Surfing attracts more and more fans every year, seduced by this sensational sport. To get started, the choice of board is essential . In this quest, the mini Malibu stands out as the essential board .
This intermediate board perfectly combines accessibility , maneuverability and performance . Its assets? Great stability that is reassuring for beginners, while offering very pleasant gliding sensations. The mini Malibu is therefore the perfect solution for learning and progressing in surfing in the best conditions.
Whether you simply want to have fun with your family for a weekend or aim to become a real rider in the long term, this versatile board will accompany you. Budding surfers looking for thrills or experienced surfers wanting to perfect their style on small waves, the mini Malib u has everything to please you!
Discover in this article the many reasons that make the reputation of the mini Malibu . Shape, dimensions, gliding qualities, design… We tell you everything about this board accessible to all that could well become your best ally!
What is a Mini Malibu surfboard?
The Mini Malibu is a smaller version of the famous Malibu longboard popularized in the 60s. in California on the Malibu spot north of Los Angeles in California . This intermediate board is about 2 m long. To put it simply, it is a kind of mini longboard that falls into the category of Mid length surfboards.
Its contained dimensions compared to the original longboard make it more manageable , while retaining the advantages of the longboard, namely good glide and easy paddling .
The mini Malibu features a rounded shape and a large width, typically sizes range from 7 to 8 feet.
These characteristics, combined with its soft rocker (curvature of the board) , give it great stability and ease of handling. This type of shape ensures smooth take-offs . So many assets that make it an ideal surfboard for beginners and rapid progress .
Who is this surfboard for?
Although initially designed for beginners, the mini Malibu is a versatile board suitable for all profiles . Its generous volume and great stability make it an ideal choice for beginners wishing to progress in surfing.
Teenagers also feel perfectly at ease on this reassuring board . Its easy handling and gliding qualities also appeal to more experienced surfers looking for total control in varied conditions.
The mini Malibu will delight both the cautious novice and the seasoned rider looking to perfect their technique in less powerful waves. Whatever your size , age or level , this type of accessible board will seduce you!
If you are looking for your first board then opt for a Mini Malibu
Construction and materials: everything you need to know before you buy
The mini Malibu, like other surfboards, is available in different materials , each with advantages and disadvantages that are good to know before making your choice. We distinguish:
Polyurethane (PU) resin boards: light and responsive, but too fragile for a beginner. Expect to pay €400 and up.
Epoxy resin (PU) boards: light and responsive for a beginner. Expect to pay €500 and up. Popular brands include: Firewire , Wyve , Torq & NSP
The boards in plastic from brands like Tahe (formerly Bic): practical and robust, but often heavy, difficult to repair and less pleasant to surf. Price-wise, expect to pay at least €350.
EVA foam boards called softboards: our recommendation! Comfortable and almost indestructible, they combine safety, handling and sensations. Expect to pay €200 to €400 for a quality softboard.
EVA foam models , also called softboards or softop , are in our opinion the best compromise. Their construction is covered with a waterproof foam which makes them solid , comfortable boards and ideal for learning without injuries . Expect to pay 200 euros for an entry-level board from Zeus or Olaian, the Decathlon brand.
Unlike Bic boards, they remain light and responsive enough to have fun. And unlike fragile PU boards, a fall or a blow will not destroy your trusty softboard!
For a peaceful learning experience and fun sessions with friends, don't hesitate to opt for a foam mini Malibu. Guaranteed sliding sensations without breaking the bank!
Fin Configuration
Most Malibus minis feature a 3-fin or thruster configuration , ideal for combining stability and maneuverability. There is a central fin placed in the middle of the board, complemented on each side by 2 smaller fins at the rear of the shape.
This triangular layout provides optimal control to the board to tackle small and medium waves with confidence. The two small side fins facilitate turns and improve glide, while the central fin maintains the trajectory. Thanks to the 3 fins of a thruster, your board goes straight while allowing you to easily place your board on the wave.
A tried and tested recipe that has proven itself to provide stability and sensations to beginners and more experienced riders alike!
Mini Malibu Performance
The Mini Malibu is an easy board to handle thanks to its great stability and excellent balance . Its rounded nose makes it easy to catch waves and beginners will appreciate its intuitive maneuverability when paddling.
Once launched, you can count on a natural glide and a good cruising speed . The elongated shape of the mini Malibu reduces drag, allowing you to glide pleasantly over the wave. Its 3 fins provide total control to vary the trajectories.
These qualities make the mini Malibu a wise choice in small to medium waves, ideal for progressing in surfing. Its generous volume will allow you to float well to catch the wave, while its progressive rocker will facilitate the passage of the soft section.
But, the mini Malibu also knows how to be lively when the swell gains power. Its reassuring stability and excellent gliding qualities ensure that you can move serenely in waves up to 1.5 m - 2 m. Enough to satisfy even the most seasoned surfers and string together great maneuvers .
Why choose a mini malibu board?
Here are 5 good reasons to choose a mini Malibu board:
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Stability: The rounded shape and the large width of the mini Malibu give it great stability. This is especially crucial for beginners, who still need to get used to the movement of the board on the water.
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Ease of handling: The mini Malibu is an easy board to handle. It is light and easy to handle, which allows beginners to progress quickly.
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Versatility: The Mini Malibu is a versatile board that can be used in a variety of wave conditions. It is particularly suited to smaller waves, but can also be used in larger waves.
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Comfort: The rounded shape of the mini Malibu provides excellent sliding comfort. This is particularly important for long journeys.
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Design: Zeus Malibus Minis are sleek and stylish. They come in a variety of colors and designs.
The mini Malibu by Zeus selection
At Zeus , we offer you different models of Mini Malibu adapted to your level and your desires. Discover our selection!
The Zeus Classic range for beginners
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La Fuego: a handy mini Malibu in 7'0" (213 cm) - From €315
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La Rosa: reassuring all-terrain vehicle in 7'6" (229 cm) From €330
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The Temper: stable mini Malibu in 8'0" (244 cm) - From €345
The Zeus Dolce range - Intermediate foam softboards
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The Dolce 7'6 Mini: balanced and versatile in 7'6" (229 cm)
We also have an ultra compact 6'6 version
The Progress range - great value for money for beginners
Progress 7'0, Progress 7'6 and Progress 8'0: mini Malibus at the best price from 5'6" (168 cm) to 8'0" (244 cm), perfect for making smooth progress.
Still hesitating? Our experts are here to advise you and help you find your ideal mini malibu!
Conclusion
The mini Malibu, a safe bet in your quiver that grows with you
With the mini Malib u, you can't go wrong! This user-friendly and accessible board is the perfect companion for your first steps in the world of surfing.
Its great stability and intuitive handling make it the perfect option for a safe introduction. Young and old, beginners and experienced riders, the mini Malibu will delight the whole family!
But make no mistake: beneath its good-natured exterior lies a board with excellent capabilities. The mini Malibu will accompany you well beyond your first attempts to follow you in your progression.
Sensitive souls in search of thrills, budding athletes or simple amateurs, refine your style in complete freedom on this board, which is equally at home in small rollers as in bigger waves.
So what are you waiting for? Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Californian Malibu and adopt a mini Malibu now, the ideal board to grow up with a smile! A Zeus board awaits you.
FAQ
What is the difference between a mini Malibu, a funboard and a mini length and a mini longboard?
None! These are three names for one and the same category of boards. The mini Malibu, the funboard and the mini length all refer to versatile intermediate boards perfectly suited to beginner or intermediate surfers.
These three terms are therefore synonymous and can be used interchangeably to refer to these types of shapes that are easy to handle and guarantee good performance. No matter which name you use, you are talking about the same board with a unique positioning!
My salesman is talking to me about a fish or an egg, is it also the same thing?
No, fish and egg refer to different types of boards with different characteristics. The mini Malibu/funboard/mini length is distinguished by its elongated directional shape, great stability and versatility. Fish and egg refer to shorter, more maneuverable models designed for different surfing styles.
In summary:
Mini Malibu = Funboard = Mini Length: same versatile board for beginners and intermediates
Fish, Egg: other types of boards, for specific surfing styles
