The sport of surfing has changed a lot over the years, and so have surfboards. Some are smaller than they used to be while others are wider. This is especially true for funboards, which are medium-sized boards.
This guide will explore the parts of funboards, their advantages and disadvantages, and reveal three models that will make your surfing as delightful and adrenaline-pumping as it can be.
We’ll talk about what you need to know about using fun-sized boards, as well as the skill level required and what to anticipate while doing so.
What Is a Funboard
A funboard is a board that is shorter than longboards but longer than shortboards. The only major takeaway you should get from fun-sized boards, though, is that they’re called “fun-sized” for a reason.
A funboard is a surfboard that is versatile in size, ranging from 6’6 to 8’6. With this type of board, you can do many different maneuvers and enjoy waves with varying conditions. Funboards also have a larger volume than most boards, a wider surface area, and thick rails.
This makes it simple to surf on a funboard. The most popular form for a small-sized board is the egg shape, and there’s good reason for it.
Funboards are a fantastic compromise for individuals who have mastered a longboard but aren’t quite ready to take on a full-fledged shortboard.
Overall, these surfboards have the stability of longboards combined with added performance characteristics. They’re utilized for knee-high surfing, big waves, and even barreling waves. You can’t go wrong with a good-sized board.
The Best Waves for Funboards
Funboards can be utilized in a variety of wave situations, as previously stated. If you want to go down the line and have a relaxing day in the water, lengthy rides are feasible because of the longer length and high volume.
A funboard is also capable of handling big waves that need more finesse. However, the length of the surfboard will limit what you can do and how frequently you can perform moves or tricks. It all depends on your requirements for a ride.
A funboard is a surfboard that can be used without worrying about the conditions of the waves.
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Funboard
Although there are benefits to owning and using a funboard, there limitations and downsides you should be aware of as well. Let’s explore the advantages first.
Pros of Owning a Funboard
- Quicker Progression to Shortboards – Many people who begin surfing believe that the first board they should learn to ride on is the biggest surfboard available. While this is a good approach, it may make riding a shortboard more difficult when you’re ready to go into bigger waves. When riding a lengths, you rely on higher levels of buoyancy, which detracts from your ability to master how to paddle properly into more complex waves.
- With a Funboard, You Don’t Have to Worry About Wave Reports – Most people who own longboards or shortboards check local surf reports before heading to the beach. Longboards work better in small to moderate waves, while shortboards are for moderate to large swells. But with a funboard, you don’t have to be as concerned about wave conditions because they’re versatile and can handle different types of waves.
- The Advantages of Smaller Boards – Not only can you focus on learning essential surfing techniques like paddling and balancing when you ride a longboard, but fun-sized boards offer the same advantages. Furthermore, beginners are also required to get used to catching waves and maintaining balance on shorter boards, which makes for a more well-rounded experience overall. It’s truly the best of both worlds!
Cons of Owning a funboard
- The 7-foot surfboards may be difficult to maneuver for advanced tricks that require a fast turning radius, such as frontside cutbacks, slashes, bottom turns. However, with the larger surfing boards these moves are possible but more challenging.
- A steeper learning curve for beginners – If you are just starting out, you may find it more difficult to catch waves on a fun-sized board. Learning on a longboard is easier for beginners, but if you can learn on a funboard, it will be slightly simpler to switch to a shortboard when the time comes.
- Duck diving is a way to get past waves without tiring yourself out, but it’s harder to do with large surfboards. If you can’t duck dive, you’ll have to learn the turtle roll technique instead to get under big waves. For beginners, this is yet another thing you must quickly master while learning how to surf.
Our Favorite Funboards
6’8 Casper Hybrid Surfboard by the South Bay Board Company
The SBBC 6’8 Casper Hybrid surfboard is without a doubt the best funboard available. This surfboard, which has a thruster-style nose, a swallowtail, fingerprint texture on the deck, and a bamboo fiberglassed bottom deck, combines the agility of a shortboard with the stability of a longboard.
This board comes with FCS fins and a seven-foot leash, making it the perfect package for surfers of all skill levels. The only downside is that it has a weight limit of 200 pounds.
7’0 Aero Soft Top by Thurso Surf
The 7’0 Aero Soft Top surfboard is the perfect board for the whole family. It can accommodate more weight than other boards, making it ideal for those who are planning on sharing some sessions.
This 5′ kayak is ideal for children and novices owing to its small size, which makes it easier to transport. It’s constructed from a high-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core for enhanced buoyancy and an HDPE bottom deck for additional glide on the surface of the water. Finally, the 7’0 Aero is only eight pounds in weight, making it simple to transport for kids and beginners.
8’0 Brushed Graphic Funboard by Wavestorm
Learning to surf might cost you a lot of money. Not just because it’s expensive to buy a surfboard, but also because novices are likely to bail or damage the board in the process. The 8’0 Brushed Graphic funboard, on the other hand, is more affordable than most on the market and is highly durable.
This eleven-pound board is equipped with a soft-top deck, an HDPE bottom, and a deck pad to provide you with a great ride. The materials within the board are also UV-resistant, so you can leave it out in the sun without worry.
Conclusion
Funboards have the stability and easy handling of longboards, with more maneuverability. If you want to ride a shortboard eventually, funboards are great–just keep in mind they often require more patience to learn.
Lastly, if you’re tired of the planning and effort that goes into finding good waves, this type of board is for you. With a versatile funboard, years of enjoyable surfing are ahead – no matter the conditions!
