Choosing the right surfboard material can make the difference between an average and an epic surf session. While all boards used to be made of wood, today a variety of high-tech materials are available. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the most important materials for your hard-top board.
Key takeaways:
- Material = Ride Feel: Each material affects flex, rebound, and feedback on the wave differently – your board “talks” to you.
- When choosing the material, you should also consider the surf conditions.
- Sustainable surfboard materials are becoming increasingly popular and performant.
- Not all materials are suitable for every skill level.
Why the material of your hard-top surfboard is so important
The material of your surfboard doesn’t just determine its weight – that’s just one of many factors that affect your board’s behavior. Here’s an overview of all factors:
- Buoyancy: How quickly you get into the lineup.
- Flex & Drive: How the board reacts in turns and how quickly it accelerates.
- Durability: How long you’ll enjoy your board before it’s “surfed to death”
- Sensitivity: How quickly dings and pressure dents occur
- Price: How costly the blank is
- Weight / Density: How buoyant your board is and how it glides over the water.
In short: The right material determines the performance and
feeling while surfing and the care outside the water.
Overview of the most important surfboard materials
When buying a board, you don’t just decide on shape or size – because with the decision to buy a board, you commit to its material for a specific combination of characteristics. Whether PU, EPS, XPS, Eco-PU, Paulownia wood, or Agave wood: each material influences the factors mentioned above, as well as the conditions in which your board surfs best.
While PU and EPS have been the standards in surfing for decades, sustainable variants made from Eco-PU, Paulownia, and Agave are setting new benchmarks in sustainability. The following materials are available for your board selection:
Polyurethane (PU) Foam - the Classic
PU foam has been since the 1960s the standard in the surfboard industry and is still valued by many surfers today. The dense material resists pressure changes, making it a reliable choice. It’s popular among surfers for its smooth and responsive feel while surfing. Typically, polyurethane blanks are
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - the Lightweight Alternative
EPS foam revolutionized the surfboard industry as a then more environmentally friendly alternative to polyurethane. With
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) - High-Performance Material
Chemically, XPS and EPS have the same basis, but XPS is the premium version of polystyrene, with closed cells. The
Eco-Foam (Eco-PU) by Polyola
Polyola has developed a more environmentally friendly alternative to classic PU with its Eco-Foam (up to 73% less CO₂ emissions). The blanks consist of around
Paulownia Wood - Sustainability Meets Tradition
Wood boards are experiencing a revival, especially among environmentally conscious surfers. While hollow surfboard construction has existed since 1929, various wood types are being experimented with today. Stefan Weckert of Kun_tiqi in Spain combined the hollow construction with Paulownia wood, which originally comes from Japan but also grows in Spain. Short transport routes reduce CO₂ emissions during production. Due to the water-repellent properties of Paulownia wood, it is excellently suited for surfboard manufacturing.
Tip: In a seven-day course, you can build your own Paulownia wood board under the guidance of Kun_tiqi in Spain.
Agave Wood
Agave wood is used as a sustainable alternative to PU and EPS blanks. The plant grows quickly, and the wood often arises as a byproduct or waste product of fiber or tequila and mezcal production. Manufacturers like Grow Blanks use this raw material to produce lightweight, dimensionally stable blanks that are very similar in weight to PU. Thanks to its
Tip: At Eco Surf Supply in Munich, you can also book a seven-day workshop to build your own board.
How Surfboard Materials Influence Your Performance
Weight and Buoyancy
Your board’s material directly influences how it behaves in the water. Lighter materials offer more buoyancy, meaning you can get by with less volume or have more buoyancy with the same volume. This makes paddling easier and the board livelier in weaker waves.
PU boards, on the other hand, have a heavier, more stable feel compared to EPS, which is advantageous in larger waves. The additional weight helps with “slicing” through the water and offers more control in critical situations. Eco-PU boards are lighter than conventional PU foam blanks. XPS offers a compromise between heavy polyurethane and lightweight epoxy. The low density of EPS is particularly helpful in weaker waves, as it doesn’t “sit” as deep in the water and the board glides better over the water.
Kun_tiqi-style boards feature a hollow construction with chambers that trap air, providing additional buoyancy. In an Instagram video, Stefan Weckert explains that his Fish board weighs approximately 4 kg.
Not every wood is suitable for surfboard construction due to its high density. However,
Here’s a table with the weights of different materials (without lamination):
|
Material
|
EPS
|
XPS
|
Eco-PU
|
PU
|
Agave Wood
|
Paulownia Wood (Hollow Construction)
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Weight (kg/m³)
|
~ 16 - 28
|
~ 32 - 48
|
~ 36 - 44*
|
~ 40 - 50
|
~ 45 - 65
|
~ 250 - 300
|
|
Weight Shortboard ~ 6'0 - 28 L, in kg
|
2,5 - 3,0
|
2,8 - 3,2
|
2,8 - 3,3
|
3,0 - 3,5
|
3,1 - 3,8
|
3,0 - 4,0
|
|
Weight Funboard ~ 7'0 – 45 L, in kg
|
3,5 - 4,5
|
4,0 - 5,0
|
4,3 - 5,8
|
4,5 - 6,0
|
4,6 - 6,3
|
4,5 - 5,5*
|
|
Weight Longboard ~ 9'0 – 70 L, in kg
|
6,0 - 7,5
|
6,5 - 8,0
|
6,8 - 8,8
|
7,0 - 9,0
|
7,1 - 9,3
|
7,0 - 9,0*
|
* The figures were estimated based on statements by the founders of Polyola and Kun_tiqi.
Flex and Responsiveness
Your board’s flexibility (flex) determines how strongly and in what way it bends under stress and then returns to its original state – in other words, how it reacts to your movements. PU boards offer a moderate flex that feels natural and gives you direct feedback from the wave. The
EPS boards are stiffer and transfer your energy more directly, which is ideal for explosive maneuvers as they are more responsive. The flexibility is quite controlled and less pronounced. XPS also has very responsive behavior, but is very stiff and has hardly any flex.
Boards made of Paulownia wood with a hollow construction offer moderate or balanced responsiveness and natural flex, but with stronger rebound. The wooden chamber gives the board a dynamic flex that it wouldn’t have if it were made of solid wood.
Agave wood boards have moderate responsiveness, similar to that of polyurethane. The flex can also be described as rather soft and natural, but with a stronger rebound.
Durability and Repairability
The choice of material also influences how susceptible a board is to pressure dents and dings, and how durable it is! No surfer wants to have to buy a new expensive board just two years after purchasing one. The material also determines how complex ding repairs are and how they need to be maintained. You can find all important information here:
Polyurethane boards have a lifespan of about one to five years, depending on how often you use your board. While the relatively soft material offers a natural feel in the water, they are comparatively
Boards made of expanded polystyrene are generally easiere to repair compared to PU boards, as epoxy resin adheres better and is more flexible than polyester resin. Lifespan of approximately three to five years. Compared to PU, it has a more uniform and harder cell structure, which
Boards made of extruded polystyrene have the longest lifespan among synthetic foams, about five to ten years. The foam is hardly susceptible to pressure dings and absorbs very little water. Thus, the flex remains constant for many years. However, it should not be exposed to extreme heat, otherwise the flex will suffer, and delamination can occur (glassing detaches from the foam core); it can also break more easily.
Eco-PU boards are a more sustainable evolution of classic PU. An additive based on cellulose (wood) creates smaller cells in the foam, thereby increasing flexibility and stability. According to the founders, Eco-blanks are arguably more durable than normal PU blanks. Therefore, at least a comparable lifespan to normal PU (approx. one to five years) can be expected. The big advantage: a significantly smaller ecological footprint, because less CO₂ is used in production and recycling of material residues.
Boards made of Paulownia wood, such as those built by Kun_tiqi, are considered extremely durable. Paulownia is lightweight, stable, and saltwater resistant. In combination with flax fibers and vacuum technology, the boards are almost completely immune to pressure dings, and the flex is maintained for many years. There are cases where Kun_tiqi boards have been in use for over ten years before breaking only under extreme conditions. Advantage: The wood is water-resistant and does not rot, remaining very durable with good lamination. The lamination is polyester-free. You can repair a ding with Solarez. If you want to maintain the natural look, either mix it with resin and wood dust or use wood filler from a hardware store, fill it, and sand it smooth.
Agave surfboards can perform similarly to foam boards, but are harder for shapers to process due to irregular fiber density. Their lifespan heavily depends on processing and sealing: if the lamination remains intact, they last for many years. However, if dings occur, Agave can quickly absorb water. But they score highly on sustainability and a special,
The mentioned properties are also influenced by the quality of manufacturing. For example, there is also polyurethane foam that is more resistant to pressure dings than other PU foam. Even though you shouldn’t expose any surfboard to high temperatures, EPS and XPS are even more heat-sensitive than PU.
Important: If water penetrates the lamination, it must completely dry out before it can be repaired. Otherwise, water will be trapped, and the core will rot from the inside. Then, sooner or later, your board will break under increased stress.
Price Differences of Materials
The cost of a surfboard depends heavily on the material used. PU boards are usually the cheapest, as they have been industrially produced for decades. EPS boards are slightly higher in price because they require more complex lamination and are usually made with epoxy resin. XPS is due to its denser structure and limited availability more expensive, and is primarily used for high-performance or custom boards.
Eco-PU blanks from manufacturers like Polyola cost slightly more than conventional PU blanks but offer a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
Paulownia and agave wood boards represent the premium class: they are handcrafted, extremely durable, and sustainable – but also significantly more expensive. Those who invest in such a board pay not only for performance but also for quality, craftsmanship, and environmental awareness.
Material Recommendations by Skill Level and Wave Conditions
There are various materials particularly suited for specific skill levels or surf conditions! Find out which ones in the following sections:
PU foam boards are still the standard among pros. They provide a pleasant drive in the water and feel quite smooth, dampened, and stable at higher speeds. Depending on the resin, they offer more pronounced flexibility (with polyester resin) or rebound (with epoxy resin). The board tends to sit calmly in the water, making it a good choice for beginners. Advanced surfers appreciate this material because its high density allows the board to “cut” through the water better, making rail-to-rail surfing easier. If the environmental impact is too great, you can opt for Eco-PU from Polyola.
Whether beach or reef break, especially in medium to powerful waves. This way, the reduced buoyancy is compensated by the strong waves and even becomes an advantage, as it sits more stably in the water.
EPS boards offer enormous buoyancy, so the surf feel is rather snappy, lively, and responsive. However, in
In small to medium-sized beach breaks and summer waves, you’ll have a lot of fun with an EPS board, as it’s easier to generate speed.
Boards made of XPS offer a compromise between PU and EPS in terms of buoyancy. Their density lies between the two materials, so they feel less lively than EPS boards but are more durable. These boards are usually too stiff for beginners. They are more for surfers who want more buoyancy but more durable boards and have advanced care knowledge.
Even though XPS is not widely used, it is particularly popular as a travel board because it doesn’t absorb water and works in a variety of conditions. Variable conditions are not an issue.
The hollow construction of Paulownia wood is extremely robust and durable. With its wooden boards and slogan “Surfriders who care,” it appeals to environmentally conscious surfers. Best fit for advanced surfers who want durable and sustainable boards. Also suitable for beginners who don’t mind if they’ve mastered their board and need a smaller or different shape. The boards sit stably in the water and provide good hold in larger waves, but are less snappy.
Optimal conditions are in medium to large waves, where the pronounced hold offers advantages. It’s not the first choice for weaker summer swells.
Grow Blanks also offers a promising, sustainable solution with its agave wood blank. The weight is similar to a PU blank, but with stronger rebound. It can be ridden by
Surfboards made from agave wood are true all-rounders and thus surfable in a variety of different conditions; the board feels most at home in punchy waves and clean conditions.
The conditions in which a board performs are determined by its shape, size, and material. A balanced combination of these factors is crucial for the perfect board.
Surfboard Materials Compared – Pros and Cons
For a better overview, the following table summarizes the previously explained pros and cons of the different materials.
|
Material
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
|---|---|---|
|
Polyurethane (PU)
|
Traditional surf feel with natural flexibility for nuanced feedback.
Proven technology
Affordable material
Easy to process (lower final price).
Cuts well through turbulence and chop.
Control at high speed
|
Heavier than modern alternatives.
Environmentally harmful in production & disposal.
Can absorb water with dings.
Shorter lifespan due to material fatigue
|
|
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
|
More environmentally friendly than PU.
Very light & high buoyancy → easier paddling & in small waves & easier to generate speed.
Recyclable & fewer toxic emissions.
Perfect for aerials & progressive surf styles.
Easier to repair with epoxy resin.
|
Somewhat stiff surf feel.
More expensive (cf. PU).
Feels more restless in chop.
Open-cell → absorbs water with dings.
|
|
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
|
Closed cell → does not absorb water.
Extremely durable & pressure resistant.
High responsiveness & precise flex.
Good power transfer from surfer to board (helpful for turns).
|
More expensive and less common (relatively new technology).
Heavier than EPS, but lighter than PU.
Risk of delamination with incorrect lamination and high temperatures.
More expensive than EPS.
Not universally available.
Harder to shape due to high density.
|
|
Eco-PU
|
Up to 73% reduced CO₂ emissions.
Consists of ~65% recycled material.
Shaping waste is recyclable.
Easy to process (similar to PU blank).
Lighter, more stable, and more flex (cf. PU).
|
Slightly more expensive than classic PU.
Naturally beige due to cellulose base, not available in pure white.
CO₂ emissions could be even lower with decentralized production (reusable waste would have to be transported to Mexico).
|
|
Paulownia Wood
|
100% natural & water-repellent.
Fast-growing natural resource.
Sustainable & locally sourced (grows in Asia, parts of Europe, and America).
Unique look & pleasant flex.
Hollow construction significantly reduces weight.
Very durable & easy to repair.
|
Few manufacturers globally so far.
Harder to process than foam → expensive manual labor and thus higher final price.
|
|
Agave Wood
|
More sustainable than conventional blanks, as it's made from a waste product.
Natural flex behavior.
Available in various weights.
Comparable weight to PU, but more stable and durable.
Visually unique.
|
Currently only available from Kenya (global delivery still possible).
More demanding to process.
Slightly more expensive than boards made from conventional materials.
Can absorb water with dings.
|
Personal preferences determine which material is suitable for whom. New materials have always had a tough time in the surf scene, which is considered open but tends to be conservative when it comes to accepting new technologies and equipment. If you have the opportunity, we recommend trying out different materials. Because descriptions of the surf feel, such as sluggish, smoothly dampened, sound very abstract and are easier to feel than to imagine. This way, you’ll find the material that suits you best and gives you the most fun in the water!
