Our Adam – head honcho over at Soul & Surf Portugal & shaper of surfboards at Mada – delves into some of the different shapes & styles of stick, and explains why you can never have too many.
Words by Adam Simpson | 5th September '24
Photography by Toby Butler
In the depths of lockdown, when the middle aisle of Lidl was the only salvation for some alternative shopping excitement, I found myself purchasing an electric planer. Mask on, hands sterilised, standing amongst the oranges, I made a decision: I was going to teach myself to shape surfboards.
This wasn’t just a random hobby—it was a continuation of my journey as a surfer. Despite knowing nothing about tools, having zero artistic talent, and being as handy as a T-Rex with a hammer, my love for surfboards and my desire to try as many shapes as possible drove me forward.
With 20 boards completed, three more in the design and shaping phase, and a collaboration between Mada and Soul & Surf in the pipeline, I’m excited to share a bit about the wonderful world of surfboards.
I’m Adam, and Mada is the label I give my surfboards. I’m the general manager here at Soul & Surf Portugal.
Here at Soul & Surf, we’re all about surfboards. I mean, we love these things so much that when I’m not pretending to be in charge at Soul & Surf Portugal, I’m trying to figure out how to shape them myself.
Now, I wouldn’t call myself a surfboard savant, but I can definitely give you the lowdown on the different types of boards out there. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s take a wild ride through surfboard land.
So many boards, so little time
Picture this: the surfboard equivalent of a hug from your grandma. Soft tops are super friendly and forgiving, perfect for newbies and those days when you just want to mess around without breaking bones. They’re like the Labradors of the surfboard world – reliable, safe, and always up for fun.
Think of funboards and minimals as the Swiss Army knives of surfing. They’re not too short, not too long, and just right for those who’ve graduated from foamies but aren’t quite ready to tackle the big leagues. They’re stable, manoeuvrable, and perfect for a variety of wave conditions. Basically, they’re the “Goldilocks” choice – just right.
For those adrenaline junkies who think surfing should be a heart-pounding, high-speed chase, shortboards are your jam. These sleek, pointy rockets are built for speed and agility. Just be careful not to go too short too soon, or you’ll find yourself sinking faster than the Titanic.
Fish boards are like the class clowns of surfboards. With their wide, thick bodies and funky swallowtails, they bring the fun to small and medium waves. They’re the board you grab when you just want to play around and feel like a kid again, minus the scraped knees.
When the waves get serious, so do the guns. These bad boys are for the daredevils who look at a towering wave and think, “Yeah, I got this.” If you’re eyeing the giants at Nazaré or Mavericks, a gun is your trusty steed.
Mini Simmons boards are the time machines of surfing. Inspired by the 1950s, these short, wide, and flat boards are all about speed and a retro vibe. Perfect for small, playful waves, they’re a blast from the past that’s still very much in style.
Egg boards are the surfboard world’s answer to the eternal question, “Can’t we all just get along?” With their smooth, oval shapes, they’re versatile, stable, and suitable for a range of conditions. They’re the peacekeepers of the lineup, offering something for everyone.
Photography by Toby Butler & Malva Lorensson
Imagine cruising effortlessly down the face of a wave, feeling like you’re part of an old surf movie. That’s the essence of longboarding. These giants, over 9 feet long, are perfect for those who appreciate a smooth, graceful ride. Plus, they’re great for showing off some classic nose-riding moves.
But longboards aren’t just one-size-fits-all. Let’s break it down a bit:
At Soul & Surf, we believe you can never have too many surfboards. Each one has its own unique vibe, ready to sync with yours. They’re not just tools; they’re pieces of art. So, whether you’re buying one off the rack or getting one custom-shaped by a real human being (highly recommended), make sure it’s a board that resonates with your soul.
Photography by Toby Butler
Without going into too much detail about what goes into making a surfboard, it's important to acknowledge that surfing, in general, is bad for the planet. We jump in our cars or catch flights halfway around the world to chase waves, we put on our toxic rubber wetsuits, and we paddle out on boards made of foam and styrene that are not only harmful to our health but also terrible for the environment.
It’s with that in mind that through Mada I want to try to be as sustainably aware as possible.
I’m currently shaping with Polyola surfboard blanks and laminating with Entropy epoxy resin who both are using methods to reduce the environmental impact of their production process without compromising the performance.
As toxic as these materials are, I prefer to work as locally as possible with suppliers and surfers. It’s worth noting that the surfboards on offer through big name brands are often made a long way a way and shipped halfway across the globe to find their way to you, the consumer.
Shop local, support your local shaper who knows your environment and maybe give Decathlon a miss, just this time!
Have a gander at @madasurfboards for some delectable board-inspo - and for upcoming news on the Mada x Soul & Surf collab.
Photography by Toby Butler
