A solid workhorse of a softboard – still going strong after 6 + years!
G Boards Surfboards Original 9’0″
Reviewed by: Kieren (experienced surfing experience over 11 years)
Dimensions: 9’0 x 23 3/4″ x 3 1/8″ (89L)
Fins::Soft fins (Thruster tri fin)
What we like: Surfs even the smallest waves, durability (despite the current state of the board – after heavy use of 6+ years)
What we don’t: Limited to manoeuvrability
Rating: 8/10
What does G Boards say?
“The Gboard Original is built to last, that’s why its used by over 80% of Surf Schools across Australia.
The foam we use in this construction is closed cell foam. Therefore, if the board is punctured or damaged on rocks etc. the foam won’t allow any water to be absorbed. With super durable slick bottom and reinforced rubber nose and tail guards.
The Gboard Originals were designed specifically for Surf Schools to withstand the daily use under some of the most extreme (and fun) conditions that the Australian beaches can throw at them.”
Key Features
- Thick rails
- Very little rocker allowing for this surfboard to make catching waves incredibly easy
What do you like about it?
The best part about the surfboard is that it will catch any small wave that most surfboards can’t with ease. The durability of G Boards Surfboards are one of the best in terms of soft top surfboard companies in my opinion and it will never break.
The board has definitely been used lots. So I bought the board in 2015 second hand from a guy in Anglesea, who had bought it brand new for his kid and owned it for roughly 2 years prior so all up it is about 6 years old.
The bubbling on the deck only occurred February last summer and has progressively worsened over the course of the year. For a surfboard to last this long and still able to take into the water without it getting water logged is very good. I personally believe it still rides the same and the damage is purely cosmetic.
What don’t you like about it?
The surfboard is very limited to manoeuvrability on the waves which is not ideal for a surfer who is looking to progress their longboarding skills (Get Foamie note: this is a common complaint of learner orientated soft longboards as also noted in the MF Beastie longboard review).
Experience in the Surf
I have ridden the G-Board on predominantly smaller wave days as it is better suited. I have used the G-Board over reef breaks and various beach breaks in Victoria, Australia (Lorne Point, Point impossible-Torquay, Fairhaven beach, Point Roadknight-Anglesea and Point Leo). The surfboard in the water paddles very easily which is suited for a beginner who may not be as strong and confident in the water. The G-Board has been tested on shallow, steep waves and very mellow slow waves and handles both very well.
What kind of waves is the board suited to?
Due to the long length and thickness of the surfboard, it is best suited for waves that range from 1-3ft sized waves with a mellow wave face. The reason being you can not duck dive under bigger waves as the surfboard is to buoyant, alternatively making it difficult to paddle out the back.
What kind of surfer is this board best for?
This board is ultimately designed for the beginner surfer who is trying for the first time, as this board can catch smaller waves which is beginner friendly. This board can be ridden by an intermediate and experienced surfer on small wave days where a shortboard cannot be used.
Does it compare to any other boards (soft tops or regular) that you have ridden?
This surfboard is in my opinion the best softboard on the market due to its durability, reliability and convenience to ride in a range of waves. It can not be however be compared to any fibreglass surfboards.
G Boards Surfboards have a number of models in their lineup and are available direct from their website here (Australia only).