LIGHTNING BOLT SURFBOARDS 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Surfboards 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Lightning Bolt
Interviewee: BRIANNA MORE, BRAND MANAGER

If you were to draw a quick assessment of 2024, how would you describe the current state of the surfboard market?
2024 showed us that the surfboard market is evolving in two parallel directions—one focused on mass production and affordability, and the other on heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity. While some brands chase the lowest price, some surfers still seek connection with their boards, the ocean, and the surrounding culture. Lightning Bolt has always been about soul surfing, timeless designs, and boards that become an extension of the rider. This demand for authenticity continues to grow, and we see it shaping the market in 2025.

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?
Not at all. Surfing is not a throwaway sport; it’s an experience and a way of life. Cheap, mass-produced boards lack soul, performance, and longevity. While they may serve as a tempting entry point for newcomers, seasoned surfers quickly notice the difference. Lightning Bolt doesn’t chase trends—we create timeless icons that riders connect with. Our community values performance, artistry, and sustainability over disposable gear.

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. Have you adapt your range to offer a mixed bag of boards or do you rather specialize in one segment?
Lightning Bolt has always embodied soul surfing and timeless design, so naturally, our range focuses on flow, style, and performance. We don’t specialize in a single niche—we specialize in feeling. Whether it’s a classic single-fin shortboard, a versatile midlength, or a 9’+ log crafted for stylish noserides, our boards are designed for those who want to ride with intention.

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?
Forget the boring blue foamie—beginners deserve a board that performs and looks rad. Our Lightning Bolt entry-level models take cues from our classic heritage but with forgiving volumes, smooth rails, and easy paddling. Whether it’s a well-balanced funboard or a midlength that helps new surfers progress fast, our boards make sure that learning to surf is not just practical—but inspiring.

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?
Grovelers demonstrate that performance doesn’t have to come with struggle. We keep the soul and speed alive in this category, designing shortboards that glide over weak waves while still carving with style. Whether it’s a fast twin-keel fish for stylish lines or a versatile stubby tri-fin with just the right amount of rocker, our approach to Grovelers is straightforward: speed, flow, and fun—without sacrificing the timeless Bolt DNA.

Midlengths are everywhere as well. What are the latest developments in this design within your range?
The midlength is part of our heritage. Our shapers continually refine these designs, blending classic Bolt-inspired single fins with modern rail work and concaves for a smooth yet high-performance ride. Whether you’re looking for an effortless paddle, stylish cutbacks, or that perfect trim, our midlengths are made for speed and soul.

The longboard reach is unprecedented in surfing history, as even die-hard shortboard brands offer classic Logs. How have you positioned yourself? If you have been a long-time promoter of 9’+ boards, Do you believe in the saying, “the more the merrier”?
Longboards are at the heart of Lightning Bolt’s identity. We’ve been shaping iconic single-fin logs since the beginning, and we’re thrilled that the world is finally catching on. Our philosophy? “The more the merrier” only applies when the boards possess soul. Anyone can shape a board over 9 feet, but create one that glides with elegance, speed, and control? That’s art. And that’s what we do.

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!
The secret? Balance. Our high-performance shortboards don’t just pack extra foam for the sake of it—they’re engineered for critical turns, deep barrels, and effortless speed. By fine-tuning rocker lines, rail profiles, and bottom contours, we create boards that paddle easily but rip hard. A little extra volume never hurt, as long as it doesn’t compromise performance

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?
Sustainability in surfboards isn’t just about materials, it’s about longevity. A disposable “eco” board isn’t sustainable if it snaps in a season. That’s why we focus on quality craftsmanship and durability, ensuring that each board lasts years, not months. That said, we’re constantly exploring bio-based resins, recycled foams, and alternative wood layups to push the limits of sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Key Products:

5’10” Twin Fin Fish – Speed Meets Soul:
This retro-inspired twin-fin fish is built for speed and flow in weak or unpredictable European surf. Wide, fast, and super fun, it quickly planes over mushy sections and turns. From summer surf in the UK to clean days in Portugal or Biarritz, the 5’10” Fish is a favorite for those who want fast lines and expressive surfing.

5 10 Twin Fin Fish – Speed Meets Soul

6’8″ Bolt Classic Single Fin – Heritage Redefined:
A tribute to the iconic Bolt boards of the 70s, this 6’8″ single fin blends classic design with modern refinements. With its clean outline and refined rails, it glides effortlessly on point breaks and beachies alike. Best for intermediate to advanced surfers who value style, flow, and soul over aggressive shortboard performance. A true collector’s piece that rides beautifully. And for beginners 😊

6 8 Bolt Classic Single Fin – Heritage Redefined

7’6″ Lightning Bolt Funboard – The Easy Rider (Beginner-Friendly):
The 7’6″ Funboard is the ultimate beginner-to-intermediate board. With generous volume, soft rails, and a smooth rocker, it offers effortless paddling and wave-catching. The ideal for small to medium European beach breaks, it helps new surfers progress confidently while riding a board with soul and timeless style. It is a perfect entry point into actual surfing.

7 6 Lightning Bolt Funboard – The Easy Rider

Lightning Bolt More than a brand. It’s a lifestyle.