Surfing attracts more and more fans every year, seduced by this sensational sport. To get started, choosing the right 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 advantages? Great stability, 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're just looking for a weekend of family fun or aiming to become a real rider, this versatile board will be there for you. Whether you're a budding surfer looking for thrills or an experienced surfer looking to perfect their style on small waves, the mini Malib u has everything you need!
Discover in this article the many reasons that make the mini Malibu so famous . Shape, dimensions, gliding qualities, design... We tell you everything about this board accessible to all which 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 at the Malibu surf spot north of Los Angeles, California . This intermediate board is about 2 m long. To put it simply, it's a kind of mini longboard that falls into the Mid-length surfboard category .
Its smaller dimensions compared to the original longboard make it more maneuverable , while retaining the advantages of the longboard, namely good glide and easy paddling .
The mini Malibu has a rounded shape and a significant width, generally sizes vary from 7 to 8 feet.
These characteristics, combined with its gentle rocker (curvature of the board) , give it great stability and ease of handling. This type of shape ensures smooth take-offs . All these advantages make it an ideal surfboard for beginners and rapid progress .
Who is this surfboard made 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 beginner and the experienced rider looking to perfect their technique in less powerful waves. Whatever your size , age or level , this type of accessible board will appeal to 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: lightweight and responsive, but too fragile for beginners. Expect to pay €400 or more.
Epoxy resin (PU) boards: lightweight and responsive for beginners. Expect to pay €500 or more. 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, also known as softboards, are our recommendation! Comfortable and virtually indestructible, they combine safety, maneuverability, and sensations. Expect to pay between €200 and €400 for a quality softboard.
EVA foam models , also called softboards or softops , 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 knock won't destroy your trusty softboard!
For stress-free learning and fun sessions with friends, don't hesitate to opt for a mini foam Malibu. Guaranteed gliding sensations without breaking the bank!
Fin configuration
Most mini Malibus boards 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 for the board , allowing you to tackle small and medium waves with ease. The two small side fins facilitate turns and enhance glide, while the central fin maintains the trajectory. Thanks to the 3 fins of a thruster, your board rides straight while allowing you to easily place your board on the wave.
A tried and tested recipe that has proven itself to offer stability and sensations to beginners as well as more experienced riders!
Mini Malibu Performance
The Mini Malibu is an easy-to-handle board thanks to its great stability and excellent balance . Its rounded nose makes it easy to catch waves and beginners will appreciate its intuitive paddle maneuverability .
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 ensure total control to vary the trajectories.
These qualities make the Mini Malibu a great choice for small to medium waves, ideal for improving your surfing skills. Its generous volume will allow you to float well to catch the wave, while its progressive rocker will make it easier to get through the soft sections.
But the mini Malibu also knows how to be energetic when the swell picks up power. Its reassuring stability and excellent gliding qualities ensure you can move serenely in waves up to 1.5 m - 2 m. Enough to satisfy even the most seasoned surfers and string together some 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 wide width of the Mini Malibu give it great stability. This is especially crucial for beginners, who still need to get used to the board's movement on the water.
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Ease of handling: The Mini Malibu is an easy-to-handle board. It's lightweight and easy to handle, allowing 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 suitable for small 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 especially important for long journeys.
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Design: Zeus 's Malibus minis are sleek and stylish. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
The mini Malibu by Zeus selection
At Zeus , we offer a variety of Mini Malibu models to suit your skill level and preferences. Discover our selection!
The Zeus Classic range for beginners
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The Fuego: a maneuverable 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: a 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 smooth progress.
Still unsure? Our experts are here to advise you and help you find your perfect Mini Malibu!
Conclusion
The mini Malibu, a sure value in your quiver that grows with you
You can't go wrong with the Mini Malib U! This user-friendly and accessible board is the perfect companion for your first steps into the world of surfing.
Its great stability and intuitive handling make it the perfect option for a safe introduction. Whether young or old, beginners or experienced riders, the mini Malibu will delight the whole family!
But make no mistake: beneath its friendly exterior lies a board with excellent capabilities. The Mini Malibu will accompany you well beyond your first attempts and will follow you as you progress.
Sensitive souls in search of thrills, budding athletes or simple amateurs, refine your style in complete freedom on this board, as comfortable in small rollers as in more direct 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 for growing up with a smile! A Zeus board awaits you.
FAQ
What is the difference between a mini Malibu, a funboard, a mini length and a mini longboard?
None! These are three names for a single category of board. The Mini Malibu, Funboard, and 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 this type of shape that is easy to handle and guarantees 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 boards are 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 boards are 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
