Lib Tech Pick Up Stick

Pros:

We’ve been championing Lib Tech surfboards for years, namely due to their durable and eco-friendly construction. Aside from the fin screws, the PNW-based board builder has completely forgone traditional materials. Instead of environmentally harmful PU or epoxy, they use a non-toxic Nitrogenecell foam. Not only is this material stronger and more sustainable than the alternatives, but it’s also water repellant. Dings are rare on these durable Lib Techs, but if you do get one, you don’t need to end your session or surf trip due to a compromised, waterlogged deck. Just keep riding and fix it when the waves are flat.

Additional features add to the brand’s resilient, environmentally friendly board construction: bio-resin reinforcements, a carbon stringer, magnesium fiber, and a hexzylon fiber foam skin. We’ve been taking Libs almost exclusively on all of our surf trips for nearly six years now, and ruthless baggage handlers, hidden coral heads, and butter fingers have all failed to inflict significant damage. If you travel to surf or are particularly ruthless on your equipment, Lib’s are the way to go. Another benefit of Lib’s reputation for reliability? Resale value is through the roof.

The Pick Up Stick is one of many boards in the Lib Tech range that you’ll be stoked to add to your quiver. Sizes range from a straight-railed 6’6” fun board with a squash tail to a more heavily rockered 8’0” longboard with a rounded pin. We’ve sampled a few sizes, and the board delivers fun for every surfer, from beginner to advanced. Beginners will appreciate the Pick Up Stick as the perfect post-foamie board—it paddles well, turns intuitively, catches waves in weak surf, and hangs on bigger days, too. While the Pick Up Stick brings progression within reach, you’ll never out surf it—even after you size down to shortboards, you’ll always be happy to have a Pick Up Stick in your quiver for smaller days. That said, intermediate and up surfers will love the high-volume shape for upping wave count in sloppier or weaker surf or just drawing smooth, cruisy lines on waist to head-high peelers.

Cons: None whatsoever.

Best for: Beginners who are looking for their first post-foamie board. Anyone looking to progress from beginner to intermediate. Intermediate and up who want a cruiser for mellow waves. Traveling and not worrying about dinging your board.