EUROGLASS SURFBOARDS 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Surfboards 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Euroglass
Interviewee: Stephen Bell, owner

If you were to draw a quick assessment of 2024, how would you describe the current state of the surfboard market?
2024 has proven to be a challenging year for the surfboard market. We’re clearly seeing that consumers are prioritizing essential spending, and discretionary purchases—like high-end surfboards—are taking a back seat. While the passion for surfing remains strong, the buying mindset has shifted. Customers are becoming more selective, more price-conscious, and often looking for value-driven alternatives.

We see a resurgence of a trend consisting of (literally) no-name brand, with boards retailing at very aggressive prices (under 300 €). Are you concerned by this recurring phenomenon?
Yes, these ultra-affordable boards—especially brand-new models under 300 €—do disrupt the market. They create strong competition, particularly for entry-level buyers. However, we’ve adapted by expanding our second-hand board offering, known as The Cave, which continues to perform really well. It provides quality options at accessible prices, backed by our expertise and service—something no-name brands can’t replicate.

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?
We carry a full range of boards to meet the needs of every surfer—from someone buying their very first soft-top to seasoned pros looking for high-performance shortboards. Our goal is to offer something for everyone: the everyday surfer who needs a board that suits their local conditions, beginners who need confidence and ease, and advanced surfers looking to push their limits.

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?
We’ve invested in hybrid shapes using EPS cores and EVA skins, which are far more secure and forgiving for new surfers. By playing with different outlines and designs, we’re able to create boards that are safe, fun, and actually look good—so beginners can feel proud of what they’re riding.

The so-called Grovelers dominate the shortboard category (even if used in overhead surf), yet options are very unalike, from twin-keels to stubby tri-fins. What is your take within the Groveler category?
We stock a bit of everything—our range is wide and flexible. While certain models tend to perform better than others, we make sure to offer what surfers actually want. We follow demand and stay responsive to the trends that prove popular in the water.

Midlengths are everywhere as well. Which are the latest developments in this design within your range?
We’ve developed a new midlength in collaboration with Bradley called the NOMAD. It’s a 2+1 setup that suits surfers of all levels. Easy to paddle, smooth to turn—it’s simply a joy to ride. Whether you’re transitioning from a longboard or looking to add flow to your quiver, the NOMAD delivers accessibility without compromising on performance.

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 merrier”?
We’ve long believed in the beauty and accessibility of longboarding. For us, it’s not just a trend—it’s a core part of surf culture. Our longboard range has grown alongside demand, and we fully embrace the “more the merrier” mindset. Whether it’s for stylish nose-riding or easy cruising, our 9’+ boards attract both purists and curious newcomers. The Groveler infused the High-performance Shortboard, yet the extra foam has been streamlined so that High-perf shapes still bear a racey look. Please unveil your secrets! We’ve worked closely with shapers to maintain that aggressive outline and responsiveness while subtly integrating a bit more foam where it counts—under the chest and through the tail. The result is a board that paddles better, catches more waves, and still performs at a high level. It’s all about balance: keeping speed, drive, and release while adding just enough comfort.

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?
We see encouraging potential in EPS/Epoxy builds combined with recycled or bio-based materials, especially in soft-top and hybrid constructions. That said, cost and durability remain key factors slowing adoption. We believe the shift will come through better education and accessible pricing, and we’re already testing more sustainable options to push that momentum forward.

Key Products:

NOMAD by Bradley:

Nomad-610

Inferno 72 by Sharpeye:

Inferno_Inverted_Deck

Surf Ease by BELL:

BESEAMTW66-CLD 1-Bell Midtwin Surf Ease Cloudy