Staff Picks: Our Favourite Surfboards of the Season!
At Welcome Boardstore, we ride what we sell—and we’re lucky to have a team that’s just as stoked on surf tech as they are on getting salty. Whether you're a seasoned charger or looking for a daily cruiser to boost your confidence, there's a few boards in our lineup that we are stoked on. Here's what our team is riding (and frothing on) as of late.
1. SharpEye 77+
If you’re after pure performance, the SharpEye 77+ is a total weapon. Designed with elite-level surfing in mind, this board is built for power, speed, and precision. A refined rocker, deep single concave, and pulled-in squash tail make it perfect for drawing tight arcs in critical sections and holding solid lines through big turns. It's the evolution of the original 77 model, with tweaks that give it even more drive off the bottom and responsiveness in the pocket.
Who it's best for:
Intermediate to advanced surfers who want a shortboard that pushes their limits in punchy beach breaks and reef setups. It’s not your cruisey summer fish—it’s a high-performance machine for surfers who like to surf hard and fast.
2. Channel Islands Better Everyday (Swallow Tail)
The Better Everyday lives up to its name—it’s the kind of board that just makes average sessions more fun. The swallow tail version adds a bit of spice to the tail release, making it extra zippy in smaller surf. With a relaxed rocker and plenty of foam under the chest, this board is made to catch heaps of waves, generate speed with ease, and still offer enough bite to lay down a turn when you want to.
Who it's best for:
Beginner to intermediate surfers who want to improve quickly, or anyone who wants a forgiving board that doesn’t feel sluggish. Great for summer slop, point breaks, and anything in between. An all time Grovler!
3. Channel Islands Goldie
The Channel Islands Goldie is all about easy speed, glide, and fun. Designed in collaboration with Devon Howard, it brings retro vibes with modern functionality. With its low rocker and forward volume, it paddles like a dream and gets into waves early. The wide nose and rounded pintail combo keep it smooth and flowy on rail, but still lively enough to crack a lip or trim through fast sections.
Who it's best for:
Ideal for intermediate surfers looking to step down from a longboard or up their wave count in smaller surf. It’s also a great choice for experienced surfers who want a reliable, stylish mid-length for everyday conditions.
4. Tolhurst Thunderbolt Mid 6 Mini
The Mid 6 Mini by Tolhurst, constructed with Thunderbolt Technology, is a modern mid-length with serious performance pedigree. Its refined rails, 2+1 fin setup, and subtle vee-to-double-concave bottom make it highly maneuverable for a mid-length, while still offering smooth glide and effortless paddle power. The Thunderbolt construction adds next-level flex and durability, giving the board a lively yet controlled feel underfoot.
Who it's best for:
Perfect for surfers of all skill levels who want a mid-length that feels more like a performance board than a log. It's especially appealing to longboarders stepping down or shortboarders looking for a versatile glide machine for smaller or less punchy conditions.
Want to try one of these boards for yourself?
Drop into the store or hit us up online—our team’s always happy to chat about matching you with the perfect shape for your local break and style. 🌊🤙
