NSP Surfboards 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Surfboards 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: NSP
Interviewee: Sander Blauw - Sales & Marketing

The latest market studies show a 25% growth in worldwide participation between 2018
and 2024? Does this translate in your sales pattern?

Yes this is reflected in how NSP has expanded and continues to develop its surf range as well as
entered new markets as the category continues to grow – it’s fair to say there was a major “market
correction” and hangover after the bubble of the Covid boom years ended. As “work from home” (
orrr… work from the beach) ended, followed by a return to reality with increased costs of living
impacting sales. We’ve remained flexible and pivoted our offering to ensure we always have
something fresh for retailers to draw in the customers, including refreshed graphics, shapes as well
as construction to hit the right price.
Despite a sharp dip post covid year, we have returned to a more sustainable year on year growth

Can you share the sales ratio between stock boards, custom orders, online D2C vs brick
and mortar shops?
While NSP does not sell direct to customers, we empower our distributor to do this via their
online sales channels, but to ensure they are not competing with stores carrying the same
products (at retail or online) NSP’s distributors offer a drop ship program for their key retail
customers to order directly from the distributors warehouse, so its a healthy win / win
relationship.

Which are the most sought after designs in 2026? (Mids, fish, grovelers, hi-perf, logs…)
The mid category is doing well with a shift in some markets from logs to mids. Our new for 2026
collaboration with Richie Lovett and his Volume shapes has proven to be the right product at the
right time especially in our HDT construction delivering the perfect combination for the mid tier
surfer, hitting the sweet spot with the right mix of performance, durability and value. This Volume
filled a need our Shapers Union range which enjoyed strong sales of Laguna Bay collaboration with
Tully St John and his Sleerwalker and Speedlines as well as Carl Sharper’s Butterknife, Slot
Machine and Pro9 amongst others that have sold above expectations

In comparison, which designs tend to fall back?
I believe it’s different for each brand by market and price point, but we do see some switching from
longs to midlengths in some markets. Having said that, in newer markets with a lot of rentals and
schools, it’s dominated by longs. For us the twin fins sell very well in key markets while in other
markets its the regular hybrid and fish model remains strong

Construction wise, EPS/Epoxy+carbon is gaining momentum. Do you think the fancy tech
constructions are all smoke and mirrors, and PU boards won’t disappear shortly?
Respectfully PU will always have its place and respects are due to all the local shapers and OG’s. As
NSP was the pioneer with Cobra in perfecting molded / EpoxyEPS construction, we remain focused
on our roots sticking to EPS as best meets our principles of durability, performance and value… as
well as being arguably better for the environment.

Organic grown and eco-blanks are available for mass production nowadays: what is
your take on those?
The molded EPS boards have a far superior, consistent and stable fused EPS core than boards cut
from EPS blocks. Less wastage with very little sanding needed is simply better for the environment.
Less wastage also pleases the bean counters and keeps everyone happier

Any tips for retailers trying to sort out their order sheets with more designs available
than they can actually stock?

Build a close and trusted relationship with your distributor and negotiate in advance that if order
XYZ boards they can have access to additional warehouse stock for drop shipping – shows the
commitment of both the store as well as the distributor to support sales without over retailers
overstocking… but learn from it and use this as the base for building next season pre books,

Key Products:

Volume Range CSE & HDT
Richie Lovett is a former pro-surfer turned surfboard designer and shaper, who combines his
decades of experience with NSP’s technologies to create an exciting, new range of Volume
Shapes. The three models focus on making surfing easier, more fun, and rewarding for everyday
surfers. Originally produced in top-tier CSE construction, they’re now also available in HDT
construction giving further options for surfers looking for their perfect blend of Performance,
Durability and Affordability.

NSP Volume Hybrid – HDT – 3in1

Elements Range
Elements is the secret of NSP’s global success and continued innovation in the durable
surfboards category. Featuring a strong, lightweight EPS foam core and reinforced epoxy
laminate, these accurately molded boards provide excellent impact-resistance, long-lasting
durability, and reliable performance in a wide range of surf scenarios. Paired with proven,
progressive shapes at attractive prices, Elements is the world-wide benchmark in entry-level
surfboards.

1600x1600_Fish_Elements_Color_Deck

Protech 2 Range
NSP’s Protech 2 surfboards combine performance-driven shapes with a premium, custom-style
finish. Built with a lightweight, molded SecureCell EPS core, these epoxy surfboards deliver
durability, responsiveness, and consistent flex, making them ideal for riders seeking high-value
boards that perform in a wide range of wave conditions. NSP’s most successful retail models are
available in this much-loved construction, plus some progressive new designs.

PROTECH 2