Paragon Surfboards 8'0" Fiberglass Surf Board Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How alternatives compare to Paragon

Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard

The Giantex 6-foot foam surfboard is significantly shorter at 72 inches compared to the Paragon’s 8-foot length. It uses foam construction rather than epoxy fiberglass, making it much heavier at 10 pounds versus the Paragon’s listed 6 ounces. The width is narrower at 20 inches, which reduces stability but improves portability. This board is best for beginners who need a compact option for easy transport. You will sacrifice the high weight capacity and stable glide of the Paragon for a board that fits in smaller vehicles. Choose this if you prioritize carrying ease over long-board stability.

THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard

The Thurso SURF Aero 7ft soft top is shorter than the Paragon at 7 feet, but it is wider at 22.8 inches. It weighs 9.04 pounds, which is heavier than the Paragon’s 6 ounces, yet it offers a soft top surface for added safety. This model is designed for beginners seeking ease of use and durability. It lacks the fiberglass fin setup of the Paragon, relying instead on its soft top construction for stability. You should pick this board if you want a forgiving surface for learning. It trades the lightweight fiberglass feel for a more durable, forgiving ride suitable for casual surfing.

Paragon Surfboards 7'8" Fiberglass Longboard

The Paragon 7'8" fiberglass longboard is slightly shorter at 7 feet 8 inches and narrower at 21.8 inches. It maintains the fiberglass construction but reduces the width, which may affect stability compared to the original 22-inch model. This board is ideal for beginners needing stable fiberglass performance without the bulk of the 8-foot version. It supports riders under 250 pounds, similar to the original. You should choose this if you want a slightly more manageable size while keeping the hard deck feel. It gives up some width for easier handling, making it a solid step up from foam boards for transitioning surfers.

WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard

The WaveStorm 8ft soft top longboard matches the Paragon’s 8-foot length but uses foam construction instead of fiberglass. It weighs 14 pounds, making it much heavier than the Paragon’s 6 ounces. The width is 22.5 inches, slightly wider than the Paragon’s 22 inches, offering more stability. This board is best for beginners seeking stability and ease. It lacks the lightweight durability of fiberglass, which may impact performance in larger waves. You should pick this if you prioritize a forgiving, soft surface for learning. It trades the lightweight fiberglass feel for a heavier, more durable foam board that is easy to handle.

WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard

The WaveStorm 8ft classic soft top is the same 8-foot length as the Paragon but weighs 11.5 pounds, significantly heavier than the Paragon’s 6 ounces. It features a soft top construction, which provides a forgiving surface for beginners. The width is 22.5 inches, slightly wider than the Paragon’s 22 inches. This board is ideal for those seeking stability and durability over lightweight performance. You should choose this if you want a safe, forgiving ride for learning basics. It gives up the fiberglass durability and lighter weight for a more affordable, durable foam option that is easy to carry and use.

WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard

The WaveStorm 8ft Barbie signature surfboard is an 8-foot foam board weighing 11.5 pounds, much heavier than the Paragon’s 6 ounces. It is 22.5 inches wide, slightly wider than the Paragon’s 22 inches, and has a thickness of 3.25 inches. This board is designed for beginners seeking stable, easy-to-use options. It uses foam construction, which offers a forgiving surface but lacks the fiberglass durability of the Paragon. You should pick this if you prioritize ease of use and a unique design. It trades the lightweight fiberglass feel for a heavier, durable foam board that is suitable for casual surfing and learning.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Paragon Surfboards 8ft Epoxy Fiberglass Longboard

Best for: beginners and heavier riders seeking 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 8'0" fiberglass surfboard offers a stable platform for beginners, adults, and kids. It features a 22-inch width and 3-inch thickness for buoyancy. The board supports up to 250 lbs. It includes a single 8-inch fiberglass fin for tracking. The epoxy construction provides durability and a lightweight feel compared to soft tops.

Pros

• 8'0" length provides ample stability for new riders
• 22-inch width and 3-inch thickness enhance buoyancy
• Supports riders up to 250 lbs
• Includes a durable 8-inch fiberglass fin
• Epoxy fiberglass construction resists impact better than foam

Cons

• Single fin setup limits maneuverability for advanced tricks
• 22-inch width may feel wide for experienced surfers
• Return policy excludes changes of heart or used boards

Good fit if

• You are a beginner seeking a stable, easy-to-ride board
• You need a board that supports heavier riders up to 250 lbs
• You prefer the durability of fiberglass over soft-top foam

Skip if

• You prioritize high-speed maneuverability and sharp turns
• You are an advanced surfer who finds wide boards cumbersome
• You want the option to change fins frequently

Verdict: Paragon Surfboards 8'0" Fiberglass Longboard delivers the stability and durability needed for beginners and heavier riders. Its wide profile and single fin make it a reliable tool for learning, rather than a performance craft for experts.

2 Best budget

Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard

Best for: beginners needing portable small boards

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 6ft surfboard is a foam board designed for beginners, adults, and youth. It features an EPS core and a slick HDPE bottom for stiffness and speed. The board measures 72 inches by 20 inches with a 3-inch thickness. It weighs 10 pounds and includes removable fins for easy transport. This setup offers a stable platform for learning basic surfing skills in calm conditions.

Pros

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

Cons

• Short 6-foot length limits stability
• Small 20-inch width reduces buoyancy
• 3-inch thickness offers less volume than longboards

Good fit if

• You are a beginner seeking a small board
• You need a lightweight board for travel
• You prefer easy transport with removable fins

Skip if

• You need maximum stability for heavy weight
• You prefer longer boards for easier paddling
• You want a board with high volume

Verdict: Giantex 6ft Foam Surfboard is a compact option for beginners who prioritize portability. Its light weight and removable fins make it easy to carry, though the small size requires more skill to balance.

3 Also great

THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking stability and ease

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 is a 7ft soft top foam surfboard weighing 9.04 pounds. It features an EPS foam core, HDPE slick bottom, and an IXPE deck. The board includes three wood stringers for strength. Its 22.8-inch width provides stability for beginners, adults, and kids. This lightweight design helps new surfers catch waves with confidence.

Pros

• Lightweight 9.04-pound build for easy handling
• Stable 22.8-inch width for beginners
• Durable three wood stringer construction
• Soft top design adds safety

Cons

• Shorter 7ft length reduces glide
• Soft top limits high-performance maneuvers
• Narrow 22.8-inch width for advanced riding

Good fit if

• You are a beginner learning to surf
• You prefer a lightweight board for transport
• You surf in small to medium waves

Skip if

• You need a longboard for maximum stability
• You want a hard fiberglass board
• You surf in large, powerful waves

Verdict: The Thurso SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top is a stable, lightweight option for beginners. It suits those prioritizing ease of use and durability over advanced performance.

4 Best premium

Paragon Surfboards 7'8" Fiberglass Longboard

Best for: Beginners needing stable fiberglass performance

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 Paragon Surfboards 7'8" fiberglass longboard is designed for adults, kids, and beginners. It features a single fin setup with an included 8-inch fiberglass fin for stable performance. The board measures 21 3/4 inches wide and 2 7/8 inches thick, supporting up to 250 lbs. Its lightweight construction allows for easy transport and storage in a car or home, making it a practical option for stable surfing.

Pros

• 7'8" length provides stability for beginners
• Single fin setup enhances maneuverability
• Includes 8-inch fiberglass fin
• Supports up to 250 lbs weight capacity

Cons

• Shorter than the 8'0" alternative
• Lower weight capacity than larger boards
• Limited color options

Good fit if

• You want a stable fiberglass board
• You are a beginner surfer
• You need easy transport storage

Skip if

• You prefer a longer 8'0" board
• You exceed 250 lbs weight limit
• You want a soft top board

Verdict: Paragon 7'8" Fiberglass Longboard suits beginners seeking a stable, easy-to-carry fiberglass board under 250 lbs. It is a solid step up from foam boards for those ready to transition to a hard deck.

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

The WaveStorm 8ft is a soft top longboard built with an EPS core and a 3-stringer system. It weighs 14 pounds and features a slick HDPE polyethylene bottom. This design targets adults and youth seeking a stable platform. The 22.5-inch width provides extra buoyancy. It suits beginners who need forgiveness in the water.

Pros

• 14-pound weight for easy handling
• 22.5-inch width for stability
• 3-stringer system for durability
• EPS core with soft top construction

Cons

• Soft top material offers less performance than hard fiberglass
• Limited to beginner and intermediate skill levels
• No leash plug or fin box specifications listed

Good fit if

• You are a beginner learning to stand up
• You want a lightweight board for beach carry
• You prefer a wide board for stability

Skip if

• You need high-performance carving ability
• You are an advanced surfer seeking speed
• You prefer a hard fiberglass deck feel

Verdict: WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard is a stable, lightweight option for beginners. It fits those who prioritize ease of use and forgiveness over advanced surfing performance.

6 Also great

WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard

Best for: Beginners seeking stability and durability

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 8ft surfboard uses a soft foam construction with an EPS core and a three-stringer system. It features a wax-free soft top deck and an HDPE Polyethylene slick bottom. The board measures 8 feet by 22.5 inches with a volume of 86 liters. It weighs 11.5 lbs. This setup suits adults and kids of all levels who want a stable, durable entry into surfing.

Pros

• Soft foam construction with EPS core for durability
• Wax-free top deck with high-density bottom skin
• Includes removable bolt-through fins and ankle leash
• Generous 86 liters of volume for stability

Cons

• Heavier at 11.5 lbs compared to fiberglass alternatives
• Standard 3-stringer system limits performance flexibility
• Soft top material wears faster than hard surfaces

Good fit if

• You are a beginner looking for a stable board
• You want a wax-free surface for comfort
• You need a durable board for shallow water

Skip if

• You prefer lightweight fiberglass construction
• You seek high-performance racing features
• You want advanced fin customization options

Verdict: Wavestorm 8ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard fits beginners who prioritize stability and durability over weight. It offers a safe, forgiving ride for learning the basics of surfing.

7 Best deck

WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking stable, easy-to-use boards

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 Wavestorm surfboard features an 8-foot length with a 22.5-inch width and 3.25-inch height. It weighs 11.5 pounds and uses a foam construction with a high-density graphic slick bottom. The included fin setup helps with stability. It suits adults and youth looking for a stable, easy-to-use board for learning or casual ocean surfing.

Pros

• 8-foot length provides ample stability
• 22.5-inch width offers a wide platform
• Includes fin setup for immediate use
• Lightweight 11.5-pound foam construction

Cons

• Foam construction is less rigid than fiberglass
• No adjustable fin box for custom setups
• Limited performance for advanced wave riding

Good fit if

• You want a stable board for learning
• You prefer a lightweight foam board
• You need a ready-to-use fin setup

Skip if

• You require fiberglass durability
• You want to customize fin configurations
• You need high-speed performance

Verdict: Wavestorm Barbie 8ft Foam Surfboard is a stable, lightweight option for beginners and casual surfers who prioritize ease of use over advanced performance features.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• ge 8 alternatives
• durastar 8 alternatives