Board type guide

Alternative surfboards

Explore the cutting edge of surfboard design with alternative shapes - hybrids, hulls, and creative designs that defy categorization.

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At a glance

Quick facts

Varied dimensions | Best for: Open-minded surfers, experimental riding

Fit check

Is a alternative right for you?

Honest prompts — not a scored quiz. If several apply, this shape is worth researching.

  • Want to try something different?Break from traditional shapes
  • Enjoy experimental boards?Innovation and creativity
  • Looking for unique performance?Hybrid characteristics
  • Open to unconventional designs?Beyond standard categories

Still unsure? Take the skill assessment or run Match Me.

Shape overview

About alternative boards

Explore surfboard design beyond the thruster. This guide details how shapers use unique outlines, bottom contours, and fin configurations in boards like twin fins, mid-lengths, and single fins to achieve more glide, down-the-line speed, and distinct turning characteristics.

Alternative surfboards represent innovation and experimentation, blending design elements from multiple categories for unique performance.

Works well when

  • Innovative performance blends
  • Fun and unique rides
  • Stand out in the lineup
  • Creative expression

Trade-offs

  • Less predictable in certain conditions
  • Can be polarizing
  • Limited resale market

Local marketplace

Custom boards from local shapers

Listings on Sticks today — browse shapers in your region, then contact them directly. Strongest coverage in NZ and Australia.

Custom boards from local shapers

Hand-shaped boards from experienced shapers in your region. Open worldwide — deepest listings in NZ and Australia; growing in Brazil, Spain, and South America.

🏆 TOP RATED

5 custom boards from local shapers

Chubby
🏆 #1 RATED
Chubby
J-dub Surfboards NZ
The Lil Chubby name speaks for itself with its fat full outline, a low rocker and full rails makes it ideal for small waves and can catch a ripple with the full nose area and volume through out the board, a pretty flat rocker allows the Chubby to get around sections and glide over dead parts of a wave, would be a great addition to any quiver.
Best for:
Various conditionsBeginner, Intermediate, Rookie
Key Features:
  • Fin Setup: 5-Fin,2+1,Quad,Thruster,Twin
Contact for pricing
Clam
🏆 #2 RATED
Clam
J-dub Surfboards NZ
This model has had great feedback, its a Hybrid board right in the middle of a standard shortboard and a full fish shape, flattish deck, a low entry into a fairly flat rocker, a very slight concave into deep double concave/vee through the fin area , fast and loose with very positive drive to beat those close out sections. A small wave weapon that can be surfed in bigger waves , be careful once you get on the Clam its hard to get off it again.
Best for:
Various conditionsAdvanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Key Features:
  • Fin Setup: 5-Fin,2+1,Thruster,Quad
Contact for pricing
Dirty Hipster
🏆 #3 RATED
Dirty Hipster
J-dub Surfboards NZ
A counter culture model, this board is not just for the bearded urban hipster its for all surfers who require a hybrid board that can be surfed in a good range of waves from point breaks to A framing beachies, the bump or flyer pulls in the tail for great hold and release properties, a fullish outline and wide point is forward with a wider nose for easy wave catching capabilities, 4+1 fin plugs to make a versatile more board. Can be surfed with or without a beard.
Best for:
Various conditionsBeginner, Intermediate, Rookie
Key Features:
  • Fin Setup: 5-Fin,Quad,2+1,Thruster,Twin
Contact for pricing

Browse all shapers

Catalog

Alternative boards on Sticks

Search and compare retail models in the catalog — or scroll to custom shapers above.

Search all Alternative boards
Biscuit Bonzer

Biscuit Bonzer

Channel Islands

SIMA 2017 Alternative Board of the Year The Biscuit originally began changing lineups in 2007. Revol...

0-8ftExpert4.0 ★

$600-900

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Bonzer 3D

Bonzer 3D

Channel Islands

Teaser video, more to come.Channel Islands is proud to offer an original Bonzer collaboration with M...

2-8ftExpert4.0 ★

$600-900

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T-Low

T-Low

Channel Islands

R&D on the T-Low began with Tanner Gudauskas seeking a lower rockered shortboard and has resulte...

2-8ftExpert4.0 ★

$600-900

View board

More in catalog

Hoglet

Hoglet

Channel Islands

We kept seeing custom orders for super- short versions of our popular Waterhog.  The results we...

0-4ftExpert4.0 ★

$600-900

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FishBeard

FishBeard

Channel Islands

The FishBeard is pure business in the front and all party in the back. Get forward on this user-frie...

0-8ftExpert4.0 ★

$600-900

View board
TPH Single

TPH Single

Channel Islands

Working with surfer Devon Howard once again (see CI Mid), we set out to build a better egg-style, si...

0-8ftExpert4.0 ★

$600-900

View board

Video

Learn about alternative boards

Step Up Surfboard Guide - Complete Overview1 of 3

Background

Design history

Alternative boards explore non-traditional outlines to deliver niche performance and enjoyment.

Answers

Common questions

What is a alternative surfboard?

Alternative surfboards represent innovation and experimentation, blending design elements from multiple categories for unique performance.

Who should ride a alternative?

Explore the cutting edge of surfboard design with alternative shapes - hybrids, hulls, and creative designs that defy categorization.

What waves suit a alternative best?

Varied dimensions | Best for: Open-minded surfers, experimental riding

Keep exploring

Related guides

All board typesGuide hubSearch catalogCompare boardsBrowse shapers

Ready to pick a alternative?

Search catalog boards, compare your shortlist, or contact a local shaper about your home break.

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