When the waves lose their punch, surfing is all about adapting and choosing the right equipment. We asked some of the UK’s leading shapers and surf shops what to ride when the swell drops.
Ryan Callinan blowing the doors off on the JS Monsta.
Ben Skinner, one of the UK's most prominent longboarders and shapers.
The Northern Dawn Squad II, a summer favourite.
Looking for a new summer sled? Check out what's on offer below.
DHD SURFBOARDS
SUMMER SURFBOARD GUIDE
DHD Surfboards
downthelinesurf.co.uk • 01736 757025 • Down the Line Surf Company, Market Square Arcade, Copperhouse, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4EA • @downthelinesurf
DHD Juliette
Ethan Ewing's signature high-speed, high-performance shortboard delivers smooth yet powerful rail-to-rail carves and extremely responsive technical turns in even the most critical waves. A high-calibre shortboard that has claimed plenty of heat wins on the Championship Tour. Available as a squash tail in PU and Stringered EPS construction, available as a round tail in PU construction.
RRP: From £699
DHD Black Diamond
One of DHD's most popular boards, the Black Diamond is the ultimate all-rounder that can handle almost anything. Forgiving rails up front allow for easier initiation of turns, whereas refined rails through the tail allow you to dig in and really push through your turns. A single to double concave offers plenty of speed and glide, making the Black Diamond a super-versatile and user-friendly shortboard. Available in PU and stringered EPS construction.
RRP: From £689
DHD Interceptor
Darren Handley's super-versatile mid-length is designed to ensure you catch more waves than anybody else – no matter how busy the line-up gets. Extra foam provides endless paddle power, a flat rocker allows for early entry and glide, and the refined tail allows you to whip a bigger board around with ease. Available in PU and stringered EPS construction.
RRP: From £729
JS SURFBOARDS
SUMMER SURFBOARD GUIDE
JS Surfboards
downthelinesurf.co.uk • 01736 757025 • Down the Line Surf Company, Market Square Arcade, Copperhouse, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4EA • @downthelinesurf
JS Black Baron
Back by popular demand, the Black Baron is JS's flagship twin-fin that combines fast and responsive performance with classic twin-fin glide and fun. The fins have been placed further back to offer even more drive, and the subtle flyer allows for a more pulled-in tail, adding more control and bite. Designed for small to average conditions, the Black Baron is perfect for summer waves lacking in power. Available in PU and HYFI 3.0 construction.
RRP: From £725
JS Monsta
The new Monsta delivers intuitive and fast surfing in everyday conditions, thanks to a few clever design tweaks that allows you to carry even more speed. It features a medium rocker, with smooth, continuous curve that features a generous sweet spot for control in big turns. Medium rails allow for a smoother ride, while the moderate single to double concave balances control with lift through the full length of the board. Available in PU construction.
RRP: From £725
JS Xero Fusion
A modern evolution of the Blak Box, the Xero Fusion is a user-friendly, high-performance model for weaker, smaller waves with a flatter face. The rails are pulled down to create the sensitivity you need in a board, with plenty of extra foam hidden throughout. The rocker is relatively flat and designed to maintain speed in flat sections, yet still have enough curve to get vertical in a tight pocket. Available in PU, HYFI 3.0 and Carbotune construction.
RRP: From £725
NORTHERN DAWN SURFBOARDS
SUMMER SURFBOARD GUIDE
Northern Dawn Surfboards
ndsurfboards.co.uk • [email protected] • 32 Chrichton Avenue, Chester le Street, Co Durham, DH3 3ND • @northerndawnsurfboards
Northern Dawn Sea Bean
(5ft 8” – 7ft)
The Sea Bean is a versatile, hybrid surfboard built for progression and pure fun. Blending effortless paddle power, smooth wave catching and responsive performance, it thrives in everything from summer slop to powerful winter surf — the perfect all-rounder for surfers chasing more waves and bigger smiles.
RRP: £569.99
Northern Dawn Mini Simmons
(5ft 4” – 6ft 4”)
The Mini Simmons blends classic planing-hull design with modern performance, delivering explosive speed, effortless glide and a loose, skatey feel underfoot. Packed with hidden volume and wave-catching power, this compact twin-fin thrives in everything from mushy summer surf to clean hollow walls.
RRP: £549.99
Northern Dawn Squad 2
(5ft 6” – 6ft 8”)
The Squad 2 takes the legendary Squad design to the next level, blending incredible wave-catching speed with a refined planing hull for smooth, controlled performance. Fast, loose and responsive off the tail, this versatile hybrid delivers effortless glide and modern shortboard feel in almost any conditions.
RRP: £559.99
JS SURFBOARDS
SUMMER SURFBOARD GUIDE
Skindog Surfboards
skindogsurfboards.co.uk • [email protected] • Unit 3 The Beehive Prow Park, Trellogan Industrial estate, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2SX • @skindog_surfboards
Skindog LKS Swallow
Developed with Lukas Skinner, the LKS Swallow is a true everyday performance shortboard with added drive and control. The swallow tail, balanced rocker and medium single concave generate easy speed, fast rail-to-rail response and dependable hold in everything from weak summer waves to solid overhead surf.
RRP: 5’10" – from £650
Skindog OVA
Designed for surfers chasing smooth flow and easy speed in everyday conditions. The fuller outline and forgiving feel make it ideal for summer surf, while the refined rails and 2+1 setup still allow responsive turning and performance progression. Available in PU or Thunderbolt.
RRP: 7'0" – from £775
Skindog Hydroplane
Built for effortless speed, drive and flow. The fuller fish outline, tuned rocker and hydroplane bottom contours generate lift and acceleration with minimal effort, while the refined twin/quad setup keeps the board lively and highly manoeuvrable in everything from weak summer surf to punchier waves. Available in PU or Thunderbolt.
RRP: 6'5" – from £695 for custom PU, or £945 for Thunderbolt Red.