Looking Beyond the Paragon Surfboards 7'8" Fiberglass Surf Board? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Alternatives Compare to Paragon

Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard

The Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard shifts from fiberglass to foam construction. It weighs only 10 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Paragon 7'8" model. This portability suits riders who prioritize easy transport over high-performance handling. The board measures 72 inches by 20 inches with 3-inch thickness. It features removable fins for convenient storage. While the Paragon offers a traditional single-fin setup for stability, the Giantex provides a softer, more forgiving ride ideal for beginners. You should choose this option if you need a lightweight board for frequent travel or small-wave surfing. The foam material reduces impact risk, making it a practical entry point for new surfers who value convenience and safety.

THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard

The Thurso SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard uses a soft top construction rather than fiberglass. It weighs just 9.04 pounds, offering superior portability compared to the Paragon. The board measures 7 feet in length with a 22.8-inch width. This extra width enhances stability for beginners. The soft top surface provides a wax-free, grippy deck that is easier to maintain. While the Paragon relies on a single fin for maneuverability, the Thurso prioritizes ease of use and light weight. You should pick this alternative if you want a stable, lightweight board that is easy to carry. It is an excellent choice for riders who value durability and simple handling over the rigid feel of fiberglass. The design suits those transitioning from soft tops to more advanced surfing.

Paragon Surfboards 8ft Epoxy Fiberglass Longboard

The Paragon Surfboards 8ft Epoxy Fiberglass Longboard increases in length to 8 feet compared to the 7'8" original. It maintains a fiberglass construction but offers a wider 22-inch profile. This added length and width provide greater stability for riders under 250 lbs. The board features a single fin setup similar to the Paragon 7'8" model. The epoxy fiberglass build enhances durability while keeping the weight manageable. You should consider this option if you need more buoyancy or plan to ride larger waves. The extra length aids in paddling speed and wave catching. It is a solid choice for beginners who want a traditional fiberglass feel with improved stability. The design suits riders seeking a more robust board for learning on varied conditions.

WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard

The WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard shifts from fiberglass to soft top material. It measures 8 feet in length with a 22.5-inch width. The board weighs 14 pounds, offering a balance between stability and portability. The soft top construction provides a wax-free surface that is easy to maintain. While the Paragon 7'8" uses a single fin for performance, the WaveStorm prioritizes ease of use and durability. You should choose this alternative if you prefer a forgiving ride that minimizes impact injuries. It is ideal for beginners who value stability over speed. The larger size offers more buoyancy for heavier riders. The design suits those who want a reliable, entry-level board for consistent practice on small to medium waves.

WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard

The WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard offers a classic design with soft top construction. It measures 8 feet in length and 22.5 inches in width. The board weighs 11.5 pounds, making it lighter than many fiberglass alternatives. The tri-color pin design adds visual appeal without affecting performance. Like the Paragon, it targets beginners seeking stability. However, the soft top material provides a softer, more forgiving ride. You should pick this option if you want a durable board that is easy to carry. It is suitable for riders who prioritize ease of use over advanced handling. The larger size enhances stability for new surfers. The design is ideal for learning basic surfing skills in a safe and controlled environment.

WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard

The WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard features a unique design with a wax-free foam surface. It measures 8 feet in length with a 22.5-inch width and 3.25-inch thickness. The board weighs 11.5 pounds, offering good portability. The extra thickness provides enhanced stability for lighter riders. The foam construction reduces the risk of injury during falls. You should choose this alternative if you value a fun, visually appealing board that is easy to maintain. It is ideal for beginners who want a stable platform for learning. The wax-free deck eliminates the need for regular waxing. The design suits riders who prioritize comfort and ease of use over high-performance rigidity. It is a practical choice for casual surfing sessions.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Paragon Surfboards 7'8" Fiberglass Longboard

Best for: beginners and kids seeking stability

Board Length

7'8"

Weight Capacity

Up to 250lbs

Fin Setup

Single fin

Target Audience

Adults, Youth, Beginners

Dimensions

7.8 × 21.8 × 0.1 inches

View on Amazon: Paragon Surfboards 7'8" Fiberglass Longboard Affiliate link

This 7'8" fiberglass longboard offers a stable ride for beginners and kids. It features a single fin setup for maneuverability and includes an 8-inch fiberglass fin. The board supports up to 250 lbs and measures 21.8 inches wide. Its lightweight design fits easily in cars for transport. The SeaFoam Green deck provides a friendly look for all ages.

Pros

• 7'8" length provides stability for beginners
• Single fin setup enhances maneuverability
• Includes 8-inch fiberglass fin
• 250 lbs weight capacity
• Lightweight for easy transport

Cons

• Narrow 21.8-inch width limits stability compared to wider boards
• No included leash or wax
• Rigid fiberglass construction is less forgiving than foam

Good fit if

• You are a beginner seeking a stable, easy-to-ride board
• You need a board that fits in a standard car
• You want a single fin setup for classic longboard feel

Skip if

• You require a board for heavy, powerful waves
• You prefer a soft-top foam board for safety
• You need a board for riders over 250 lbs

Verdict: Paragon Surfboards 7'8" Fiberglass Longboard suits beginners and kids who want a stable, single-fin ride that is easy to store and transport. It is a practical entry point for learning on smaller waves.

2 Best budget

Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking a lightweight, portable board

Board Length

6'

Core Material

EPS core

Slick Material

HDPE

Fin Setup

Removable fins

Board Weight

10 pounds

Construction

Foam

View on Amazon: Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard Affiliate link

The Giantex 6' surfboard is a lightweight foam board designed for beginners, adults, and youth. It features an EPS core and a durable HDPE slick bottom for speed and stiffness. The 72 x 20 x 3 inch dimensions provide stability, while removable fins allow for easy transport. Weighing just 10 pounds, it is easy to carry and handle in the water.

Pros

• Lightweight 10-pound build for easy handling
• Removable fins simplify transport and storage
• HDPE slick bottom adds stiffness and speed
• EPS core offers durable construction

Cons

• 6-foot length limits performance in larger waves
• Foam construction lacks the rigidity of fiberglass
• 100-pound weight capacity is lower than fiberglass alternatives

Good fit if

• You are a beginner looking for a stable, easy-to-carry board
• You need a lightweight option for frequent transport
• You surf in small, gentle waves

Skip if

• You require a board for large, powerful waves
• You prefer the speed and responsiveness of fiberglass
• You exceed the 100-pound weight limit

Verdict: Giantex 6ft Foam Surfboard is a practical entry-level option for small-wave surfing. Its low weight and removable fins make it ideal for beginners who prioritize portability over high-performance handling.

3 Also great

THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking stability and light weight

Board Length

7ft

Core Material

EPS foam core

Stringer System

Three wood stringers

Slick Material

HDPE

Board Weight

9.04 pounds

Construction

Soft Top

View on Amazon: THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard Affiliate link

The Thurso SURF Aero 7ft soft top surfboard is a lightweight option for beginners, adults, and kids. Weighing 9.04 pounds, it features a 22.8-inch width for stability. The board uses an EPS foam core with a heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom and IXPE deck. Three wood stringers add strength. This design helps new surfers catch waves easily while providing a durable platform for small to medium conditions.

Pros

• Lightweight 9.04-pound build for easy handling
• 22.8-inch width offers enhanced stability
• Three wood stringers increase durability
• Soft top design adds safety for beginners

Cons

• 7ft length is shorter than the 8ft alternatives on this list
• Soft top construction limits high-performance maneuverability
• No mention of included leash or fin system in specs

Good fit if

• You are a beginner seeking a stable, forgiving board
• You want a lightweight board for easy transport
• You surf small to medium waves

Skip if

• You prefer longer boards for maximum glide
• You need a high-performance fiberglass shortboard
• You require specific accessory details in the listing

Verdict: Thurso SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top is a stable, lightweight entry-level board for beginners who prioritize ease of use over advanced performance features.

4 Best premium

Paragon Surfboards 8ft Epoxy Fiberglass Longboard

Best for: Beginners seeking durable fiberglass stability

Board Length

8'0"

Weight Capacity

Up to 250lbs

Fin Setup

Single fin

Board Weight

6 ounces

Target Audience

Adults, Youth, Beginners

Length

22 inches

View on Amazon: Paragon Surfboards 8ft Epoxy Fiberglass Longboard Affiliate link

This Paragon Surfboards 8'0" fiberglass surfboard offers a stable ride for beginners and kids. It measures 8'0" long with a 22" width and 3" thickness. The board supports up to 250 lbs. It features a single fiberglass fin for maneuverability. The epoxy construction provides durability and lightweight handling. You get a reliable option for learning to surf in calm conditions.

Pros

• 8'0" length provides enhanced stability for beginners
• 250 lbs weight capacity suits most adults
• Single fiberglass fin included for control
• Epoxy fiberglass build is durable and lightweight

Cons

• 22" width is narrower than typical longboards
• Single fin setup limits quick turning ability
• No leash or traction pad included in specs

Good fit if

• You want a durable fiberglass board for learning
• You prefer a single fin for straight-line stability
• You need a board that fits in a standard car

Skip if

• You require a wide board for maximum stability
• You want a soft top for knee surfing
• You need a complete accessory bundle with leash

Verdict: Paragon Surfboards 8'0" Fiberglass Longboard is a solid choice for beginners who value durability and a single fin setup. It suits riders under 250 lbs who want to learn on a traditional fiberglass board.

5 Also great

WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking stability and ease

Board Length

8ft

Core Material

EPS core

Stringer System

3 Stringer System

Slick Material

HDPE polyethylene

Board Weight

14 pounds

Construction

Soft Top

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard Affiliate link

This WaveStorm surfboard is an 8-foot soft top longboard built for adults and youth. It features a strong EPS core with a 3-stringer system for durability. The deck uses a soft webs-IXL water barrier skin, while the bottom is a slick HDPE polyethylene. Weighing 14 pounds, it offers stability for beginners. The 22.5-inch width adds to its buoyancy and ease of use on the water.

Pros

• 8-foot length provides ample stability
• Lightweight 14-pound construction
• Durable 3-stringer EPS core
• Soft webs-IXL deck skin

Cons

• No specific fin configuration listed
• Thick 0.1-inch height may reduce maneuverability
• Soft top limits performance for advanced surfing

Good fit if

• You are a beginner learning to surf
• You want a stable board for small waves
• You prefer a lightweight board for carrying

Skip if

• You need high-performance maneuverability
• You surf in large, powerful waves
• You prefer a hard fiberglass deck

Verdict: WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard is a stable, lightweight option for beginners. It suits those who prioritize ease of use and durability over speed or agility.

6 Also great

WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard

Best for: beginners seeking stable foam surfboards

Board Length

8ft

Core Material

EPS core

Stringer System

3 stringer system

Slick Material

HDPE Polyethylene

Volume

86 liters

Fin Setup

Removable bolt thru fins

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard Affiliate link

This Wavestorm soft top surfboard measures 8 feet long with a 22.5-inch width. It features an EPS core with a 3-stringer system and a 86-liter volume. The board weighs 11.5 pounds and includes removable bolt-through fins, an ankle leash, and a traction pad. Its slick HDPE Polyethylene bottom and soft top deck make it suitable for adults and kids learning to surf.

Pros

• 86 liters of volume for stability
• Lightweight 11.5 pounds build
• Includes removable bolt-through fins
• Features a traction pad and ankle leash

Cons

• 86-liter volume is lower than the 8-foot Paragon fiberglass alternative
• Soft top construction offers less performance rigidity than fiberglass
• Standard 3-stringer system lacks advanced reinforcement

Good fit if

• You want a durable foam board for beginners
• You prefer a lightweight board for easy transport
• You need included fins and a leash

Skip if

• You require a high-performance fiberglass board
• You need a board with more than 86 liters of volume
• You want a wax-free surface with advanced grip technology

Verdict: Wavestorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard provides a stable, entry-level platform for new surfers. It fits beginners who prioritize ease of use and durability over advanced speed or handling.

7 Best deck

WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard

Best for: Lighter riders wanting a wax-free foam board

Board Length

8ft

Slick Material

High density graphic slick bottom

Fin Setup

Fin Set Included

Board Weight

11.5 pounds

Construction

Foam

Target Audience

Adults, Youth

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard Affiliate link

This 8-foot foam surfboard features a high-density slick bottom designed for speed and rigidity. It measures 22.5 inches wide and 3.25 inches thick, weighing 11.5 pounds. The graphic top deck adds visual appeal. It includes a fin setup. This board suits adults and youth looking for a stable, wax-free option for learning or casual surfing.

Pros

• 8-foot length provides ample stability
• High-density slick bottom enhances speed
• Includes fin setup for immediate use
• Lightweight at 11.5 pounds
• Wax-free slick bottom surface

Cons

• Narrow 22.5-inch width limits stability for larger riders
• Foam construction is less durable than fiberglass
• Limited volume for heavy beginners

Good fit if

• You want a wax-free board for easy maintenance
• You are a youth or lighter adult starting out
• You prefer a graphic design on the deck

Skip if

• You need a fiberglass board for performance
• You are a heavy rider needing high volume
• You prefer a wider board for maximum stability

Verdict: Wavestorm Barbie 8ft Foam Surfboard is a stable, easy-to-maintain option for lighter riders. It fits beginners who value a wax-free surface and a fun design over high-performance rigidity.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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