Mini Malibu Surfboards: The Mini Malibu surfboard or fun-shape is a smaller more defined version of the original Longboard Malibu style surfboard. You will find the Mini mal to be around 6’5 to about 8’0.The smaller versions are often large in volume allowing for greater paddle power and have a standard longboard width that allows for an increase in stability. 90% of the time the Mini Malibu will have a tri fin set-up. The tri fin models literally mean the board has 3 fins. Sometimes they are of equal proportion others have a slightly longer middle fin. The benefits of the tri fin set-up are that the board is able to turn with more ease and have more drive through the water.Advanced technologies coupled with a progressing sport have created various types and constructions of the Mini Mal surfboard. The original fibreglass design is still seen as a favourite amongst intermediate to advance surfers. The advantages of the fibreglass design is that once damaged it can be easily repaired, however the disadvantages of the fibreglass board is that they are likely to get glass cracks and once damaged open holes may disintegrate the blank of the board; leaving you with a yellow waterlogged piece of junk. The alternate constructions include plastic CTS and tuflite technology. Plastic CTS styles often found in BIC boards are great for beginners as they can handle an absolute beating and provide piece of mind for beginners. The disadvantages of these boards are that they are slightly harder to turn and do not seem to go as fast as their fibreglass cousins. However if you are new to the sport and only want to go a few times a year then the is a perfect option.The Tuflite technology is harder then a fibreglass board and will therefore go faster and handle those little bumps. To find out more about Tuflite construction please view our construction guide. The mini mal is ideal for beginners as it has all the advantages of the Malibu but without the cumbersome length of the Longboard surfboard. Also once a beginner is comfortable with this style they can then choose if they would like to go shorter in length and try short-boarding or go even longer and try the original . More advance surfers still continue to surf these boards as they provide fun and inspiration for all ages and levels of surfing. | 
