Best Mid-Length Surfboards for Versatility and Flow

Somewhere between a shortboard and a longboard lives the sweet spot: the mid-length. And if you’re chasing a board that blends paddle power with turning freedom, this is it.

The best mid-length surfboard gives you options. It helps you catch more waves, draw smoother lines and keep things cruisy (or critical depending on the day).

Plus, they look hella cool.

At Natural Necessity, we’ve spent years surfing and stocking the best mid-length surfboards out there.

This guide breaks down what makes them special, reveals our top picks for 2025 and dishes out tips on how to choose and ride one like Torren Martyn or Steph Gilmore.

What is a Mid-Length Surfboard?

Definition and Typical Sizes

Mid-length surfboards usually sit between 6’6” and 8’0”, but that's not a hard and fast rule. Essentially, they're longer than your standard shortboard, shorter than a mal.

They’re built to bridge that gap. Paddle like a dream but still carve up the face. Perfect for surfers who want more glide and paddle power without giving up performance. Win-win, right?

Why Surfers Love Mid Lengths

Because they just work! Whether it’s your first board, your tenth or your “just one more” quiver addition… mid-lengths offer that feel-good mix of stability and freedom.

You can surf them mellow or push them hard. And they suit so many conditions, which is why you’ll find one in every modern surfer’s garage.

Ideal Wave Conditions

Point breaks, cruisy beachies, soft reefs. Waist to head-high is the sweet spot, but they’ll handle almost anything if you're keen to throw some size or chunk at it.

Keep in mind that they really shine when the waves are clean and playful. You’ll be sliding in early, flying down the line and drawing dreamy lines (we hope)!

Benefits of Mid-Length Boards

Easy Paddling

It's true what shapers say. More foam equals more fun. These boards float better and paddle faster. So you’re catching more waves and burning less energy. That means longer surfs… and more stoke. Get one and watch how 1-hour surf sessions turn into 3-hour sessions. No joke.

Smooth Turns

Mid-lengths love flowy surfing. Longer rails mean you can really lean into your turns and feel the board work. You (probably) won’t be throwing buckets, but you will be carving clean and stylish all the way to shore.

Great for All Skill Levels

Seriously. They’re ideal for beginner surfers moving past soft tops and equally loved by advanced surfers looking for something cruisy.

Mid-length surfboards suit just about anyone who wants to keep improving without battling their board. Forget anyone who calls them the "lazy person's surfboard". They fun and versatile. What's wrong with that?

Top 5 Best Mid-Length Surfboards

Tolhurst HI Mid 6 – Thunderbolt Red Surfboard

The Mid 6 is Harley Ingleby’s performance-driven take on the mid-length category. It blends shortboard-style responsiveness with the paddle power of a longer board.

Consequently, it's a favourite for surfers (like us!) looking to flow through sections while still being able to push turns hard. With Thunderbolt Red construction under the hood, it’s light, durable and tuned for flex. Perfect for high-speed trim and rail surfing in a wide range of conditions.

Key Features:

• Designed in collaboration with Harley Ingleby for maximum performance

• Thunderbolt Red tech for flex, durability and lightweight feel

• Flat rocker with a touch of lift in the nose for fast paddling and clean takeoffs

• Double concave underfoot transitions to hard-edged rails for drive and hold

• Great choice for surfers who want paddle ease without sacrificing turning ability

TJ Pro Mid Length – Volcanic IBolic Surfboard

The TJ Pro Mid is a versatile, easy-riding mid-length inspired by Taylor Jensen’s high-performance longboard. It’s fast, stable and user-friendly across all skill levels.

Whether you’re stepping down from a log or stepping up into more volume for smaller days. With refined contours and a flex-tuned build, it’s a confident all-rounder that’ll continue your stoke session after session.

Key Features:

• Based on the TJ Pro performance longboard, shaped for smooth progression

• Flat rocker with a subtle nose kick for easy paddling and steeper drops

• Double concave underfoot and hard-edged tail rails for drive and control

• Feels stable yet responsive... even at longer sizes

• 5 fin boxes allow for 2+1, quad or single fin setups (depending on conditions)

Moon Dancer – Epoxy Fish Surfboard

This is your glide machine. The Moon Dancer combines fishy responsiveness with mid-length smoothness and a lightweight epoxy construction, giving you the best of, well, three worlds.

It’s got a wide outline, paddles easy and runs fast down the line. Perfect for gutless days when you still want to have a blast. Fun, forgiving and built for flow, this board brings style to every session. And with that swallow tail and clean retro aesthetic? We’re into it.

Key Features:

• Hybrid design blending fish speed with mid-length trim

• Wide outline and extra volume for easy paddling and early entry

• Swallow tail keeps things loose but controlled through turns

• Minimalist retro style balanced with a tough double-stringer epoxy construction

• A great choice for cruisy sessions and small wave days

7S Superfish 4 PU Surfboard

If you’re chasing paddle power without letting go of performance, the Superfish 4 might be your perfect middle ground. This board’s all about drive. It'll get you into waves early, accelerate fast and hold steady through turns.

As such, it's ideal for surfers stepping beyond their first board, ready to experiment with rail work while still needing a confidence-boosting platform underfoot. Did we mention it has a funky step deck and five-fin setup? Yeah... this is one of the most adaptable mid-length surfboards in our collection.

Key Features:

• 5 fin setup for flexibility across conditions

• Fuller outline up front with parallel rails for speed and stability

• Tapered swallow tail adds release and control when you shift your weight back

• Step deck design increases volume while keeping the rails sensitive

• Smooth single-to-double concave for flow and predictability

Falcon PU Surfboard

Want progression without compromise? The Falcon has it. It’s stable, buoyant and beginner-friendly, but shaped with just enough performance DNA to keep things interesting as your surfing improves.

Think of it as your funboard with flair. Easy to paddle into waves, super forgiving underfoot and surprisingly responsive once you start pushing your turns. If you’re looking for a board that grows with you instead of holding you back, the Falcon’s got you covered.

Key Features:

• Full outline and generous volume for smooth paddling and early wave entry

• Sleek funboard shape with performance elements for future progression

• A great everyday board for fun conditions across Australia’s beachies and points

• Balanced rocker provides control on steeper takeoffs and helps maintain speed

• Designed for beginner to intermediate surfers wanting to push their surfing

How to Choose a Mid-Length Surfboard

Volume and Shape Considerations

Coming from a shortboard? Go higher in volume. You’ll want that paddle power. Dropping down from a longboard? Look for something with a wide nose and flatter rocker so the transition feels natural.

Foam under the chest helps with paddling. Thinner rails make turning easier. Choosing the right mid-length depends on your weight, ability and the kind of waves you like to surf. The best boards are the ones that match your goals, not just your wishlist. And when in doubt, hit up our team.

Fin Setups: Single vs 2+1 vs Twinny vs Thruster

Each setup has its own vibe. Singles are smooth and stylish. Great for down-the-line flow. 2+1 gives you some extra bite without losing glide. Twinnys are quick while feeling drivey underfoot.

Thrusters offer more control and sharper turns, but you lose a bit of that classic mid-length feel. Some boards allow you to swap between setups depending on the day. That kind of versatility is what makes mid-length surfboards such a fun and functional category.

Materials and Construction

Epoxy is light and durable. Great if you travel or want something that lasts. PU is heavier but has a traditional flex that feels amazing in clean surf.

Premium tech like Thunderbolt or Volcanic adds strength and performance. Worth the investment if you’re keen to level up. Across the board, we stock quality construction only. Nothing that’ll fall apart halfway through a good season.

Tips for Riding Mid-Length Boards

Positioning and Paddling

Sit just behind the midpoint and paddle with purpose. These boards are great at catching waves, but you’ve still got to find the sweet spot. Eyes on the wave, paddle early and commit.

The extra volume means you’ll get in early… just don’t hesitate. Remember that flatter rockers don't often handle steep drops. Again, this means you'll want to paddle hard when the waves are jacking up quickly.

Turning Techniques

Mid-lengths like rail work. So take your time, lean in and feel the board move. You don’t need to stomp or muscle them around. Surf with the board, not against it (too woo-woo?). Subtle weight shifts will get you where you need to go. With a little finesse, mid-length surfing becomes about style... not just survival.

FAQs

Can Beginners Use a Mid-Length?

For sure. Just pick one with enough volume and a stable shape. They’re easier to paddle than shortboards and more manoeuvrable than longboards. Perfect for effortless progression.

Is a Mid-Length Good for Small Waves?

Yep. They glide. They float well. They catch swell bumps early. They're not wave catchers or water gliders like 9-foot-plus logs, mind you. But the right mid-lengths can be fun in everything from knee-high peelers to shoulder-high runners.

Is a Mid-Length Good for Big Waves?

Depends. They’re not step-ups, but in clean, overhead surf with open faces (especially mellow point breaks) they work a treat. Avoid hollow or heavy slabs unless you’re confident and the board is suited to the task. A little bit of nose rocker goes a long way in this situation.

Is a Mid-Length Hard to Surf?

Not at all. They’re super approachable. Just don’t try to surf it like a shortboard. Mid-lengths reward flow, trim and patience. Once you find the rhythm, it'll click and you'll be hooked.

Looking to ride something smooth, stylish and super fun? Come visit Natural Necessity Surf Shop in Gerringong NSW or check out our online store to shop mid-length boards.

Whether you want performance, glide or something in between, we’ve got the best mid-length surfboard for your skill level, wave preferences and goals. Our team will help you find the perfect board from our curated range of trusted mid-length brands in Australia.