(Guest Post by Surfboard Brands HQ writer, James)

While doing research for a board of my own I decided to look at what the pros were using just to get some insight. Then somehow I stumbled across contracts that professional surfers sign with different corporations.

What I noticed is many pros are not signed with board industries.

Only the top guys will actually have a contract with these big industries like Channel Islands, JS, Lost etc and get paid. The other surfers just talk to the board industry owners and get free boards. Sometimes they even buy the boards.

So since they are getting free boards from whomever they want, they are going to choose a board brand in which they trust.

Channel Island surfboards is obviously one of the top brands out there. They do not really sponsor many surfers because well they don’t have to. KS, Connor Coffin, and Dane Reynolds themselves create a massive profit for Channel Island Surfboards just by representing them.

Many of the pros get there boards from the top local shapers in the area in which they are surfing the competition. As an example, for the Pipemasters at pipeline Wade Tokoro is a major board producer for many of the sufers that come to pipe and need a good big wave board.

The other trend of surfers go to Lost or Mayhem boards by Matt Biolos. He has a large major following of professional surfers and created a major name for himself. The pros all trust his designs, skill, and knowledge of surfing.

I feel as we near the future Mayhem boards by Matt Biolos will be a major player in high sales of high performance shortboards and could even surpass Al Merricks Channel Island shortboards.

(Guest Post by Surfboard Brands HQ writer, James)

(Guest Post by Surfboard Brands HQ writer, James)

While doing my research  I wanted to look for something that was eye catching and had to do with the everyday surfer. To improve his/her skill, style, and investment when it comes down to buying a well made durable surfboard.

As I was brainstorming I remember coming across this new technology called Hydroflex Technology. It is really exciting when you invest in a new board thinking it will last forever. Then after a few surfs you notice that pressure dings and cracks are present on the deck and rails and the dynamic of riding your board is slightly hindered.

Hydroflex a new technology allows you to fix this problem by allowing the owner of the board to pump air into the board erasing pressure dings. Also, another benefit of this board is the ability to spot cracks and dings in the board and the board’s ability to keep water out. When you pump air into the board and hold it under water, either in a pool or tub you are able to see where the cracks are and that makes it easy to get them fixed.

When surfing if you get a ding or crack in the board the board will pop bubbles out and that will stop water from entering. It is a genius idea created by a German team led by a man by the name of Bufo Brauers. Here is a link on YouTube of Bufo talking about how his boards are changing the game of surfing. 

I chose to write about Hydroflex Technology not because it is a start up technology but because a major brand such as Lost (Mayhem) are taking his technology and stamping their name on it. Many of the professional surfers today ride Mayhems even if they are sponsored by lost or not.

Pros choose to ride Matt Biolos boards (the creator of Lost surfboards) because they are dependable, durable, and overall great boards. For him to put his name on this new technology is a major step in surfing’s future of high performance short boards.

I honestly think this new technology is going to be the future of short and longboard surfing. Here is the link to Hydroflex Technology surfboards: http://www.hydroflex-surfboards.com/index.php

Now I want you to look back to the year 1778 when the first European visit to Hawaii was recorded and surfing was seen by the rest of the world for the first time. These ancient Hawaiians were surfing on these big planks of wood on these beautiful rolling waves. If these Hawaiians had the technology that we have today and were riding high performance surfboards, who knows where our sport would be today.

While riding these long planks of wood the Hawaiians got the true feeling of surfing. They went with the energy of the ocean and flowed with mother nature. What we call the boards that the ancient Hawaiians used to surf is an Alaia. An Alaia is a wooden board that is usually a thin, round nosed square tailed. These boards are not ridden with fins so you can feel the real feeling of the ocean.

Surfing with these boards allows you to feel the energy of the ocean and to improve your technique on a surfboard tenfold. Riding these boards is a lot more difficult then riding a regular surfboard because of how thin it is and the lack of fins.

“You are pretty much just riding a piece of wood,” though mastering this board will improve your carves, turns, and barrel riding. It forces you to really use your balance and technique to the best of your ability.

Here is a picture of an Alaia. As you can see it is wooden and fairly basic in style. Many look the same. You can get the board in different sizes as you can a regular surfboard from 5′-9′.

Many environmentalists love this kind of surfing because you are saving the planet and not throwing away your old boards that just pollute the earth later on. Here is Rob Machado a big representative of the alaia board surfing one of these ancient gems.

Back in the day there was no such thing as a shortboard. The shortboard came into view in the late 60s early 70s. Ever since shortboarding has taken the world by storm in the surfing world. Bigger faster turns, easier access for tube rides, aerial maneuvers etc. After that longboarding sort of became an old man and young kids sport.

Well, now kids are staying with the retro longboard and starting to ride these longboards like they are shortboards. These “high performance” longboards have pulled in noses, they lack the thickness of regular longboards, and have rounded pin tails. They come in a 2+1 fin set up with single fin boards available as well.

These boards have an incredible turn radius and the speed is astounding. It really is incredible how fast these thin high performance longboards can really go.

So before you start to think, “I guess I have to start shortboarding now since these longboards can only do so much.” Think again. High performance longboards have become a major trend and the industry is continuing to grow with these boards.

(Guest Post by Surfboard Brands HQ writer, James)

Besides California, Australia is the other country with the most surfboard brands due to its popular and highly surfed Sunshine Coast.

There is no shortage of great surf all around the Australian coastline, and history of surfing is here to stay for many years to come (as long as land development doesn’t destroy the natural waves!).

So what are exactly the surfboard brands that have called Australia there home?

• JS Industries Surfboards
• McTavish Surfboards
• Valla Surfboards
• Webber Surfboards
• Byrne Surfboards
• Aloha Surfboards
• DHD Surfboards

The above brands all have respective history and overview links attached to them, so check them out!

Are you an Australian surfer? 

Which Australian-based surfboard brand do you likely go to buy your board from?

More surfboard brands from this great country obviously will be added into the great surfboard brands list!

California is the surf capital of the United States (and quite frankly, possibly the world).

Okay great, I believe most know that.

So move aside California for a second, and let the other states get a chance that also equally shape great boards as well. (Hawaii and Alaska aren’t included, well because Hawaii is also another surf capital, and well Alaska isn’t part of the lower 48′s).

Back on target, let’s list out the other surfboard brands in the Lower 48 US states not including California:

• Natural Art Surfboards – Based in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
• Matt Kechele Surfboards – Based in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
• Clean Ocean Surfboards – Based in Jacksonville, Florida.
• WRV Surfboards – Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
• Austin Surfboards – Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Wait so only Florida and Virginia? Lame, what about the other states?

Yes, there are many more shapers and brands not listed here, just yet. We haven’t got to them yet.

More to be added from the Texas coastline, to the Oregon Coast, to the cool Northeastern waters off the Jersey Shore and Massachusetts. Maybe will even have some shapers originate from the Great Lakes region.

Are you a US surfer, but not from California?

What is your favorite non-California local surf brand?

Don’t be shy, and comment below with your choice!

I recently connected up with a friend who is from the United Kingdom, and asked him what the surfboard brands are over in the British isle.

While I was looking out for more brands to add, none of the shapers or brands have come from the UK, until now.

Some popular surfboard brands from the UK include:

• Adams Surfboards – Based in Newquay.
• Circle One Surfboards – Based in Exeter.
• Tiki Surfboards – Based in Braunton.
• Skin Dog Surfboards – Based in Newquay.

Detailed overviews of the above brands will come out soon. But from quick glance at each surfboard website, lots of creative and colorful board designs are created in the UK, for a country that has cold water surfing!

If you are interested in traveling to the UK for surfing, and don’t want to surf in the coldest time period, go during August to September time period. Otherwise, the other months will be ice cold water. Might as well bring your thickest wetsuit and brave the cold.

Are you a surfer from the UK?

What do you think of the brands listed above?

If you know of a UK based surfboard brands to include on this site, feel free to comment below or contact us!

The list of surfboard brands and shapers continues to grow!

We have included them in the list and you will notice them as unlinked, since the recent additions don’t have overviews and details yet. Those will be coming soon.

Overall I’m quite amazed at the variety of shapers I’ve discovered located all over the world.

When I first started Surfboard Brands HQ, the brands I knew and heard of during my surf travels through California, Central America, and Dominican Republic included Channel Islands, Rusty, Lost, and Walden Surfboards.

Fast forward couple months, now I’ve been exposed to over 50+ brands.

Think you are well-versed with all the shapers and surfboard brands around the world? Think again.

Have a look at the list, and you might run into a new surfboard brand you maybe surfing with at your next trip.

Cheers!
Surfboard Brands HQ 

Founded: 1981
Location: Australia, San Diego, Thailand
Category: Shortboards, Longboards, Performance
The Shaper: N/A
Website: Firewire Surfboards

History of Firewire Surfboards

Firewire Surfboards is more so a commercial surf shop that places emphasis on the background technology that goes into the surfboard design. They highlight these features on their website to help you understand more of why certain surfboards will out perform and out last others. These technology features include:

• Future Shapes

• High Density Fin Plug / Box Inserts
• Parabolic Balsa Rails
• Fiberglass and Epoxy Resin
• High Density Aerospace Composite
• 1 lb EPS Interior Foam

Future Shapes Technology by Firewire Surfboards.

• Direct Drive

• Lateral Rods Create Carbon Frame
• High Density Foam Rails
• Epoxy Glass
• High Density Aerospace Composite
• Parabolic Carbon Rod Suspension System
• 1 lbs EPS Interior Foam

• Springers

• High Density Fin Plug / Box Inserts
• Parabolic Balsa Rails
• Fiberglass and Epoxy Resin
• High Density Aerospace Composite
• Balsa Springer
• 1 lb EPS Interior Foam

• RapidFire

• Bamboo “Sandwich” Deck Skin
• Fiberglass and Epoxy Resin
• Parabolic Carbon Rod Suspension System
• 2 lb EPS Core

RapidFire Technology by Firewire Surfboards.

• CrossFire

• High Density Fin Plug / Box Inserts
• Parabolic Balsa Rails
• Fiberglass and Epoxy Resin
• Reinforced Bamboo Deckskin
• 1.5 lb EPS Interior Foam

CrossFire Technology by Firewire Surfboards.

• White RapidFire

• PVC-free and VOC-free Composite Deckskin
• Fiberglass and Epoxy Resin
• Parabolic Carbon Rod Suspension System
• 1.5 lb – 2 lb EPS Core (depending on length)

They extensively describe the materials and constructions they use so you have the knowledgeable background of what type of surfboard would suit your surf needs. Lastly, although their product development, research, and design are located in San Diego and Australia, the majority of their production is held in Thailand.

For the enthusiast behind surfboard design, check out their website for all the detailed background information.

Overview of Firewire Surfboards

With the emphasis on the technology aspect of surfboards, Firewire provides a great selection of performance shortboards and longboards that incorporate their advanced materials and design technology to provide the best long-lasting, durable board. The following are part of the Firewire Surfboards collections:

High Performance

• Michel Bourez (Who is he? Check out his quick ASP profile)

Michel Bourez Model by Firewire Surfboards.

• Flexfire
• Alternator
• Hellrazor
• Quadra-5
• Gromflex
• Lost F-1

Performance Hybrids

• Spitfire
• Activator
• Hellfire

HellFire, RapidFire Model by Firewire Surfboards.

• Futura
• Lost Mini-Driver
• Lost Sub-Scorcher
• Lost Stealth

Hybrids

• Dominator
• El Fuego
• Addvance

Addvance Model by Firewire Surfboards.

• Potatonator

Pure Stoke

• Sweet Potato
• Baked Potato

Baked Potato Model by Firewire Surfboards.

• Quad Fish
• Fish Tail
• King Fish

Longboards

• Taylor Jensen (Who is he? Check out his profile)

Taylor Jensen EveryDay Model by Firewire Surfboards.

• Flexflight

Founded: 1967
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Category: Shortboards, Longboards
The Shaper:  N/A
Website: Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV) Surfboards

History of WRV Surfboards

Although not much information is given about the background history of the brand or shapers, Wave Riding Vehicles maintains a strong presence in several geographic areas that otherwise, are not covered by other surfboard brands that popularly headquarter themselves in California, Australia, and Hawaii.

Wave Riding Vehicles can be found in Hawaii, Virginia Beach, Kitty Hawk (NC), and Puerto Rico.

Overview of WRV Surfboards

Majority of Wave Riding Vehicles surfboards are of shortboard design. They have some options for funboards and longboards available as well.

WRV Shortboards

• Nugget

  • The shortboard for small wave riding. The Nugget has fuller volume and area at board width to help increase stability. Tail options include round and diamond shape. Fin option includes 5-fin conversion.

• Flying Nugget

  • This shortboard is similar to the Nugget, but with an addition of a swallow tail. Use this shortboard to ride (in WRV lingo), chunkier and heavier waves. Tail Options include round and swallow shape. Fin option includes 5-fin conversion.

• Fugget

  • Interesting choice of surfboard name (sounds weird to the talk). Like the Nugget, this surfboard is good for small size waves with the wider board width for stability, while still short nose to tail length to give speed where needed. Tail Option: Round. Fin Option: 5-Fin conversion.

• Wombat

  • With a slightly smaller board width than the previous 3 surfboards, and a squash tail shape (bat-tail), this surfboard is ideal for small to medium sized waves. Tail Option: Bat-tail. Fin Option: 5-Fin Conversion.

• Rock Fish

  • The double-winged swallow characterizes this board and most suitable for small to medium sized waves.

• Fun Fish

  • One of the more customizable surfboards by WRV Surfboards, this swallow tail surfboard has fin options including: Thruster and 5-Fin Conversion. Suited for riding small to medium sized waves and primarily for intermediate surfers.

• Drone

  • This surfboard has a low entry rocker which helps you catch more of the small waves. Tail Option: Squash. Fin Option: Thruster and 5-Fin Conversion.

• Slayer

  • Sounds like this board can kill the “wave demons”? The Slayer is customizable with any type of tail shape with fin option as thruster and suitable for the medium to large size waves.

• Chronic

  • Similar to its sister board, Slayer, the Chronic board is for the advanced surfer seeking to get the thrill ride of medium to large size waves. Board shape is ideal for carving and some aerial moves along with riding tubes! Customizable with any type of tail shape and fin option as thruster.

 

• Chronic Pro

  • This board is step above the Chronic. For the serious board rider looking for high performance surfboard that responds well to your every move. For medium to large size waves and similar customization as the Chronic.

 

• Nugget Plus

  • This surfboard is just like its little brother, Nugget, but for the bigger surfboard rider in mind.

Mid-size

• Funboard

  • Versatile in any surf condition from small to large waves.

• Stingray

  • Similar to the Funboard, but with a swallow tail and for bigger surfboard riders who want to ride a shortboard, but also have paddle power.

Longboards

• Mini-Longboard

  • Longboard for all types of surfers, and for small to medium size wave conditions. Customizable with all types of tail shapes and fin option of single with side bites.

• Longboard

  • WRV’s take of the classic longboard and updating it to the modern era. More lightweight and dynamically advanced, this surfboard is for all types of waves and for those who enjoy riding like the traditional surfers back in the day.

Do you like the WRV Surfboards design? Which is your favorite board?