surfing is more suitable for advanced surfers. If you are learning to surf, it is advisable to ask a surf school whether they offer foil courses.

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Well-known brands and manufacturers

The best-known and most popular surf wear brands & manufacturers include

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Fanatic, AHD, Goya, Dou Boards, BIC, Naish, Fanatic, Freeride, Starboard sup

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Sup bag test by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?

There are currently no windsurfing board tests from Consumer Reports or Öko Test.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about windsurf boards

What size windsurf board do I need?

The volume is important to find the right size. The length of the windsurf board differs depending on the type of board.

Which windsurf board for which weight?

The volume of the board is decisive for this. The type of windsurfing board depends on what you want to do with it. For example, there are wave, freeride and race boards.

How much volume in liters does the windsurf board need?

As a beginner, 50-100 liters more volume than the body weight applies. Boards can have a volume of 160L, 180L or even 220L.

Which windsurfing board is suitable for beginners?

Many manufacturers have windsurf boards especially for beginners. They should have 50-100 liters more volume than your body weight and be very wide (80-90+cm).

Which windsurfing board is suitable for children?

Some windsurf boards can be surfed by adults and children. The rule of 50-100 liters more than body weight also applies to children.

Where do I buy a windsurfing board?

For example on Amazon.de, at empty or in your trusted surf store.

Is a used windsurfing board good for beginners?

Buying a used windsurfing board can be worthwhile for beginners. Pay attention to the age and quality of the board when buying.

Where can I buy used windsurf boards?

There is usually a wide range on offer on Ebay or Ebay classifieds. But always bear in mind that old models often have poor volume distribution.

What are foil windsurf boards?

Foil windsurf boards have a foil on the underside of the board instead of a fin. This allows the surfboard to glide up to one meter above the water.

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Conclusion: The most popular windsurf boards reviewed

You are sure to find the right model for you among the wide range of windsurfing boards on offer. It is important that you are clear about your ability and what you want to do with your windsurfing board.

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