The egg surfboard is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to surfing, though surfers who ride them often say that they are must-have boards. Definitely one of the best surfboards out there.
It provides tons of width for stability, which is great for beginner surfers, though it also has tons of maneuverability and speed thanks to the short design, which is great for intermediate surfers!
Essentially, the egg takes the best characteristics of longboards and shortboards and combines them to create a fantastic little hybrid shredder that is great for any kind of surfer.
If you’re trying to move up in the ranks from that log-like, foam longboard, or if you just need a board that is better suited for smaller conditions more so than your shortboard, we highly recommend getting yourself an egg.
Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best egg surfboard reviews so that you can leave here today with a fresh, new ride.
Our favorite Picks
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#1 Best Overall: Catch Surf Wave Bandit EZ Rider Egg Surfboard - 7'0"
#2 Paragon Surfboards - Retro Eggs
#3 Wavestorm 7ft Classic Surfboard
#4 South Bay Board Co. Guppy 6’
What Is an Egg Surfboard?
Okay, we might be moving a bit too fast here. Some of you might still be asking,
"What in Humpty Dumpty's name is an EGG surfboard?"
Though an egg surfboard design can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, there are some things they all seem to agree on.
Here are some general specs with the egg surfboard template that you can watch out for that will assure you of an egg’s legitimacy:
Top 4 Best Egg Surfboards
Our #1 Pick - Catch Surf Wave Bandit EZ Rider Egg Surfboard - 7'0"
Catch Surf is one of the biggest manufacturers of foam surfboards out there, and their line of 80's inspired, color-blasted surfboards are some of the most fun-looking boards out there. Even though the Wave Bandit EZ Rider has been around for quite some time now, it's still one of our favorite egg surfboards.
We'd be pressed not to say that the best egg surfboard is the Catch Surf Wave Bandit EZ Rider. Its versatility makes it an incredible board for both beginners and intermediate riders alike. Even advanced riders enjoy flying around on this bad boy. You might not be able to tell with the colorful designs, but this board is one tough cookie. The double Maple wood stringers and EPS core help to add durability and strength while still retaining enough flex to make it maneuverable.
The flat rocker is great for picking up more speed in smaller conditions, working hand in hand with the HDPE slick bottom to launch your further and faster. The added squaretail on the back end is unique, as it helps to bring a bit more stability to the board too.
Pro's
Con's
#2 Paragon Surfboards - Retro Eggs
Let’s hop out of the well-rounded realm and get into the big leagues. Paragon is one of those underdog companies that you don’t hear about much, though when you see and ride one of their boards, you get absolutely geeked. What we love about their Retro Egg board is that it is made for high-performance riding, something you never see with eggs. It comes with a 7-inch single fin, a low rocker, a pristine glass job on the top and bottom, and some interesting bottom contours that make for a one-of-a-kind ride.
When it comes to construction, Paragon didn’t skimp out on quality. The Polyurethane build is lightweight, though incredibly durable. You can take this thing out in almost any wave conditions without fear of breakage. Though it’s not pegged at beginner surfers, the 44 liters of volume give it a bit of extra stability, making waves far easier to catch.
Overall, you get smooth, unbridled turns, solid speed, and the perfect design to help you transition from a longboard if that’s what you are up to. In terms of egg surfboard performance, it’s top-notch. It’s an instant classic if we do say so!
Pro's
Con's
Unless you've been living under a moss-covered rock, you've probably heard of Wavestorm. They are easily one of the biggest brands in soft-top surfing right now. While they are most popular for their 8-foot classic longboard, their 7-foot Pinline surfboard offers just as much, if not more, to love. Though it isn't technically an "egg," it does have a lot of egg-like features, such as the rounded nose and thick rails, that let us categorize it with the rest.
It’s incredibly lightweight and very easy to paddle, making it perfect for surfers who are just getting their feet wet. There is no shortage of volume, giving you the ability to paddle out and catch more waves with ease. Thanks to the shorter, more rounded shape, you get more forgiveness as well. It isn’t nearly as bulky as the longboard, which intermediate riders will love, as it makes maneuvering much easier.
Wavestorm constructs all of their boards with a strong EPS core and marine-ply stringers. This board has three stringers that run from the nose to the tail, bringing you extra durability. It even comes with a leash and a traction pad so that you can get out in the water right away! Overall, there is no question that Wavestorm is one of the best beginner boards around.
Pro's
Con's
#4 South Bay Board Co. Guppy 6’
South Bay Board Co. makes some of the coolest foam boards in the game while keeping the Southern California aesthetic alive. This 6-foot long shredder is great for the little riders out there who are looking to take a step up from their longboards. It is made with IXPE foam, an EPS closed cell foam core, and a slick HDPE bottom deck, giving you a solid mix of speed, safety, and durability. The beginner-friendly shape stays afloat with ease, perfect for kids who just want to have some fun in the waves.
This board comes with everything that you need to get started as well, including a solid, tri-fin setup and a 6’ leash. The fin holes are carefully lined to prevent any water from entering, a notorious foam board flaw. They have also heat-laminated the deck of the board to prevent heat damage when your little grom decides to leave his or her board baking out in the sun. One unique feature that makes it stand out is the shave EZ carry handle that lets even the smallest of groms pick it up and take it down to the water.
Overall, it's the best egg surfboard for beginners and groms who are just getting started on their surfing journey.
Pro's
Con's
Egg Surfboard Size Chart
Your next question might be,
“What egg surfboard dimensions should I look for?”
While there are no definitive answers when it comes to sizing, there are a few averages that you might want to consider. Here is a small egg surfboard sizing chart to start you off on the right track.
Surfer Weight | Advanced | Intermediate | Beginner |
100-140lbs | <6’6” | 6’6”-6’10” | 6’10”> |
140-170lbs | <6’6” | 6’6”-6’10” | 6’10”> |
170-200lbs | 6’6”-6’10” | 6’6”-7’2” | 7’2”> |
200-230lbs | 6’10”-7’2” | 6’10”-7’2” | 7’2”> |
230lbs+ | 6’10”-7’2” | 7’2”> | 7’2”> |
FAQ
Egg vs. Fish Surfboard
When compared to fish surfboards, we usually find that egg surfboard run just a little bit bigger on average. Egg surfboards can go anywhere up to 8’5” while fish surfboards will typically only run to about 7’.
Fortunately, they are both excellent for smaller and mid-sized waves, though when it comes to skill level, we find that eggs work better for beginners and intermediate riders, while fish surfboards are better for intermediate riders and maybe advanced riders who are looking for a fun board to ride. Fish boards also work really well in small, whitewater waves, those of which eggs have a hard time handling.
One of the biggest cosmetic differences is the tail on the two boards. Egg surfboards usually have squaretails to provide extra stability while fish surfboards usually have swallowtails, providing more speed without sacrificing traction. In terms of fin setups, fish surfboards typically come with twin fins. You'll likely never find an egg surfboard with a twin fin setup, as they typically have tri-fin or single fin setups.
Overall, if you're more on the beginner side of surfing, we highly recommend getting yourself an egg surfboard. They provide far more stability thanks to the wider design, yet are still surprisingly versatile in different water conditions.
Egg Surfboard History
While the history of most surfboards seems lost in obscurity, the egg surfboard can be traced back to one man: Skip Frye. Skip Frye worked as a shaper for G&S surfboards back in 1971, a company that was easily one of the most popular surfing companies of the time in the Southern California area.
As more and more surfers began looking for shortboard alternatives that were easier to ride, yet could still catch bigger waves, it got Skip Frye thinking. He came up with what the company called: "The Egg."
This rounded, white and yellow surfboard was insanely fast and very lightweight, providing intermediate surfers a way to get out in the water and shred, even if they didn’t want to ride their shortboards. As more and more local riders began surfing these boards, the word spread. Now, there are a wide variety of companies making egg surfboards, though the legend still lives on.
If you’re interested in digging a little deeper into the history of egg surfboard, check out our main page.
Why Should I Add An Egg Surfboard to My Quiver?
Egg surfboards are some of the most versatile surfboards around.
If you are a beginner surfer, getting your balance and technique down is of the utmost importance. If you've been trying to get your feet wet on a shortboard, we urge you to stop. They don't have the needed stability for aspiring surfers to learn on. Egg surfboards provide that stability while also providing the necessary maneuverability that beginner surfers can grow with as they progress. The egg surfboard speed is also what makes it a top board contender.
For the veteran surfers out there, the egg is the best friend you never knew you had. Thanks to the egg surfboard shape, it's an awesome board to take out in the water when you just feel like cruising around longboard-style. If you are a classic surfing romantic, you'll love that glide-y feel that they provide.
What Wave Types Are Eggs Best Suited For?
Egg surfboards thrive in surf that is anywhere from knee-high to head-high. If you try and surf in mush, you are most likely going to have a difficult time. For that pesky whitewater, we highly recommend either longboards or grovelers. If you go out trying to surf some massive walls, you’ll notice that the rocker on your egg won’t be very forgiving.
The egg surfboard is really the best board for those clean, rolling, summer-style waves. It’s a board meant for fun more than anything.
How Many Fins Should I Use With My Egg Surfboard?
There isn’t really a golden rule when it comes to finding the proper fin setup. It’s completely dependent on your style and the “feel” that you are going for. While many egg surfboards come with tri-fin setups, we would highly suggest a 2+1 over a thruster setup. 2+1 setups are a bit more versatile and give you a nice balance and smooth ride that is similar to what you would feel on a longboard. Thruster fins are made to dig into the wave and pump, something you likely won’t be doing with your egg surfboard. Of course, if you’re more of an advanced rider who is seeking the feel of a shortboard with that added stability, a thruster might be a good choice.
For those who want to add a bit more speed to their ride, we suggest a quad setup. Unfortunately, not all egg surfboard will allow for a quad setup, so you’ll need to find one with extra fin boxes.
Final Thoughts - Which One Should I Buy?
Egg surfboards are one of the best types of surfboards for those who want to glide around in the waves and have a bit of fun. If you’re not too big into high-performance design or competition riding, these are awesome. They have a solid mix of maneuverability and stability, great for beginner to intermediate riders.
Overall, if we had to pick our favorite, we would have to go with the Catch Surf Wave Bandit EZ Rider Egg Surfboard - 7'0". It’s a very well-rounded egg surfboard made by one of the most reputable soft-top surfboard manufacturers in the game.
We hope that our article has inspired you to go out and get yourself your own egg to ride! As they have continued to grow and evolve from their original design back into 1971, we can say with confidence that they won’t be disappearing from the surf game anytime soon.
Our #1 Pick - WAVE BANDIT EZ RIDER
Our Rating
