First let me start by thanking Alex from Paragon who was a great help, when my board first arrived my board was damaged in shipment and I sent a text and with in 5 minutes he was calling to check on my concern and had a new board shipping out the next day (great customer service) the board is perfect for the small surf here in Florida I also have there 7'8 mini which also is perfect for our waves here in Florida ,great boards and great company, Thanks again Paragon

This is an AWESOME must have for ANY long boarder.

The quality of the board, and the customer service far exceeded our expectations!!!!

Can not speak highly enough about Paragon, other than to say - buy one.

After my last 9'0'' snapped, I was on the hunt for a new (or used) longboard for a few months and I couldn't be happier with my selection of the 8'0" epoxy retro noserider. Everything at my local shops were going for $700-900+ new, and the used selection was picked over given it was summer in FL. As an actual surfer looking for a real performance board for experienced riding, I never thought in a million years I'd buy a board on amazon (mind is still blown...).

I stumbled upon Paragon browsing online and hadn't surfed or seen their boards before. I usually support local surf shops in buying new boards, but this small So Cal company had a solid value proposition in its quality construction (albeit mass produced) at very affordable pricing. Not the construction or work of art as a Walden, but at sub $500 you seriously cannot find a better value for a solid, non-soft top longboard. Outside of riding this regularly myself, this is a great one trick pony board for all skill levels and attitudes (minus agro shortboarders 4life). I'm 6'4" 200 lbs (I can still move, don't you worry), but I've pushed in 4 year old groms on this thing, as well as seen my gf catching waves non-stop on it while I mind the cooler on the beach.

I say longboard here, but at 8"0" its really on the smallest end of that spectrum as most true noseriders are at least 9'0" for the length and counterbalance float needed at the tail for your all weight at the nose for more than a couple seconds. If you're good enough and the conditions are right you can still chill and cruise at the front for a long time. I might of opted for their 9'0", but all were out of stock (which seems to be a common theme), but I am happy I ended up with this one because of it's versatility. The benefit with this size is not only the obvious of storing, carrying, transporting a little easier (probably fits in most SUVs); but its got the volume to walk, dance, trim and hang 5 (getting to 10 is a little tough on this given the slightly narrower nose than a traditional noserider), but also versatile enough to walk back, stomp on the tail, and lean into some carve-y cutbacks, plus the functionality of pumping longer lines and even getting vertical with some off the lips if the conditions (and skill level) permit. Going a little shorter here is also counterbalanced by the epoxy construction, which floats a bit higher in the water than standard PU. Makes paddling a dream.

Most of my riding is on the west coast of FL now in 1-4 foot waves. I catch more waves than anyone in the lineup times 2 with this shred stick. Not the hot dog vehicle that I ride when the waves are bigger, but I've had more memorable wide-grinned long lines on this thing than any shorty or groveler could provide. Personally, I wish it was a tad wider and thinner, but that's preference speaking. I'd still buy again, and likely will. I'm planning on trying their epoxy 6'0" fish as my next alt-board addition to my quiver. Regularly changing up board lengths and riding styles these days keeps my inner-grom stoke flame alive.

As an added bonus, this thing RIPS for an impromptu post-session beach air guitar (see pic or it didn't happen). This company has some cool art on other models, but since this one came as a tabla rosa, I added a custom paint job - iconic Gerry Lopez lightning bolt and all. Have fun and Go Surfing!

Review update:

After my 3rd time trying my Retro Noserider out, I have to say that I LOVE IT. At first I didn't love it because it didn't feel like a beginner board at all. It's definitely a bit smaller than what true beginners start on. I took a lesson with it the 2nd time around, and the tides were pretty rough, so I didn't enjoy my time on my board at all. However, the 3rd time, the waves were a lot mellower, and this allowed me to really see what this board feels like. It's great.

During my 2nd time (lesson) I popped up and stood up on my first try which was super exciting. Today, I was catching wave after wave.

The board is absolutely gorgeous, and is very very light. Whenever anyone see the Noserider, they have to stop and admire it. I can't say enough good things about this board. Furthermore, the owner whom I was in contact with (Alex) was extremely helpful and made sure all my questions were answered.

If you have had a few surf lessons already or are comfortable on a foam board, I would definitely recommend this one!!

The board that I ordered was the 9 ft log. There was a slight hiccup on delivery and Alex from Paragon was super responsive and got on the horn immediately. I got my board today after the company made sure of it. I just rode it for the first time toay. For the price, I was very surprised at the quality. I am more than happy with the performance. All and all I'm thrilled about this score and I'm thrilled about the company the board and customer service I just experienced.Thanks Paragon.