Town and Country Surfboards 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Surfboards 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Town & Country Surf Designs
Interviewee: Wilco Prins / President

The latest market studies show a 25% growth in worldwide participation between 2018 and 2024? Does this translate in your sales pattern?
We focus on building premium boards and a lot of our boards are custom boards. We generally sell boards to surfers who know their equipment. There is a big chance that those who persist will sooner or later naturally ride a T&C Surfboard.

Can you share the sales ratio between stock boards, custom orders, online D2C vs brick and mortar shops?
75% of our boards are custom orders and 65% of our surfboards sales are direct through either our stores or the web. Online sales represent about 15% of the sales. We work with a select number of specialist accounts, who have the right skills to sell our boards.

How can we lure back the newcomers into hardboards while softboards are their go-to choice?
We trust that great sales people will be able to direct those surfers into the right direction.

Which are the most sought after designs in 2026? (Mids, fish, grovelers, hi-perf, logs…)
High performance twins / 2+1 like the Glenn Pang Nomad is a definite winner.

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?
There is definite difference between both constructions and both constructions adapt to surfing in certain conditions and to certain shapes.

Organic grown and eco-blanks are available for mass production nowadays: what is your take on those?
Johnny Cabianca is on the forefront of working with new solution that have a lesser impact on the environment. We will definitely use the solution which has the best performance / longevity ratio.

Any tips for retailers trying to sort out their order sheets with more designs available than they can actually stock?
Our retail customers know that they can count on us to provide boards that are made according the exact custom needs of their clients.

Key Products:

The projekt by Johnny Cabianca:
Improved performance and optimal responsiveness, perfect for good surfers.
• Performance in All Conditions : Performs exceptionally well in a variety of wave conditions, from playful beach breaks to powerful reef waves.
• Rails and Rocker : Equipped with soft rails and a soft entry rocker for a smooth and forgiving ride.
• Concave Design: Designed with a double concave evolving into a single concave to increase speed and maneuverability.

The projekt by Johnny Cabianca

The Nomad by Glenn Pang:
The Nomad, a high-performance twin that combines speed, grip, and tight turns. It features a slight wing and a round tail to perform in waves from 1m to 2.0m. Glenn added a rocker to allow for later and steeper drops while maintaining drive and control in hollow sections. Think of the Nomad as the performance twin that will keep up with you through powerful sessions. We recommend ordering it 1 to 2 feet shorter and 1/8 to 1/2 inch wider than your usual shortboard.

nomad

The Mini Beast by Makani:
One of Makani’s most versatile shapes, the MINI BEAST is the ultimate all-rounder. This board can be surfed in all conditions by surfers of all levels. The volume in the center of the board and its refined rails allow it to paddle and accelerate easily while remaining constantly in contact with the wave. It performs equally well in flat waves and powerful conditions. It will be your go-to board for all seasons. Easy to paddle and easy to surf, enjoy easy, fun and responsive surfing again!