0 Introduction – Funboards vs. Mini-Mal Surf Boards
A funboard (also known as a fish surfboard, mini-mal, midget, super fish, mini, or sub-mal) is a surfboard in the mini-mal / midget / fish category of surfboard sizes and shapes.
Formally, in North America, the traditional dimensions for a funboard are around 6'6" long, 18" wide, with approximately 2" thick in the centre.
The hand-shape is typically a pointy extra wide swallow. Soft, flexible 'quad' tail.
This is a big difference from the fish boards that are popular in Australia, which tend to be much wider and shorter (and hence, much thicker).
It’s probably worth checking out our main surfboards article above to get the basic background of surfboard shapes, sizes, and names.
Funboards are also quite different from the popular mini-mal (minimullet). So a mini-mal is a finless surfboard in the mini-mal / mushy / fish category of surfboard sizes and shapes.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Surfboard | Best Overall |  |
| Giantex 6' Surfboard Surfing Surf Beach Ocean Body Foamie Board | Budget Pick |  |
| Premium Surfboards | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Hybrid Surfboard
Pros:
- This board has a nice feel and is easy to paddle with
- It may take some time to get used to, but it’s better than a fiberglass board
- High quality and well-made
- It’s inexpensive and less time consuming when compared with building a custom board
- The carry handle is large and comfortable
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- It’s not as durable as a fiberglass board
- Doesn’t have as much buoyancy as a traditional surfboard
This hybrid surfboard made by South Bay Board Co. is a great choice for beginners.
This surfboard is not a foam board, nor is it a true SUP. It’s a combination of the two and is lightweight.
It’s a great everyday board for surfing places like South Bay area.
2. Premium Surfboards
(Black)
The South Bay premium surfboard is built from high-quality foam and is then heat laminated, which makes it possible for the board to be more consistent in shape and achieve greater performance on waves. Additionally, it is made with a fiberglass wrapping that is unique to this model among others, which increases the sensitivity of the board because of its flexibility.
It also has a fiberglass coating to protect the board from UV rays. The fins have been positioned inside the board so that they will be less affected by impact. And the fins have also been given a rubber tip to prevent them from scratching the surface of the board.
3. Premium Surfboards
(Black)
The South Bay premium surfboard is built from high-quality foam and is then heat laminated, which makes it possible for the board to be more consistent in shape and achieve greater performance on waves. Additionally, it is made with a fiberglass wrapping that is unique to this model among others, which increases the sensitivity of the board because of its flexibility.
It also has a fiberglass coating to protect the board from UV rays. The fins have been positioned inside the board so that they will be less affected by impact. And the fins have also been given a rubber tip to prevent them from scratching the surface of the board.
4. THURSO SURF Aero 7 ft Soft Top Surfboard Foam Surfboard Package Includes Three Fins Double Stainless Steel Swivel Leash EPS Core IXPE Deck HDPE Slick Bottom Built in Non Slip Deck Grip
Pros:
- Great quality for the price
- Made of quality materials that are more than strong enough to perform the job
- The colored graphics are also a nice perk
- It’s easier to customize the board yourself than it is to buy one already customized
Cons:
- The lack of color options
- Those added extras make this board a bit heavier than others, but it’s still reasonable for a foam board
All in all, the Thurso Surf Aero 7– Soft Top Surfboard is a great board to purchase for your child and if you want to purchase a board that your child can customize more than most the Aero 7– Soft Top Surfboard is a great one to go with.
For any skater or surfer, the Blackriver SUBSCRUBBER RUBBER SURFBOARD FINS is a great pick to go with, especially when you are looking for something a bit more affordable.
They are made with a lightweight plastic material that features a reinforced metal base. The rubber fins are also heavier than most others and this means that a slight bit of water will make them heavier than most.
5. Giantex 6' Surfboard Surfing Surf Beach Ocean Body Foamie Board
Pros:
- It is strong and durable
- The board floats well in water
- It is lightweight and easy to carry
- The board has a smooth surface
- You can remove the fins from the board
- Good beginner board with a nice price
- Easy to store and use
Beach and Ocean Water Sports-1.
If you are the type of person who likes an adventurous lifestyle, particularly when it comes to water sports, then the Giantex surfboard may be the right option for you.
This product is a foamie and is therefore very lightweight, which makes it easy for you to carry it around with you and also comfortable to travel with.
6. Wavestorm 8' Surfboard
Pros:
- The price is great for a board of this quality, especially if you're on a budget
- It's great for beginners who want to try it first without spending a lot of money
- The board is strong enough for beginners and fun for experienced surfers
- It has a graphic that makes it easy for you to pick it out of the crowd
- It's easy to carry around
- It's beautiful
- It's a great beginner board
- Best prone paddling surfboards under 200
Be sure to check the foot-pocket size. If you have to go between sizes, just choose the larger one. The board is only a little bit bigger than the size you order, but it makes a lot of difference when paddling
7. Liquid Shredder 70 FSE EPS/PE Soft Surf Board
Pros:
- Very lightweight and durable
- Flat bottom and high sides
- Complete package
- Good design
For just the right balance of soft but sturdy, this product is a good pick for you. But you might need some practice because of its special shape. That’s a bit forgiving since you can learn with it.
Along with the surfboard, the package also comes with soft paddle and leash, so these together with the surfboard will make a good complete set.
If you’re not sure if this is really soft, it does come with a board bag with extra padding, so you can try transporting it, and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
8. A ALPENFLOW 7' Soft Top Foam Surfboard 7ft Surfing Funboard Surf Boardwith 7' Surfboard Leash Surfing Fins and Traction Pad
Pros:
- The board is easy to maneuver
- Awesome beginner board with good quality and lightweight
- The grip pads on the bottom are nice as well as the fins and leash
- Good price
- Stronger than expected design and construction makes it so the board is unlikely to break
- Product dimensions are appropriately sized for a 7-foot board, not too wide
Cons:
- Doesn’t work very well in the surf and doesn’t handle very well if you’re trying to get in the beyond waist high waves
- The board is likely to tear if used as a paddle board for whitewater rafting
- The board’s kick tail is too short
This Funboard is constructed of a nylon shell with a foam core that adds rigidity. The design is well-thought-out: a large, closed cell foam pad is at the rear of the board for easy surfing, and a vee-shaped pad is curved downward to protect the surfer’s legs from the sharp edge of the rear fin. The board’s nose is wider, which makes it easier for beginners to catch waves. The narrower tail helps prevent nose-diving. Also, there is a heavy duty mesh carrying handle that makes the board more portable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best surfboard for intermediate?
If you are riding fins and have a few years of experience under your belt, you may have outgrown your beginner board. Look at the intermediate board as a bridge between your basic board and the higher vo