Surf Brands We Trust: Boards, Wetsuits and Gear Guide

Surf Brands We Trust: Boards, Wetsuits and Gear Guide

Surf brands we trust: How to choose boards, wetsuits and gear

Early autumn lines are showing and the water still has a bit of warmth. It is a great window to dial your setup before the full winter pulses arrive. If you are eyeing a new board, upgrading your wetsuit, or sorting accessories, the right brand and construction can make a real difference to how you paddle, catch waves and stay warm.

Blitz Surf Shop Gisborne with a "woody" surf wagon parked outside

At Blitz Surf Shop in Gisborne, we stock a tight range we ride and rate ourselves. This guide walks you through trusted brands we carry for boards, wetsuits and accessories, the differences between performance and value lines, and which options suit different surfers and conditions. If you have a model in mind that is not on our racks, ask us. We will try to source it and give straight-up advice for your level and budget.

The major surf brands at a glance

Across boards, suits and hardware, you will see a few names come up often. In boards, we back JS Industries, Firewire, Thunderbolt and Slater Designs for high-performance shapes and premium construction, plus Torq, NSP, Modern Surfboards, 7S and Aloha for proven value and durability. For wetsuits, O’Neill and Rip Curl cover a wide spread from entry to flagship suits. In hardware and accessories, FCS, Creatures of Leisure, Ocean & Earth and Veia deliver reliable fins, leashes, tailpads and bags.

Firewire Tomo Revo Max Twin Keel Surfboard Fins in a Revo Max surfboard held by Daniel Tomo Thomson

There are also lifestyle and apparel mainstays such as Billabong and Quiksilver that have kitted out generations of Kiwi surfers. We keep the range focused so it is easier to compare like for like in-store or online without the noise.

Surfboard construction 101: PU, EPS-epoxy and soft-tops

Understanding construction helps you choose the right feel and lifespan.


  • PU (polyurethane foam with polyester resin): Classic feel, predictable rail engagement and smooth flow in steeper waves. PU boards often feel settled underfoot and handle chatter well. Downsides can include a bit more weight and ding sensitivity compared with epoxy builds.

  • EPS-epoxy: Lighter, lively and typically more durable for day-to-day knocks. EPS cores laminated with epoxy resin give quick acceleration, helpful in softer or weaker swells and for surfers who like a snappier response. Some riders prefer the damped feel of PU in bigger, ledgier surf.

  • Soft-top: Foam skin with internal stringers for structure. Super forgiving, safe for family sessions and a confidence boost for first waves. Also a fun option for small, onshore afternoons when you just want waves, not drama.


If you are just starting or sharing waves with the whānau, our soft top surfboard collection is a friendly place to begin. When you are ready for fiberglass, we can talk through PU versus epoxy for your local banks and style.

Performance vs value lines: what changes as you spend more

Most trusted brands offer both performance and value tiers. The differences usually come down to materials, labour time and fine-tuning.

JS Industries 6'3 Bull Run Hyfi 3.0 Surfboard showing top, bottom and rail view

  • Boards: Performance lines from JS, Firewire and Slater Designs push advanced foils, refined rockers and premium glass schedules. Value lines from Torq, NSP, Modern and 7S focus on strong molded epoxy or robust layups with user-friendly rockers. You still get a balanced, dependable board, just without the hand-finished nuance and exotic materials.

  • Wetsuits: Entry suits use durable neoprene with standard taping or spot taping. They are lower on price, great for weekend surfers. Step-up and premium suits add stretch neoprene, full internal taping, quick-dry linings and better chest or zip systems that reduce flushes. You feel the difference on long sessions and cold offshore mornings.

Rip Curl F Bomb Fusion wetsuit

Paying more does not make you surf like the pros overnight. It usually buys lighter swing weight, sharper responsiveness, and warmth that helps you stay out longer. The best choice balances your goals, local conditions and how often you paddle out.

Which surfboard brands fit which surfers

Here is a practical way to match brand families to needs and conditions.


  • High-performance shortboards and grovellers: JS, Firewire and Slater Designs are go-tos when you want a tuned engine. If you surf often, chase rail-to-rail speed and like a quiver for different days, these lines give you dialled templates and construction options.

  • All-round shortboards and midlengths: Torq, NSP, Modern and 7S deliver confidence and value. Their molded epoxy boards are tough, paddle well and shine in everyday beachies. A midlength or funboard from these brands can reset your wave count and smooth your surfing.

  • Longboards: We stock modern and traditional longboard templates and can help you choose single, 2+1 or thruster setups for Gisborne’s banks and beyond. For a deeper dive on outlines and fin choices, see our guide to choosing a longboard.


If you are browsing online, our surfboards page lets you compare shapes and constructions quickly. Prefer to talk it through? Message us with your height, weight, break you surf and what you want to feel underfoot. We will point you to the right models and try to source specifics on request.

Wetsuit brands we trust and how to choose

O’Neill and Rip Curl have led wetsuit innovation for decades. Which is best depends on your fit, the water temp and how much you value stretch versus durability.


  • Thickness: For Aotearoa’s shoulder seasons, a 3/2 is the versatile pick. In deeper autumn and winter, a 4/3 adds warmth. If you run cold or chase dawnies, consider a wetsuit with hood for extra protection.

  • Entry systems: Chest zips reduce flushing and feel freer through the shoulders. Back zips are easier on and off and suit casual sessions.

  • Linings and tape: Premium suits add quick-dry linings and full internal taping that cut water entry and speed up drying between surfs.


Are expensive wetsuits worth it? Often, yes for frequent surfers or anyone chasing maximum warmth and flexibility. You will usually paddle easier and stay warm longer. If you are on a budget or surf shorter sessions, an entry or mid-tier mens wetsuit or womens wetsuit delivers solid performance and value. Fit is everything. If you are between sizes, we can advise on the snug-but-not-strangling sweet spot.

Accessories that quietly upgrade every session

A few essentials boost safety, comfort and board feel.


  • Leashes: Replace tired cords before winter swells. Choose a thickness and length that match your board and local power. If you want a deep dive on sizing and cuff styles, read our guide to picking a surf leash, then browse our leashes when you are ready.

  • Fins: A fin change can make a familiar board feel new. Stiffer composites add drive, while more flexible setups feel forgiving. Try different templates and materials to suit your weight and conditions. Explore our fin range for thruster, quad and 2+1 options.

  • Protection and carry: A fitted surfboard bag helps prevent pressure dings and UV damage. For beach life between surfs, check practical extras like beach bags and zinc sunscreen.


We stock the tools and consumables you need to maintain your setup at home. Always follow manufacturer instructions and seek professional repair for major damage.

How we help at Blitz

  • Real-world advice: Tell us your level, the waves you ride and what you want to improve. We will recommend a shortlist that fits your budget, not just the most expensive option.

  • Sourcing requests: After a specific size, construction or colour? If we do not have it, we will try to bring it in and update you on timing.

  • Try before you buy: If you are new to surfing or kitting out the kids, our in-store hire helps you learn what works before you commit.


Ready for a personalised pick? Message the team with your height, weight, ability and local break, and we will come back with 2 to 3 options and why they suit you.

Quick FAQ

  • What are the major surf brands? In boards, look to JS Industries, Firewire, Slater Designs, Torq, NSP, Modern, 7S and Aloha. For wetsuits, O’Neill and Rip Curl are standouts. In hardware, FCS, Creatures of Leisure, Ocean & Earth and Veia are reliable.

  • Which wetsuit brand is best? The best is the one that fits you, your budget and your climate. O’Neill and Rip Curl both offer excellent suits from entry to premium. Try to prioritise fit, thickness and lining over the logo alone.

  • What are good surf board brands? For performance, JS, Firewire and Slater Designs. For strong value and everyday surfing, Torq, NSP, Modern and 7S are great.

  • What are the big three surf brands? Traditionally in apparel and culture, Billabong, Quiksilver and Rip Curl are often cited. In hardware and boards, the mix broadens to include FCS, Creatures of Leisure, Firewire and JS.

  • Are expensive wetsuits worth it? Often for regular surfers or colder regions. You typically get more stretch, less flushing and faster drying. If you surf occasionally, a mid-range suit balances cost and comfort well.

  • What is the best surfing brand? It depends on the category and your needs. There is no single best across boards, suits and accessories. Choose trusted brands, then narrow by fit, construction and the waves you ride.

The takeaway

Autumn is perfect for fine-tuning your quiver and suit before winter hits. Pick construction that matches your conditions, choose brands with proven track records, and weigh performance features against how often you surf. If you want specific recommendations, send us a quick message with your details. We will reply with honest, level-matched picks and can try to source the exact model you have in mind.


Helpful links to start comparing:



We are here to help you get more from every session, whether you are finding your first slider or chasing the next solid easterly swell on the East Coast.

 

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