The 7 Best Balance Boards for Surfing

Surfing and skiing are a different board game. No pun intended but it is interesting that these sports challenge your physical limits just the way board games challenge your mental abilities.

However, the first time you put your feet on a surfboard or a pair skiboards, you realize there is a difference. Surfing and skiing might need just as much of mental prowess as well…

…because they are both a game of balance.

And you cannot master physical balance without flawless coordination between your mind and body.

There is no way we can harness and ride the most ruthless force of nature without impeccable control and balance. Whether it’s a high ocean wave or a huge snow mountain, it is not easy to stand still let alone maneuver your way unless your mind and body are trained to work together. Balance training can take your core strength, coordination, and proprioception to the next level

And what better way to train yourself than on an equipment that can quite accurately mimic the same movement and same environment. That’s what balance boards for surfing and skiing are designed to replicate.

Best balance boards for surfing and skiing will improve your core, your reflex, your stamina, your coordination, and body awareness.

So, let’s cut to the chase and take a look at the top five picks before we get into more details about balance training for surfers and skiers.

Best Balance Boards for Surfing and Skiing – My Top Picks

1.

4th Bee Core Balance Board

• 29.5″ x 10.5” board made of cold-pressed maple wood
• 4” roller made of high density cork that won’t scrape floor
• Anti-slip rubber surface to give you a strong grip
• Good for up to 500 lbs pro athletes
• Available in 3 different designs

Top on my list is a balance board with almost flawless rating and tones of positive reviews from users. It is one solid balance board that can last you years, which is great because it is actually quite versatile. It can be your companion from your early years training to your advanced training. No wonder it comes with Lifetime Quality Assurance. Even the anti-slip rubber on the deck won’t wear for years.

2.

Ebb and Flo Goofboard Surfing Balance Board

• 44” x 15” balance board exclusively designed for surfers
• Durable deck made of premium birch board
• Solid roller board made from non-toxic cork
• Unique design with U-blocks that replicate wave like motion
• Made in USA with top quality, sustainable material

It is one of the longest balance boards out there, which is exactly what makes it one of the best for surfers. With Flo-blocks and rail-to-rail ride, this board can replicate the motion of riding the waves. Unlike most boards, it works best when the board is placed parallel to the roller. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is new to surfing and needs some practice to get used to the feeling of riding a wave. The length makes it easier to practice cross-stepping and advanced maneuvers. That makes it a versatile board you can use for years.

3.

URBNFitBalance Board Trainer – Roller Board Trainer

• 29″×11″ deck made from pine and poplar wood combo
• Thick emry grip tape on the surface to prevent slipping
• Solid deck that can endure more than 300 lbs
• Vibration dampening roller made of PVC
• Comes with a comprehensive workout guide

It’s no surprise that URBNFit keeps popping up in almost all of my best balance board lists. It is indeed one of the most versatile balance boards out there. A solid board that can endure years of training and a roller with vibration dampening properties, what else do you need? Besides quality, I actually love the design, which is both beginner and pro friendly. The stoppers underneath the board do a decent job at keeping the board from sliding out. If you need a board that will be used by everyone, with different goals, this is a great option to explore. What’s more: It costs less than most of the top contenders here.

4.

Revolution FIT 3-in-1 Exercise Training Balance Board

• Comes complete with a roller, air cushion, rocker and exercise guide
• Durable board with comfortable and Durasoft grip on the surface
• Roller stops under the deck for better control
• A versatile product good for up to 450 lbs
• Handcrafted in USA with the finest material

I always talk about versatility as one of the main factors I focus on when choosing my top picks. And nothing is more versatile than a balance board that comes with a roller, a rocker and an air cushion. This set makes balance exercises fun for everyone. Beginners can opt for rockers and advanced users can switch between the roller and the cushion to make your workout more dynamic. The inflatable cushion doesn’t even require a pump. You can simply inflate it like a balloon.

5.

Indo Board Pro Balance Board for Surfers

• 42” x 15” board with 10.5″ Diameter Roller
• Specifically designed for surfers; endorsed by surfers
• Can be used both parallel and perpendicular to roller
• Designed for pros, endorsed for pros
• Comes with an instructional DVD

When it comes to balance boards for surfing and skiing, no list is complete without the mention of INDO BOARD. It won’t be wrong to call it the original balance board as the original one was introduced back in 1998. The ‘PRO’ variant makes it even better. Unlike the original one, it’s good for indoor as well as the outdoor surfaces. With a 42” inch board and a 10.5-inch roller, you can ride it parallel or perpendicular for cross-stepping practice. No wonder, this board is endorsed by numerous athletes including suffers, skiers, and MMA pros.  

6.

Vew-Do Surf 33 Balance Board

• 33” x 11.5″ board made from 5 ply maple
• Unique  channel and rail design perfect for surfers
• 5mm of comfortable EVA foam on the surface
• Made in USA with premium and sustainable material
• Good for more than 450 lbs

Now this one is designed by surfers for surfers. So, how is it different from other balance boards? For starters, it’s the difference of design. Neither the board nor the roller looks like any other we have on our list. This channel and rail design is one of a kind. The board mimics the design of an actual surfboard while the roller with a taper works together with the i-beam under the board to allow maximum maneuverability. Come to think of it, that is exactly the kind of training skiers and snowboarders can benefit from.

7.

Revolution Core 32 Advanced Balance Board

• 32″ x 8.5″ durable balance board made for pro athletes
• A groove-free board allows for advanced tricks
• A perfect board to try ollies, kickflips and 360 flips,
• Good for more than 300 pounds

Last but not the least, Revolution Core 32 is a balance board for professional snowboarders and surfers. With no stoppers or grooves, it challenges the most seasoned pros. The roller is designed to function without rolling out from under the board. With this board, you can try advanced tricks and maneuvers to up your game. The solid construction will make it your permanent gym partner.

Related:

• Best Balance Boards
• Best Balance Boards for Kids
• Best Balance Boards for Hockey
• Best Balance Boards for Seniors

Buyers’ Guide

Are you still wondering if investing in a balance board is a good idea or not?

Well, there may be numerous studies that prove balance board beneficial for athletes, but there are studies that specifically prove its effectiveness for surfers and skiers.

An 8-week balance training involving the use of balance boards showed a significant improvement in the performance of alpine skiers. The program resulted in decreased asymmetry and better dynamic stability in young skiers.

Similarly, a land based conditioning involving balance boards had positive outcomes on the overall performance of surfers in UK.

So, if you are into either of these sports, the chances are you already do include balance training to your workout. Balance boards are most likely to enhance the outcome of your training. They’d make a wonderful addition to your fitness regime.

Now, putting all that scientific evidence aside, let’s talk about how exactly these boards can enhance your performance as a surfer or a skier.

Why Balance Boards Are So Good for Skiers and Surfers?

I’ve already covered the important of balance boards for other athletes like hockey players. While the benefits more or less remain the same, I’d like to add one of the most important reasons these boards are so good for skiers or surfers: they are boards.

That is exactly what you would be riding as a surfer or a skier. So, basically it will serve as a simulator for skiers or surfers in training. Keeping yourself steady on a balance board is exactly like keeping yourself steady on a skiboard or surfboard.

It makes sense to train on an equipment that can challenge you to use your mind and body in the same way as the sport you want to train for. From your legs and core muscles to your posture and proprioception, balance board training will enhance everything you need to become a better athlete.

That is what functional training is all about. Balance board training can not only strengthen your muscles, it can make them more agile and efficient.

Now, let take a look at other benefits surfers and skiers can get from balance board training.

Core Muscle Strength and Posture

A balance board will engage your core muscle from the moment you step on it. Even the simple standing stance required you to use your core muscle and that is why it is much better than any other core workout. It doesn’t just strengthen your core muscles, it makes them more functional. That will help you even more in your advanced training when you will try more moves and tricks.

And with stronger core, comes better posture. That is something of an immense importance for surfers and skiers.

Agility for Advanced Movement

Do you know your core strength is extremely important for agility and speed? Core is what connects your lower body and upper body. Most tricks in surfing and skiing involve a quick shift of movement from lower to upper body and vice versa. Even the basic change of direction needs to be super quick.

That is impossible without a powerful set of core muscles…and as I said earlier, balance boards can train your core to be strong as well as function.

Coordination and Muscle Memory

If you have ever stepped on a balance board, you know you constantly need to shift your weight from one side to another in order to keep it steady. Do you ever notice how your body does it without too much conscious effort? That is because your mind and body are coordinating on such as swift pace that it is hardly noticeable. That is how you train your mind and body to work together.

What’s more interesting is that after a while, the mind-muscle connection becomes so strong, so swift that coordination becomes effortless.

Lower Risk of Injury

Would you rather fall on your carpet or roll down a snow mountain?

Adventure sports like surfing and skiing can result in serious injuries. Loss of balance is one of the leading cause of these injuries. When you train on a balance board, you train your mind and body to prevent such scenarios by maintaining the balance even in an impossible situation.

That’s not all. Balance training makes your muscles stronger and more flexible, and in turn, reduces the risk of torn tendons or muscles sprain.  

What to Look for In Balance Board for Surfing and Skiing?

Now that you know you need a balance board, let’s find out what to look for in a balance board you need. The following list will help you find a board that fits your balance training criteria.

Material

I keep material on the top because it is important for not one but two reasons: durability and comfort.

While generally it seems like hardwood would be the most heavy-duty option, a few composite plastic boards have proven to be equally durable. So, it boils down to the quality of the material used. Some hardwood boards don’t have enough ply nor do they have proper coating to protect them from environmental damage. Also, you should see if the material used is sustainably sourced or not. I personally prefer when the roller is made of sustainable material such as cork.

As for comfort, do take into account the kind of coating the board has on the surface. The board should be comfortable and safe to use. Hardwood itself isn’t the most comfortable material but all the good boards have a layer of anti-slip foam.

Size

Usually I talk about size because of safety. Bigger boards are safer to use. For surfers or skiers, however, I usually recommend boards that are closest to their surfboards and ski boards. That is why larger boards are better. Besides, you get enough room to practice cross stepping, ollies, backflips, and other advanced moves.

However, if your board is made of cheap material, a large one is more likely to bend. That is what takes us to the next point.

Weight

You might think that a board that is good for up to 200 lbs is good for you because you weigh less than that. Unfortunately, that is not the case when you need board to train for skiing and surfing. You won’t be just standing still on the board. Some of the balance workouts involve jumping on the board to practice landing tricks. You might even use the board while holding your dumbells.

So, you need a board that is good for at least 300 lbs and can endure even more without bending or breaking.

Type

As you can see most of the products on my list are rocker roller boards. I have nothing against other types of boards such as wobble boards but for surfers or skiers, it makes sense to choose a board that is closer to the one they are going to use for their game.

Indo Board, for instance, looks like a surfboard and that is why it is actually endorsed by surfers all across the world. I usually do not recommend wobble boards or rocker boards because they may not be challenging enough for athletes.

That said, even for roller boards, more preferable choice is one that can be used both parallel and perpendicular to the roller.

I hope that covers everything you needed to know about finding the right balance board for your surfing and skiing training. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, it is all about how you use it. Start from the basic standing stance and slowly incorporate balance board to all your workouts including squats and planks. You will see a significant improvement in the effectiveness of your workout.

FAQs: Balance Boards for Surfing and Skiing

Before moving on to the rest of my best picks, let’s set aside all the question you have in mind regarding balance boards and their effectiveness for skiers and surfers. After a few frequently ask questions, I will share a few tips to find a balance board that is perfect for your needs.

Can balance boards help surfers and skiers in training?

Yes, the very first thing athletes need to work on during surfing or skiing training is their balance. A balance board can play a vital role in familiarizing them to the feel of standing on a moving board. Furthermore, the training improves their reflexes, their stamina, their core, and their body awareness.

Are balance boards safe for athletes?

If you are worried about balance board safety, you probably aren’t ready for adventure sports like skiing. Trust me, using a balance board on carpet or even on a stony sidewalk is much safer, even for rookies. There is a minor risk of falling from the board because that is exactly what you are training to prevent. Otherwise, balance boards are safe as well as effective for athletes.

What kind of balance boards is best for surfers and skiers?

There are different types of balance boards out there, and I have already talked about how they are all effective in a slightly different way. However, for skiers or surfers, I always recommend rock and roller boards instead of wobble boards. Also, the more it looks like an actual surfboard, the better.

Can balance boards support a huge muscular athlete?

Well, most boards on my list here are good enough for more than 300 lbs, which is good enough for most surfers and skiers. However, some boards even can even take up to 450 lbs. Not to mention, they will work for athletes who are taller than 6 feet.

Are wooden balance boards better than other material?

While most of the premium balance boards in the market are made from hardwood, it doesn’t mean that is your only option. Some of the best balance boards I’ve seen are made for quality composite material that can surely endure the test of time and will support more than 300 lbs.

Why are balance boards for surfers so expensive?

Balance boards for pro athletes are usually made from the finest material to endure up to 400 lbs and hours of training. However, you don’t necessarily have to opt for the most expensive balance board out there. Check out the products on my best balance boards for surfing and skiing list and you will find a few affordable ones that are just as good as any expensive board.

Conclusion

So, that was it. All you needed to know about the best balance boards for surfers and skiers. For a sport that requires tremendous control over your mind and body, you need an equipment that can challenge every muscle and every nerve in your body. With proper balance board training, you will see a significant improvement in your strength, agility, and awareness. You will be able to balance yourself better on the board while maneuvering against the wildest force of nature.