Aipa Surfboards 2025 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Surfboards 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: AIPA
Interviewee: Nigel Gibb. Head of Sales

The good news in the surfboard market is that sales are quite evenly spread between very different designs (perf shortboards, summer boards, midlengths, longboards, beginner funboards), unlike other activities which rely on a single design. Did you adapt your range to offer a mixed bag of boards or do you rather specialize in one segment?

Aipa Surftech models embody Hawaiian surf culture’s spirit. From classic nose riders to smooth mid-lengths and unique alternative shapes featuring the emblematic Aipa stinger tail, each board carries Aipa’s legacy—combining timeless style with high performance. A master shaper and waterman, Aipa honors old-school roots while embracing modern flow, creating boards that blend tradition, grace, and exceptional ride quality.

3- In the past, beginners had go through the walk of shame, forced to aim for “fugly” looking shapes. In 2025, a novice board can be sexy as well: what do you have in stock for the newbies?

Surftech’s Aipa shapes are perfect for beginners ready to jump to intermediate level. They blend stability, performance, and timeless design, with added volume and paddle power to help catch waves confidently. Featuring the stinger tail, these boards offer extra looseness for sharper turns while handling everyday bumps—making progression both fun and seamless.

5- Midlengths are everywhere as well. Which are the latest developments in this design within your range?

Surftech’s Aipa midlength models honor his legendary designs with a classic mindset. These modern takes on legacy shapes blend timeless outlines with updated construction, preserving Aipa’s original vision while delivering the performance and durability that today’s surfers demand. Featuring the iconic Big Boy Sting, they offer exceptional control and flow for all wave conditions.

6- The longboard reach is unprecedented in surfing history, as even die-hard shortboard brands do propose classic Logs. If you are new to the category, how did you position yourself? If you have been a long-time promoter of 9’+ boards, do you think “the more the merryier

Longboards are deeply tied to tradition, defined by history as much as design. In a market dominated by classic styles, performance shapers face challenges making an impact. Aipa’s influence stands out—as a master craftsman who helped define longboarding. His boards, featuring the legendary stinger tail, blend high-performance innovation with classic Hawaiian styles, bridging generations. Surftech preserving his legacy honors longboarding’s heritage and spirit.

8- While the alternative constructions/materials towards the eco-friendly surfboard have never been so plentiful, we are far from a massive adoption (whether from manufacturers or end-users). Any solutions out there that seem viable to you?

At Surftech, we’re committed to making surfboards better for the planet. We use bio-based resins like GreenPoxy®, specially molded EPS cores, and recyclable materials to reduce our environmental impact. Our fusion HD Epoxy and fusion HD Pro Epoxy constructions add durability without extra weight, ensuring boards are tough yet lightweight. These eco-friendly, performance-driven features are featured in our Aipa models, blending sustainability with timeless design and ride quality.

Key Products:

Aipa Big Boy Sting Fusion HD epoxy

AIPA_BigBoySting_Fusion

The In The Pink is Donald Takayama’s iconic noserider, perfect for all conditions and skill levels. Blending traditional craftsmanship with innovation, Takayama’s boards are revered worldwide. For over 20 years, Surftech partnered with him to craft quality boards that honor his vision—continuing his legacy with timeless, high-performance designs.

Aipa Big Brother Sting : Tufflite

AIPA_BigBrotherSting_Tuflite

Ben Aipa’s Big Brother Sting is a high-performance longboard designed for big surfers to power through mushy waves. With extra center thickness, foiled rails, a wider front for stability, and a pulled-in tail for quick turns, it balances float and control perfectly. The iconic Aipa wing enhances precision, making every session fun—even in less-than-ideal conditions

Aipa Big Boy Sting :Full Carbon

Aipa_BoneFish_Carbon

The Bonefish is a fast, agile fish designed for shallow, punchy waves and tight pockets. Combining the classic fish shape with shortboard performance, it excels in shorebreaks, reef breaks, and barreling waves. Featuring a 5-fin tight cluster setup, the Bonefish delivers precise control and speed, making it ideal for surfers seeking a performance-driven, compact fish